local vs international school teacher's salary

[EricL]

Dear all,

What is the current local secondary school teacher's salary in Hong Kong considering a fresh graduate holding a Bachelor of Science obtained from University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University in Canada?

Do international schools in Hong Kong offer better remuneration package in terms of salary, health/medical benefit, housing allowance, and etc? If so, How much do they offer in general?

Which school setting, local or international school, offers more advancement opportunities?

Am I considered holding the same qualifications as the local teachers in Hong Kong so that our starting master payscale point is the same?

What is the percentage of income tax in Hong Kong considering a person earning 30,000 HKD per month?

Thank you very much for your advice and information. Much appreciated.

Eric

[gilleshk]

You'll be far better off in an international school than a local school.

The conditions in local school can vary greatly with classes up to 40. Schools are also "banded" which means essentially means that they pick their students according to test scores. That system is great for those who study/teach in higher bands school but not so good for the lower bands.

You are also more likely to get extra benefits such as flights, moving allowances, housing allowances, retention bonuses at International Schools.

Classes tend to be smaller in the 20-30 range. You're also more likely to find a similar style of teaching that you may be accustomed to... The atmosphere in local schools is quite different and the relationships between teachers and students are also a bit different. Often more formal in local schools.

[leghk]

I agree with Giles. However, you say you are a fresh graduate. Possibly difficult to get in to an international school with no experience.

As far as I am aware, the local Secondary NET scheme requires one years teaching experience (has this changed recently?????, i thought it was 2 years), although you will qualify for the Primary NET scheme.

[gilleshk]

I'd say virtually impossible at the High School level... Some possibilities at the lower level if you have a contact or bring something special.

Obviously the smaller and less popular International Schools would be more likely to hire someone with less experience.

Best would be to get a couple of years under your belt first...but it never hurts to try. Some of the schools go to the Queen's Fair.

[EricL]

Thanks a lot guys.

But can anyone out there really anwser to all my questions?

Thanks..

[Miss P]

It would help if we knew where you were at regarding the applications process- if indeed you are actively applying for posts now ,and getting feedback from schools a lot of the answers would be coming from them...re pay etc.
Have you checked the HKSAR GOVT EBD NET teaching /recruitment sites , also the ESF and the Fairs in Canada ?
If however you are in the' thinking about it 'phase:
I can't help with tax issues someone else might be able to -16 % is the general figure I think but as a Canadian are there potential expat tax issues at home for you too? Just a vague notion...
Cost of rents are high here etc -without several years teaching experience teachers tend to be on the lower payscales in the local system .
International school positions tend to be tightly held ....
As a previous poster said ,you would probably get into the Primary NET scheme but it has its problems...oh and you probably need an English major .
There is no possibility for advancement careerwise in local schools but you do get pay increments. Really if you want to teach Science it would have to be an International school I think

[gilleshk]

Dear all,

What is the current local secondary school teacher's salary in Hong Kong considering a fresh graduate holding a Bachelor of Science obtained from University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University in Canada?

Do international schools in Hong Kong offer better remuneration package in terms of salary, health/medical benefit, housing allowance, and etc? If so, How much do they offer in general?

Answer was yes: Packages vary too much for a precise answer. 20-35K

Which school setting, local or international school, offers more advancement opportunities?

What kind of advancement? Department head? There are many opportunities in International school because the turnover can be high particularly in the smaller and lesser paid school.


Am I considered holding the same qualifications as the local teachers in Hong Kong so that our starting master payscale point is the same?

Once you've submitted all the paperwork to the Education Bureau, you will become an accredited teacher in HK and fit in somewhere on their scale if you end up in a local school. Go through their website for more info...

What is the percentage of income tax in Hong Kong considering a person earning 30,000 HKD per month?

Assuming you are a canadian resident, you are liable for your worldwide income. Once you become a non resident, the income tax in HK is a flat rate of about 16% along with possible deductions.

Thank you very much for your advice and information. Much appreciated.

Eric

Antyhing else?

[EricL]

THANKS A LOT!!!!!!!!