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Moving to Hong Kong from South Korea early in 2016

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  1. #1

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    Moving to Hong Kong from South Korea early in 2016

    Hi all.
    I've been looking at a lot of the threads already here so I'm sorry for posting another, but wondered if anyone can offer some advice on what I can expect in comparing where I've been working to Hong Kong?

    I'm a British expat who has been teaching in private schools/academies in South Korea since 2009.
    I'm intending to move to Hong Kong to do the same/similar in Jan/Feb 2016.
    I've got a 120 TESOL certificate, gained in Korea (not online), experience of teaching children in Korea from pre-school to high school, and my previous work experience in the UK includes a number of years in banking, a number of years in a warranty/customer service supervisory role, and I also worked in the construction and supermarket trades whilst doing my degree.

    I'm wondering what would be my best options with regards to when to start looking for a teaching job, if there are any specific things (other than experience) I should or shouldn't mention, are the schools there looking for the same things than here?

    Also, what paperwork do I need for a visa and when do I need it?
    Much of the visa paperwork for Korea was done before I arrived here so I'm wondering what the differences and similarities are?

    I'm moving to be with my girlfriend. She's from Hong Kong but we aren't yet married so I'm guessing, in the future after marriage, my visa requirement would be different but what do I need to get started there?

    Finally what is the situation with housing? Is there an allowance from schools? Do I get a choice of apartment/location?

    Sorry for any repetition from previous posts and for the length of this post, I'm just trying to get everything in motion to make things as smooth as possible.

    Any help or advice anyone can give in making the transition from Korea to Hong Kong, practical, professional or logistical, would be appreciated.

    Thanks in advance

    Neal


  2. #2

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    You can start by checking all the regular job websites such as Classified Post, Jobs DB, CareerJet etc etc. Just google Jobs Hong Kong for more.

    You can also join all the relevant HK Teaching groups on Facebook, jobs are posted up there almost daily.

    In terms of applications, highlight the fact that you are a TESOL certified Native English Speaker and that you have teaching experience in Korea. It won't get you the best positions, but it should be fine to secure language centre work / kindergarten work. That you can then use as a springboard onto better positions once you have some local experience. You will need a working visa (until you get married to your HK girlfriend) and your employer will need to sponsor you.

    There are so many different employment contracts, some including accommodation, most without. Usually, I have found that it is better to sort out your own accommodation yourself. You never know what state / condition the 'provided' accommodation will be in.

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  3. #3

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    Thanks for the reply and information.

    The main concern is to get a relatively decent job, as best as I can, on arrival and use that as a platform to get used to a new environment and to move upwards. The other important thing is accommodation. In Korea I'm used to it being part of the contract, rent free but, as you say, not always great to live in. I know that I won't have the luxury of rent-free accommodation there but do the schools ask that I would live close to the premises?
    I wouldn't put myself in a position that would cause unreliability or lateness but I have to give consideration to my girlfriend too so am trying, at this point in time, to find a good balance on what to look for.

    I've joined a couple of Facebook groups already but will search around and see if I've missed any.


  4. #4

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    Your choice of location and type of accommodation is entirely up to you and your budget. I'm surprised that you expect the school to have any control / say over where you live (is that common in Korea?). They specify the working hours and it is your responsibility to be there on time and during the contracted hours.

    Regarding salary, I think you should aim for at least low 20's. You probably won't be able to get much more anyway unless you are very lucky (at least for your first HK position). Don't let any lowball you or pressure you into taking a position which you are not comfortable with.

    Last edited by jmbf; 06-10-2015 at 06:09 PM.
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  5. #5

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    The vast majority of accommodation with jobs here, in private and public schools, provide a rent free apartment as part of the contract, usually it will be the same place the teacher being replaced lived in so the schools will either own it or have a deal with the landlord.
    I've always been lucky with my apartments here, mostly new and clean, but I have found things left behind by teachers from the same schools who left 5 years previously so it's usually those who find someone to share with who will move out, most just stay in the apartments given.
    It can cause some issues with directors in Korea if any indication or action towards moving to a more independent place of your own is discussed but because the situation is different that that I have become used to in my time in Korea I was just looking to make comparisons by what I know here and what my options will be there.

    It would obviously be good to have more control over where I live, it's something that I've missed.


  6. #6

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    Ok, your previous comments make sense in the light of what you have revealed about the situation with teachers accommodation in Korea.

    Be prepared to spend a sizeable proportion of your income on housing here. Flat sharing is available but is not that common. You will have to decide on your priority: convenience vs space. Places in town will be smaller and more expensive but 'closer to the action'. Places out in the New Territories (NT) will be cheaper and bigger but at the cost of significant travelling time (if commuting into town).


  7. #7

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    OTOH, lots of families live out in the New Territories, so there are plenty of teaching positions in places where accommodation is (by local standards) cheap. Does your girlfriend have a preferred area (even for visiting, assuming you have your own flat)?
    I agree totally with JMBF that it's better just to get what you can for the first year - even if it's a cr@p job, you'll have your foot in the door and be able to learn your way around, figure out where you DO want to work, and demonstrate why they should have you on their staff.


  8. #8

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    My girlfriend doesn't have a preferred area, it's actually myself trying to be a bit more choosy about where to live :-)
    I'd prefer to live low rise (if possible), and in an area that doesn't involve high rise buildings.
    My girlfriend is actually far more easy than me but, if I can after spending so many years in high rise and populated areas, I'd like to live somewhere out of town.
    Aside from the conversation today it seems New territories may be the best option, but it also seems I may be aiming too high for my own personal whims?


  9. #9

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    No high rise buildings?? Sure you want to come to HK? Seriously though, it sounds like the NT might be a better fit for you in that case. Plenty of schools / language centres out in the NT, especially in some of the larger towns. You might want to spend some time once you arrive to check out the different areas.

    I'm actually unsure about the pay scale for language centres out in the NT vs Kowloon / Island. I suspect the salaries are lower in the NT (but I could be wrong about that).

    In any case, even for the cheapest flat / unit, you will have to budget at least 7-8K, and it will probably be closer to 10K for a place you actually wouldn't mind to live in. You might get lucky and find something cheaper / better of course, but keep that in mind when considering salary offers.


  10. #10

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    Avoid signing any contracts with a six-month notice period.

    Avoid any employers who expect you start working for them before your employment visa has been issued.


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