Do ABCs or Bananas really face discrimination?

[jchew11219]

I'm a qualified teacher from the US. I'm an ABC and I think the lingo in these parts is I am a "NET" (native English speaking teacher). I taught for several years in New York, and have a Master's degree in Education. But the problem is I look like a local, my mother being from HK. My Cantonese isn't awesome, but I have some ability. Can I get a teaching job in Hong Kong? I'm proud to be who I am - a returning overseas Chinese, but I'm aware of the realities of being an ABC here in HK.

[jchew11219]

Oh, one more piece of vital information - no HK ID. Just a US passport with valid tourist visa. Decided to move to Hong Kong few months ago and just "go for it". Applied for ROA and still waiting, but that's another story, and another thread..

[jimbo]

You can but some parents do want their kids to be taught by a blonde blue eyed westerner.
Thankfully that discrimination is few and far between.

[imparanoic]

you may not get a roa status as you only applied so late, you may be only qualify for RTL and no stars.

plenty of chinese NET teachers in HK.

[Freetrader]

I'm confused OP. If you are "from" the US, how can you be a "returning" overseas Chinese?

[hullo]

I know a few ABC CBC working as teacher in Hk. Some teaching in international school, some public n some at language center. Do u look hard enough? Maybe ur expection in term of salary is too high?

Another point, if ur mom is from Hk, do u mean she was born in Hk? If she is, you can get the permanent hkid with 3 stars

[jchew11219]

I was born in the US, but I consider myself a returning Chinese. I guess technically I'm an American of Chinese descent now living in Hong Kong.

Hullo, my ROA application has been with Hong Kong immigration since April. My mother was born in Hong Kong, and my application for ROA has been discussed exhaustively in another thread. If I did get ROA it would make my life that much easier. Even RTL would be welcomed.

[WMDS]

I noticed that HK judge people a lot especially on looks so If you look like a local, then you need to improve your appearance like combing your hair regularly, stop wearing hello kitty tshirts, brush your teeth before leaving flat and drink protein powder instead of ice red bean drink.

[Beanieskis]

The two friends I have who make a full time living from teaching English, are both native English speakers of Chinese ethnicity. Their accents are "posh" British, and they make a decent living from what they do. They are permanent residents however, and work for themselves as they don't need sponsored visas.

[imparanoic]

it seems with your qualifications, you can teach at any education establishment, international schools should be your target, how come you can't find a job? are you asking too much in paywise? how much are you asking for?