Hi all,
I am looking some advice about the HK NET programme.
I have an MA in TESOL and will do a PGCE in languages in the UK this September. I would ultimately like to get into the HK NET programme but know very well that it is very competitive, so I’m trying to improve my CV in preparation for that.
I have no current intentions of sticking around in the UK to get a few years’ home experience post PGCE in order to qualify for decent international school jobs as I’m eager to get to Asia soon, so my plan was to get the PGCE to use as a springboard for other things.
My question is what should I do in order to have a good chance of getting into the HK SNET scheme?
I have been thinking of the following options for after my PGCE:
1 JET programme from Japan for say 1-2 years then applying to NET
2 Public school job in Taiwan or maybe Korea
3 A language centre in Hong Kong itself, say teaching TOEFL/IELTS. I want to stress here I have zero inclination for teaching children, so that is out, haha. I don’t mind say 12+ but no younger. I say this because I know there are lots of jobs for that age group.
4 I saw there are “DSS” schools in HK but don’t quite understand. Can I apply for them directly outside of NET? Kind of like the NET programme without the benefits? I wouldn’t mind at all if the salary was lower than NET then as I gain experience in teaching in HK I could apply for NET at a later date.
Any recommendations? Although option 3 is not teaching in secondary schools I wondered would “local” experience be more valued than experience outside of HK. Also, I wasn’t sure how JET was valued by Hong Kong schools, given that in some cases many go and do it just for a gap year before going back to their home country for a ‘real’ job.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks in advance!