Hong Kong Net scheme, any opinions?

[powderfinger303]

Hello, I am looking into the Hong Kong Net scheme and I am wondering if anyone has any opinions/advice about this program that they could share. I hear the money is 'good', but I am not sure about saving potential. I know that like the JET program, experiences vary according to which school hires you, but it seems that it is a professional gig.

Like I say, does anyone have any experience with this program? I have taught in gov't schools in Taiwan so I really only have that to compare it to.

Thanks,

[felicity booth]

Hmm... I did take a look at it a while back.

Anything that is run and organised by the government is a good thing. Just like the JET program in Japan, the NET Scheme in Hong Kong looks like a similar initiative.

The Hong Kong NET Scheme seems more strict for their entry requirements than the JET program in Japan. For starters, the NET Scheme requires a TESL/TEFL qualification from all candidates. I suppose this is a good way of weeding out the time wasters from the serious applicants.

Overall, a thumbs up!

[Geo_star]

I have been living in Hong Kong for about 14 months. Although I am not on the NET Scheme, my boyfriend is. Hopefully my information will be helpful.

The NET Scheme is known as paying a high salary. The cost of living in Hong Kong is much cheaper in comparison to Japan, so it may be easier to save more money in Hong Kong. That all depends on what lifestyle you prefer, and where you find an apartment (the biggest expense).

The NET Scheme is appealing to a lot of near retirement teachers, however younger, less experienced teachers are also accepted. You need a four year degree, either BA + PGDE or a BEd. In addition they want you to have a TEFL qualification to Certificate level (CELTA is prefered). The more qualified you are, the higher you will start on the pay scale. You will also start higher depending how many years of full time experience you have had teaching.

It is possible to be accepted into the scheme as a graduate, but schools here expect a lot - for example, it is not unusual for my boyfriend to leave work at 8 or 9pm.

The education system here can be quite frustrating for creative teachers. The class numbers can excede 40 students and the teacher does all the talking with very little interaction between students.

Having said all this, by hearing stories from many NET teachers I have come to learn that your experience here often rests on the school you are placed in.

Hong Kong is very exciting. The pollution (air, noise, water) is my major concern here - which is why I doubt we would stay here long term.

If you have more questions, I will be happy to help.

[gfell]

Great advice and thanks for sharing Geo_star.

The large classes are also similar to the JET program in Japan. Yeh, it's a pity of the numbers as it limits the opportunity of 2-way communication.