Hi there GeoExpatters,
Sorry for the lengthy post, but appreciate any help and advice.
I am English and a native English speaker in his 20’s, born and raised in Hong Kong. I did an unrelated degree to English teaching (hospitality), and transitioned from the hospitality industry just over a year ago. I have been currently working in a learning centre for over a year now. Over the past several years while at university and High school in HK, I taught private tutoring, taught in learning centres, and free-lanced at schools/kindergartens. While working at my current job, I have found that my passion is teaching, teaching English more specifically, but I dislike the commercialism of learning centres. I have been studying pedagogy, English grammar and linguistics as a side hobby. I applied to the PGDE programs in Hong Kong, however didn’t even get shortlisted for the interview (based on the lack of qualifications/experience in my opinion), therefore… rejected.
I am currently pretty confused on what to do. I believe I should do my Cert TESOL with English for Asia before the 2nd half of this year after his current teaching contract is up (I do not possess a TESOL or any relevant teaching qualification as of yet). After finishing the certificate course, apply for a job full-time at a kindergarten/school, will this improve my chances in applying to the HKU and HKIED PGDE programs next year (2018 intake)?
I also wonder if there is anything else I could apply for this year that could help towards getting myself a placement in a school and applying to the PGDE program in the future? Since the (2017) PGDE is no longer an option for me this year.
A MA in English costs $96,000 for full-time study in Hong Kong for local students, which is currently out of my budget. Are there any distance courses I could apply to? If not, should I do the Diploma TESOL at English for Asia following my CertTesol? Not sure if the DipTESOL will help with PGDE applications/getting a better job/improving my CV.
Or if anyone knows of any affordable overseas PGDE programs or relatable courses to consider? Montessori programs, or any good diplomas that would help with my own education, teaching skills, and improving my CV. That would also be great to know of. I am open to trying most things, I just lack the knowledge and guidance in this industry.
I have considered an IPGCE from Sunderland, but heard that it lowers his chances at getting a job at good local schools, and the ESF schools in Hong Kong don’t acknowledge it. I would love to apply to the UK to do my PGCE, but its 4 times the price compared to the ones being offered in Hong Kong, and I believe it’s just as competitive.
Eventually I would like to be a registered teacher or on the NET scheme, or working at an international school within the next 2-6 years, sooner rather than later. Or even have the ability to travel the world and work in a selection of schools.
Thank you again if you read all the way here. Any advice is appreciated.