Anyone ever taught English in Hong Kong?

I'd really like to know if anyone on here has made the move to work in Hong Kong before/after being in Korea. I know there's a NET scheme that's similar to EPIK here, although apparently it's super competitive. Are there hagwons in HK? What are the differences between working in HK compared to Korea? Is it worth making the move? Would I be able to save as much as I can in Korea? If anyone has any advice about this, that'd be great 

I've had a look over at Dave's, although I didn't really find much of it useful.
I've also been chatting to a friend of mine and he's working for a British company in HK and having a blast, so I wouldn't mind heading out there if I can get some more information. Recruiters like Footprints only seem to hire and interview in the US which isn't very helpful either 

I think they might prefer someone who speaks British English.

If you had a look on dave's and you're not sure if there are hagwons in Hong Kong, you may need to take a longer look on dave's.

If you had a look on dave's and you're not sure if there are hagwons in Hong Kong, you may need to take a longer look on dave's.

Thanks.

Perhaps I need to re-phrase my question: If anyone on this forum can offer helpful advice about teaching in Hong Kong, I'd really appreciate it.

http://www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/resource-support/net/index.html
that is the official site for the NET scheme. i don't have first hand experience from the process but what I have heard is that you really should have a teaching license if you want to be considered and have a nice income. if you do manage to get hired without a license your salary cap is much lower than it would be with a license. their pay system (for public employees) is based off a number grid. im sure you can find it there and more info on dave's esl on what you could expect. also, it is a lengthy process to get hired.

as far as private institutes are concerned, again you would be in a better position with a license. but im not entirely sure what you can expect to make and live off of.  i've never considered the private route and don't know anyone else who has. sorry

Jane,

Looked into moving out to HK myself.  Much more competitive and higher cost of living vs. SK, though.  My brother's girlfriend is teaching there now (has a teaching degree, but not sure of a Masters).  She used a website called searchassociates.co m.  She started applying in November 2011 and was hired in January 2012.  After getting hired, there was an additional 2-3 months of permits, paperwork approval, etc.  Think the site costs about $200, but provides you with a mentor, school profiles, etc.  Could be a good place to start. 

The information everyone is giving seems like to get work in Hong Kong as a teacher, you must work at an international school. To work at these, 99% of the time you need a teaching license. All subjects are taught in English and you don't have to teach ESL. You could teach history or math, you just need the certification.

I imagine that private language schools do exist, but I don't have information for you regarding that.

I briefly applied for teaching jobs in Hong Kong and quickly had an offer on the table for an international school/hagwon (Kindergarten-Elementary). The money wasn't fabulous, but it did come with housing.

Granted, I have a MA in English Lit and 1.5 years of teaching experience under my belt, but I do not have a teacher's cert. nor am I from the U.K.

It can be done - but it's not as easy as S.K.  I think you can find something but you have to put a TON more effort into looking and allow much more time to sift through the good from the bad opportunities. You may be able to find other kinds of jobs too if you have a different skill set (administration / editing / marketing / etc.) Just a suggestion.

I'm also considering teaching in HK, and you and I have about the same level of qualifications / experience. What resources did you use to find a job there?

http://www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/resource-support/net/index.html
that is the official site for the NET scheme. i don't have first hand experience from the process but what I have heard is that you really should have a teaching license if you want to be considered and have a nice income. if you do manage to get hired without a license your salary cap is much lower than it would be with a license. their pay system (for public employees) is based off a number grid. im sure you can find it there and more info on dave's esl on what you could expect. also, it is a lengthy process to get hired.

as far as private institutes are concerned, again you would be in a better position with a license. but im not entirely sure what you can expect to make and live off of.  i've never considered the private route and don't know anyone else who has. sorry

Ok, thanks for your input! Kinda what I suspected...

Jane,

Looked into moving out to HK myself.  Much more competitive and higher cost of living vs. SK, though.  My brother's girlfriend is teaching there now (has a teaching degree, but not sure of a Masters).  She used a website called searchassociates.co m.  She started applying in November 2011 and was hired in January 2012.  After getting hired, there was an additional 2-3 months of permits, paperwork approval, etc.  Think the site costs about $200, but provides you with a mentor, school profiles, etc.  Could be a good place to start. 

Thanks! I'll check that site out.

Originally from HK, I can tell you that it's much funner being a foreigner in HK than S. Korea. Everything is much more accessible by English. A lot of schools would want to hire a foreigner having the right degree and qualification. But the downside is that the living expenses are quite high, and you will not be able to save much money. If you are looking for a good time and don't mind spend around 90% of your income, then I suggest you can go. Otherwise, stay in Korea or maybe think about Taiwan and China.