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English Teaching Jobs in Hong
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High wages, high standards of living, high levels of English proficiency – Hong Kong has it all.
Ultra-modern, with opportunities in technology, business and finance, yet steeped in incredible history, Hong Kong is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind destination. Linguistically, it’s ideal for today’s globalised economy - with a history of English, Cantonese and Mandarin, the people of Hong Kong are equipped with the language tools to thrive in international business. That, they do - Hong Kong has the fifth most competitive economy in the world, at the time of writing.
In Hong Kong, there are opportunities for English teachers in both the private and public sectors, across state schools, private schools, international schools, universities and in private tutoring. If you have experience teaching any popular exam courses like IELTS, you’ll get more job offers, as the ability to prove fluency in English is important. Private language centres are ideal if you’re a first-time TEFL teacher with little or no experience, as international school positions will require more seasoned teachers. Language centres usually offer informal conversational classes that will ease you gently into TEFL teaching.
With a high standard of living, excellent job opportunities, a thriving economy and loads to see and do, let’s find out more about teaching English in Hong Kong. Where can English teachers find teaching jobs? What are salaries like when you teach English in Hong Kong? Without further ado, here’s our guide to English teaching jobs in Hong Kong.
Teaching English in Hong Kong: an overview
So, a crucial thing to get out of the way first - to teach English in Hong Kong, you’ll need the right visa. It’s illegal to get a job teaching English in Hong Kong if you’re on a tourist visa, instead, you’ll need to apply to work under the General Employment Policy. In the instance that you find a job while there as a tourist, you have to leave the country to apply for the right paperwork. This is a process which takes six to eight weeks to complete. It’s most convenient to do this from nearby Macao, or better still, secure work before you travel so you can teach English legally without any hassle.
What’s the demand like for English in Hong Kong? Teaching positions are vast and varied, and you won't struggle to find a TEFL job that's right for you - provided you're TEFL certified and have a degree. As far as the school system is concerned, English is the second language of instruction behind Chinese. There are an array of bilingual or English-focused international schools, as well as private language schools where students of all ages can brush up on their proficiency. So, safe to say, there are plenty of TEFL jobs in Hong Kong, across a range of levels.
Like students in mainland China, children in Hong Kong often have a cacophony of after-school lessons to attend, and while eager and well-mannered, the pressure is high to succeed. Teaching children is a massive industry in and of itself, but ESL teachers will also find millions of adult learners who require English language lessons in Hong Kong.
Quick facts about Hong Kong
- Official language: Cantonese, English, Mandarin
- Population: 7.3 million
- Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HK$)
Key facts
Requirements
What are the requirements to teach English abroad in Hong Kong? You’ll need a bachelor's degree, a TEFL certificate (minimum 120 hours) and, ideally, at least two years of teaching experience. International schools and universities might seek specific subject degrees or higher qualifications like master's or PhDs.
In a business-focused environment like Hong Kong, it can help you find TEFL jobs if you have advanced TEFL certification on your CV. A TEFL qualification like Business English, for example, will help you attract clientele if you’re a private tutor, or if you’re working in a private language school. Similarly, there are plenty of people in Hong Kong looking to pass English proficiency exams or go to higher education institutions in English-speaking countries. Therefore, having advanced TEFL certification in exam preparation or English for academic purposes can be extremely useful.
Non-native English speakers can teach in Hong Kong, provided they can demonstrate fluency and, of course, TEFL certification. IELTS or TOEFL proficiency will help in this regard, as will a qualification from an English-speaking higher education institution. Native English speakers might be preferred by certain employers, but ESL teachers who aren't from English-speaking countries shouldn't be put off.
Salary and benefits
So, what can you earn while teaching English abroad in Hong Kong? As it turns out, some of the best salaries for teaching English abroad can be found in Hong Kong. Teaching salaries in Hong Kong can fall anywhere between HK$18,000 and HK$80,000 (£1,730-£7,689/$2,315-$10,291) per month, depending on your qualifications, where you work, and the kind of teaching experience you have.
Public schools typically offer an average salary of HK$25,000 - $70,000 per month, while private language schools tend to be in the HK$18,000 - $25,000 monthly range. The highest salaries for English teachers are in international schools - about HK$30,000 - $80,000 per month. International schools also tend to offer the best bonuses and incentives for teaching English.
In general, bonuses are relatively commonplace for ESL teachers working in Hong Kong. Accommodation is a great perk, and it’s usual to hear it being offered across different institutions. Some employers will also offer annual bonuses, free flights, healthcare, visa costs and even free meals. Be warned: start-up costs in Hong Kong can be expensive, so be sure to know what you’re getting paid, what’s being offered free of charge, and what you’ll be paying for as soon as you arrive.
