TEACHING IN HONG KONG: OUR SUCCESS STORY

Are you dreaming of teaching English in Hong Kong? Meet Global English TESOL graduates Aaron Vardi and his partner Laura, who turned their dreams into reality! Earlier this year, they completed their comprehensive 250-hour TESOL course, aiming for a coveted spot in the Hong Kong Native English Teacher (NET) Scheme. Although the journey was challenging, their persistence paid off, and they're now enjoying successful teaching careers in vibrant Hong Kong.

The Journey to Hong Kong: Overcoming NET Scheme Challenges

After completing their TESOL course, Aaron and Laura applied to the NET Scheme, known for its rigorous selection process. Despite securing interviews, they weren't placed on their first attempt. Determined to teach in Hong Kong, they turned to the educational recruitment agency, Eureka, which helped connect them to teaching positions. Within weeks, both Aaron and Laura landed roles at a primary school, teaching English to young P2 and P3 learners.

Settling in Hong Kong: Navigating the Initial Costs

Moving to Hong Kong comes with initial start-up costs, which Aaron and Laura managed by using Taobao, a popular online shopping platform in Hong Kong. This helped them save significantly on essentials.

Currently, they’re renting an apartment in Tin Shui Wai for 14,000 HKD per month, finding it affordable for the area and a great value for money. Tin Shui Wai has proven to be a welcoming neighbourhood, ideal for new teachers in Hong Kong.

Why Hong Kong? The Exciting Lifestyle and Cultural Appeal

Aaron and Laura are thrilled with the lifestyle Hong Kong offers. They describe it as a welcoming, inclusive society with friendly locals. Public transport is efficient and affordable, making it easy to explore the city's stunning landscapes, diverse public spaces, and delicious food scene. Although dining out can be pricey, they say it's worth it for the variety and quality of the cuisine. Overall, they find Hong Kong comfortable, accessible, and filled with exciting experiences.

"I honestly can’t think of a downside, it is really nice to live here and it is really comfortable and very accessible and so far we are loving it,” said Vardi.?

Teaching English in Hong Kong: Opportunities and Requirement

Hong Kong offers ample opportunities for qualified English teachers, whether in private institutions or through the NET Scheme. The NET Scheme, backed by the government, offers attractive pay and benefits but can be competitive and requires specific qualifications. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Key Requirements for Teaching in Hong Kong:

• 250-Hour Level 5 TESOL/TEFL Professional Online Course for Asia: This foundational qualification is essential for most teaching positions, and will improve your CV and job prospects.

• Observed Teaching Practice for Hong Kong: Required for NET Scheme applications, especially for primary school placements.
• 10 Hour Teaching Practice for the Hong Kong NET EDB
• 20 hour TEFL Teaching Practice

• Consider Applying via an Agency: Agencies like Eureka can streamline the job search, allowing you to compare positions and find the best fit for you.

Tips for Aspiring Hong Kong Teachers

• Be Persistent: The first attempt may not always be successful, especially with competitive positions like the NET Scheme.
• Leverage Local Knowledge: Platforms like Taobao can help reduce initial setup costs.
• Enjoy the Adventure: Embrace the local culture, explore the city, and make the most of this unique teaching opportunity.

For those considering a teaching career in Hong Kong, Aaron and Laura’s story is a testament to the value of persistence, networking, and choosing the right TESOL qualifications. With a mix of determination and the right support, you too can turn your teaching dreams into reality in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.