Archive for July, 2011

• HK LIFE – Teaching English in Hong Kong

  Date: 2011.07.05 | Category: Living in HK | Response: 0

  TEFL in Hong Kong:

  • Requirements: A degree (in any subject) is often a substitute for a TEFL certificate in HK (and Japan), and training will often be provided. However, it is becoming more common for employers to expect a TEFL qualification in addition to a degree. Entry requirements toughened after the financial crisis sparked a new influx of foreigners to the city. The best TEFL programme available in HK is the Trinity All Saints certificate offered by English for Asia. Savings can be made if you enrol on the Trinity course in Thailand.
  • Chatteris: The first option is Chatteris Educational Foundation, I did the 9-month programme back in 2005-6. The wage, around £1000/HK$13,000 a month, is just enough to live on and save a little for travel. Chatteris has its problems and its ‘charitable’ status is somewhat questionable, but they support and train you. You’ll be placed with another British, Canadian, Australian or American in a primary or secondary school. There will be several dozen others who you’ll train with and so you’ll immediately have a big social network – unique to Chatteris. Although they have started a ‘college’ programme, the more traditional primary/secondary school programmes are a better option. With Chatteris, your emphasis will be on oral English with a ‘non-formal’ approach (i.e. games, crafts, ‘fun’ activities), often taking small groups of children out of the class for additional activities. On the downside, management can be eccentric and balancing the expectations of your school and the demanding central office can be exasperating. However, if you can look beyond their terrible c.1992 website, it makes for a great first year in HK – particularly for fresh graduates – and they will support you in continuing a teaching career in HK. If you’re in your early 20s, it makes for an ideal foot-in-the-door.
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