Teaching English In Hong Kong: Salary, Requirements, Expenses & Things To Do

In this video I talk about the teaching English scene in Hong Kong and cover some of the details of jobs, requirements, living expenses and things to do in this exciting city.
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[BelligerentStyle]

Visiting HK made me realize how poor I was. It's surely a great place if you have money, and if you don't, the grind is real.

[andrewcunningham]

I've been in Hong Kong over 16 years and I'm a permanent resident now. Been teaching most of my time here at kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, language centers...you name it.
Schools are generally crap in my opinion. The salary for NETS here has pretty much stayed the same since I moved here which was around 16 years ago!
Fortunately I landed private tutoring so now I can enjoy around $50k hkd per month. I wear a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops and travel around by motorbike. Some may think wow what a slob but I take my job seriously, I always show up on time and I'm prepared so therefore, I keep a full schedule with a waiting list.

I live in the New Territories and my rent for a 2 bedroom sizeable ground floor flat with no flats above me (it's a single storey duplex) is hkd$6, 800 per month so that's very reasonable. I do like good food though and can easily spend over 200hkd per day but generally speaking, my total monthly expenses are around $20k
So...simple math here...50k per month income with 20k expenses

Yes it's nice to pocket around 30k per month.

I don't go out to bars though but if I did I imagine I'd be saving quite a bit less :)

[christianchamberlain]

Hong Kong seems amazing, minus the astronomical cost of living.

[keilnirby]

I think the hours are a huge deal because a lot of people, Alex included, come to teach with other plans like building a business, art, making music, or whatever, and having the daytime free to do your own thing when you're fresh is really important. So when you have night hours, as is often the case on weekdays in Vietnam, you can get a lot done during the day. Anyone who has ever taught kids knows it's quite difficult to do much besides relax after listening to screaming children for hours. In this sense, the hours of many Vietnam jobs can be seen as an advantage rather than disadvantage for those who are working on side projects.

[ztezmaxim]

One thing you left out which I think may be relevant is the size of teacher accommodations. Think of a shoebox, not boots, shoes. Add a western level rent. That is accommodations.

The size of accommodations is very small and prices are expensive

[Mezzie]

This video was highly informative. Whenever I am researching moving to a new city I always have to watch so many videos to get the same information. The info was spot on. Appreciate it :)

[flamer]

Don't forget to mention that you need a separate visa to visit China if you are a teacher in Hong Kong!

[thelionsam]

As a 17 year (so far) NET I can say this guy has things right. Not a place to relax or enjoy an Asian adventure with teaching on the side. Lots of hard work done to strict standards. Come if you enjoy the 'fight' and want to build wealth for you/family.
Salary after 17 years is close to HKD 100k pcm including benefits.

[koko]

Everyone dresses up in Central. But seeing you wearing suit is a bit strange in TST. 😚

[Celestialtarotreadings]

Good for shopping only. Rent is crazy and those micro apartments (!) ....no way!

[Eltercero]

“As you can I’m wearing a suit...in HK every second person is wearing a suit.” In background 10 out of 10 people not wearing a suit. :)

[EduuplayEnglish]

Only 7 million population... That fits in 1, 108 km2.... That DENSE and INTENSE.
So you made a video explaining Hong Kong after only a weeks stay? I think you did rather well.
If you are a teacher out from the HK Island.. There's a whole other video there. Maybe I should do one.. :)

[TuwanaVining]

Are you considering teaching English again, Alex, or just expanding locations for your business? It seems as though the requirements will fit a lot of currently licensed teachers who want to change their environment, but the pay rate may not be enough to live comfortably for those who don't without a roommate or partner sharing costs. It looks like a beautiful place though! Thanks for sharing the info!

[VishalDas]

What's your camera? Great audio quality

[trxuvaille]

Id live in Shenzhen and visit hong kong whenever I want

[Thelightangel]

Great video, lovely content! very informative. Has the journalist professional feel about it. Lots of good info covering most aspects of living and working in Hong Kong as an English Teacher. You look and sound a little more relaxed within yourself, as if you are much more in your comfort zone - Whilst filming in Hong Kong - just an observation. Or it may just be the break of going somewhere different, which I know is always exciting and an adventure in itself!...Good work. It's so nice to be able to see the actual content like, shopping malls, shops, buildings, rivers, transport system etc, . of the country or place that is being documented, so we have a real view, of the country... good work! looking forward to the next video!

[daha]

Some wrong advice here. U can easily get ESL jobs in HK with nothing more than a degree + native speaker.

[SharonG_]

Interesting find! Keep up. Thanks for sharing.-your NEW SUBSCRIBER here!

[ptiaptia]

I heard street foods in HK are the best. My friends (from US) traveled to HK told me :) Thanks so much, Alex, for another great, very helpful video.

[minhnhatcaovan]

I've watch at least 5 videos from Ninja Teacher. I like them.
Perhaps, thanks to teachers like you, this Asie region will use English for ever as universal language instead of Chinese Mandarin. If this the case, people will remember you for longtime.