What qualifications are usually required for the teaching positions available?
Generally: A minimum of a BA plus some form of formal TEFL qualification. (Some do ask for postgraduate ELT experience.)
Government Schools: A minimum of a BA in English Lit, English Lang. or Linguistics plus a minimum of a TEFL Diploma.
What types of jobs are available?
Teaching jobs are currently being advertised for teachers in Secondary schools, Primary schools, Kindergartens, and Language Centres.
What are the visa requirements?
Currently a sponsor is required, which means you need to have your job offer before you can apply. Once you have your sponsor it can take anything from six to ten weeks for your application to be processed and approved.
After you have obtained your visa you need to apply for a Hong Kong ID card which is quite straight forward once you have your work visa.
These restrictions do not apply to visitors to Hong Kong. Most foreign nationals get an automatic visitors visa when entering the SAR. British nationals get six months. However, it is illegal to work with this visa.
What sort of salary can I expect?
The salaries vary from around HK$8,000.00 up to HK$40,000.00+ per month, depending on where you work and what qualifications and experience you have.
The exchange rate is approximately HK$7.75 to US$1.00
Example: HK$10,000.00 = US$1290.32 approx.
What is the average working week?
The average working week is eight hours a day five and a half day week. Some positions offer alternate Saturday mornings.
Please note that some private institutions require you to work Sundays.
How much does the housing cost?
Flats/apartments in the Hong Kong, SAR are quite expensive. The cost will depend on location and size. For example:
569 square feet consisting of 2 bedrooms, lounge, small bathroom, small kitchen, and a very small utility room situated in Kowloon. HK$7,500.00 per month (US$968.00) (UK?00.00).
Is medical coverage free of charge?
The answer to this question is 'No!' On average a consultation fee for a doctor is HK$200.00 (US$26.00) (UK?6.00). If you need x-rays or medication it will cost you extra. However, it is relatively easy to get medical insurance, such as: Blue Cross, or BUPA.
What types of home entertainment is available for English speakers?
There are two English language TV channels. X Files, LA Doctors, NYPD Blue, Seinfeld, Mad About You, amongst others are aired. VCD's are easily obtainable. There is also a Blockbuster Video chain store.
What types of food would I be able to get?
You name it, you can get it, but if you choose to buy imported brands you will inevitably pay more for them.
How would I get around without a car?
The Hong Kong, SAR has one of the best public transportation systems I have ever seen. There is the MTR (Subway/underground train system), the KCR (Kowloon Canton Railway), buses, mini buses, ferry services, and taxis. There are not many parts of the territory that you cannot get access to. Most of the transportation systems are reliable and reasonably cheap.
