Teaching English in Hong Kong

I just posted this on the Geoexpat forum and they were super negative. I'm hoping that the Global TESOL forum will be a bit more helpful and positive.

I'm a recent graduate from the University of Calgary with a BA in General Studies, looking to secure a teaching job before I arrive in late August but have had no luck. I have a TESOL certificate, English is my native language and I don't have any experience teaching. I've applied to a bunch of jobs online but have not had any responses. Will it be easier to find something once I get to Hong Kong?

I was born and raised in Canada but my background is Chinese. I'll be coming to Hong Kong with my Caucasian boyfriend and I really hope at least one of us will be able to find something before we get to Hong Kong or if not shortly after we arrive.

Thanks!

Hey Marina,

Are you open to Mainland China? In Hong Kong the government language is English, so finding a job there is a little more difficult. I'm currently in Changchun, China (near Beijing) and if you're open to other parts of China let me know. I have a Vietnamese background and even though I was born in Canada it was almost impossible for me to find a job here. Some schools are willing to look past it, but most are not. I have a feeling that if I were actually Chinese my chances would be even worse.

Another thing, you'll have to lie about not having any teaching experience. Schools know that TESOL is only a one week course and will require more experience. Especially in high paying places like Hong Kong.

You could just fly to Hong Kong, but that's an expensive ticket. It's always easier if you have contracts. I would find an agency and see if they can help you find a place together.

E-mail me if I can be of more assistance.

shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

Hong Kong is a tough market to get into, especially for English, as it is "almost" their second language. Mandarin is becoming MUCH more of a teaching opportunity due to increased relations with mainland business.

However, just across the river, where I am in Shenzhen, there are so many opportunities that exist for you and your boyfriend and you can literally can be in Hong Kong in 15 minutes across the border. I can hook you up with a kindergarten recruiter here that can have you both working making decent money very quickly.

Send me a message if interested.

That's why I love it here. All the charm and opportunities of Mainland China and anything you can't possibly find on the mainland can be had in less than an hour in ultra modern Hong Kong.