TEACH ENGLISH IN HONG KONG

About Teaching English in Hong Kong

To find a TEFL job and teach English in Hong Kong, you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree in any field. You must be a native English speaker as well. The average salary for an English teacher in Hong Kong is about $2,300 - $3,000 USD per month.

Located off the south coast of China, Hong Kong represents one of the most exciting job markets for teaching English in Asia, in addition to boasting a worldwide reputation as one of the world's most dynamic cities.

ESL teachers in Hong Kong can find jobs year-round, as interviews are conducted well in advance. Interviews are held both over the phone and via e-mail. Instructors are usually responsible for airfare and housing expenses. Those who teach English in Hong Kong often live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, while many choose to room with coworkers.

Teaching positions with children or adults are extensive, though it should be noted that the job market can be competitive and most schools will only hire English teachers from a native English-speaking country with at least a four-year degree and a TEFL certification.

A generous salary affords English teachers in Hong Kong a comfortable lifestyle, with the possibility to save up to $ 600 USD per month. Schools typically offer 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore.

How to Teach English in Hong Kong: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Hong Kong

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Hong Kong. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

English Teachers in Hong Kong interview in advance from their home country via video call or phone. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You must be a native English speaker to teach English in Hong Kong. This means you must be a citizen from a recognized English-speaking nation: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

Degree Requirement for Hong Kong

A Bachelor's degree is required to secure a job teaching English in Hong Kong. Please note, your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

How to Find TEFL Jobs in Hong Kong

English Teaching Jobs in Hong Kong

The most common teaching jobs in Hong Kong consist of:

• Teaching children in public and private schools.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Tutoring private students one-on-one.
• Teaching English Online.

ESL Jobs Hong Kong: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Hong Kong can find jobs all year round with an expected downtime around the Lunar (Chinese New Year) which occurs across two weeks in late January through early February.

Schools in Hong Kong conduct interviews in advance - this means you will interview for teaching jobs from your home country via phone or video call.

You will enter Hong Kong on a work visa which you will secure in advance of your arrival there.

ESL Teacher in Hong Kong: Hours

English language schools in Hong Kong offer approximately 25 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Hong Kongese Students

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, or business professionals. 

TEFL Hong Kong: Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $2,000 - $3,000 USD (15,700 - 23,250 HKD). These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Hong Kong until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

ESL Teacher Salary in Hong Kong

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Hong Kong. English teachers in Hong Kong can expect to make $2,300 - $3,000 USD (18,000 - 23,250 HKD) per month. 

There are no housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. Flights are sometimes reimbursed by your employer, but this isn't always a guarantee so don't count on it.

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $2,300 - $5,000 USD per month (18,000 - 39,000 HKD).

Can you save money teaching English in Hong Kong?

ESL teachers in Hong Kong can typically save between $400 - $600 USD per month after expenses.