Living and working in Hong Kong
There’s no getting around it - whether you’re an English teacher or an investment banker, living in Hong Kong is expensive. In fact, Hong Kong is one of the ten most expensive places to live in the world, alongside the likes of New York City, Singapore and Geneva. When wages are so high, you can usually expect a suitably steep cost of living, and Hong Kong has that.
While you're teaching English abroad in Hong Kong, you'll find that nailing down the perfect living space can be particularly costly. If you dream of living right in the thick of the city centre, a one-bedroom apartment costs about £1,721/$2,296 per month to rent. If you’d rather live outside central Hong Kong, you’re still looking at a monthly rent of £1,207/$1,610, so finding a job that provides accommodation is a bonus. If you need to find your own place, flatshare websites such as AsiaXpat or GeoExpat will help you find something affordable.
As for monthly expenses? Household utilities usually cost about £206/$274 per month, while internet access costs £17/$24. If you want to try some of Hong Kong’s cuisine, a meal for one in a cafe is about £6/$8, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-priced restaurant costs about £52/$69.Types of English teaching jobs in Hong Kong
State schools
The best way for an ESL teacher to find work in the state education system in Hong Kong is by applying through a teaching programme like the NET scheme. What is the NET scheme in Hong Kong? We’ll go into it in more detail, but it’s a tremendous route into public education. You’ll need to be TEFL certified and hold a bachelor’s degree.
English is highly valued in Hong Kong’s state education system, and English teachers are paid well. Facilities for teaching English in these schools are usually of a high standard, and while they’re not as well-funded as international schools, experienced, qualified teachers should enjoy their experience in Hong Kong’s state schools.
Jobs boards
Check out The TEFL Org Jobs Centre for opportunities to teach English in Hong Kong, and around the world. Complete a TEFL course with us, and you’ll have lifetime access!
The British Council regularly lists TEFL job opportunities in Hong Kong.
The English Schools Foundation advertises a range of roles in kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools in Hong Kong.
Little Cosmos Language & Art Centre requires degree holders with a TEFL certificate and at least one year of experience working with kids.
Monkey Tree has more than 40 centres in Hong Kong. You need to have a degree and have a TEFL certificate. Monkey Tree offer one-year contracts, with a salary of around HK$23,000 per month.
Teaching Programs in Hong Kong
If you’re looking for a teaching programme to help you cut through and find work in the Hong Kong state education sector, the NET (Native English Speakers) Scheme is what you need. Like its contemporaries, JET in Japan and EPIK in South Korea, the NET programme helps to place teachers in local schools. The aim is simple - to improve English proficiency among children and distribute quality teachers around state schools in Hong Kong.
NET is a very well-favoured route for English teachers, not just because it’s an excellent way to find teaching jobs in Hong Kong, but also because it’s really well-paid. A usual monthly salary for a NET teacher starts at HK$31,750, rising to HK$73,775 (approx £3,000-£6,800/$4,100-$9,500), with a monthly housing allowance added on for good measure.
NET teachers will need a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate as a minimum. English teachers with teaching experience will find it much easier to secure a job initially.
Related articles for teaching English in Hong Kong
Teach English in Hong Kong
From gleaming skyscrapers to lush national parks, every-flavour street food to Michelin-star restaurants, and ancient traditions to future-forward technology - if you choose to teach English in Hong Kong, you’ll discover a city packed with colourful contradictions.
What is the NET scheme in Hong Kong
Teaching English through the NET scheme in Hong Kong gives you the chance to explore, live and work in the Pearl of the Orient, with lucrative salaries and unbeatable benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much do English teachers make in Hong Kong?
If you want to teach English in Hong Kong, the great news is that it’s very well-paid. Teaching salaries in Hong Kong are usually anywhere between HK$18,000 and HK$80,000 (£1,730-£7,689/$2,315-$10,291) per month, depending on qualifications, where you work, and teaching experience.
Q. How to get an English teaching job in Hong Kong?
Anyone looking to teach English in Hong Kong can use job boards, which are widely available online, or apply for the NET scheme, which places TEFL teachers in the public school system.
Q. Which country has the highest demand for English teachers?
The country with the highest number of English learners is China. However, you can teach English anywhere in the world, as the demand for English lessons is ever-growing.
Q. Is TEFL recognised in Hong Kong?
High-quality TEFL courses are recognised in Hong Kong and around the world. 120 hours of study is the industry standard - complete a TEFL course of 120 hours or more, and you'll be able to teach English!