~ Located at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong is a collection of islands featuring bustling cities, magnificent harbors, and a culture blending eastern and western traditions to create a truly unique experience.
Teaching English in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island offers EFL teachers some of the highest wages in the world, and one its fastest-paced environments. English is an official language in Hong Kong, as it was a colony of the United Kingdom from 1842 until 1997. As a result, knowledge of the language is an important asset and many adults are motivated to improve their skills to attend school overseas or become more successful in the business world. Eager to learn, students in Hong Kong are generally well-behaved and respectful of foreign teachers.
The prevalence of English makes living in Hong Kong Island easier and some EFL teachers never learn to speak Cantonese because English is so widespread. Though previously a very expensive place to live, prices in Hong Kong have dropped in recent years and TEFL teachers can now live extremely comfortably and are likely to come home with a savings. But more than anything, Hong Kong is an exciting place to live and work—an unusual atmosphere where western and eastern lifestyles mesh and form a fast-paced, vibrant culture all its own.
Hong Kong TEFL Facts:
Your English Students K-12 University Adults Business professionals
Best Time to Get Hired Positions available year-round!
Length of Commitment 12-month contracts
Typical Teaching Schedules Full and part-time schedules available
Average Pay and Benefits $1800 - $2500 USD per month Bonuses on completion of contract Reimbursed airfare Free housing
Average Cost of Living $600 - $1200 per month depending on lifestyle
Requirements Bachelor’s degree TEFL certification (TEFL Online accepted) Native speaker or fluent in English
Hong Kong Overview
Situated at the southeastern tip of China, Hong Kong is divided into four main regions: its namesake island Hong Kong, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and the Outlying Islands—more than 200 of them. Dubbed the Pearl of the Orient, Hong Kong boasts gorgeous natural surroundings, with its steep slopes, majestic waterfalls, and miles of serene beaches. Hong Kong became part of China (a Special Administrative Region) in July of 1997 after a century and a half of British rule, yet still functions as its own entity. Today, Hong Kong’s industrious population—almost 7 million strong—pulses with determination, excitement and productivity.
Hong Kong Island is known for its glorious Victoria Harbor, which separates it from the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. The densely-populated northern coast is offset by the serene hiking trails that meander through verdant hills and rocky cliffs. Described as a “barren rock” nearly two centuries ago, Hong Kong Island has blossomed into a world-class financial and trading center. The island of more than a million people is alive with culture—from vibrant festivals to wooden boats to street-side food vendors peddling mouth-watering cuisine.
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The TEFL Life Shangai, China
Population: 6,980,412
Language(s): Cantonese and English
Currency: Hong Kong dollar
Literacy Rate: 92%
Life Expectancy: 83 years
The name “Hong Kong” means “Fragrant Harbor” in Cantonese.
Hong Kong International Airport is said to be the world's largest enclosed structure.
The world’s tallest outdoor bronze Buddha is on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island.
Hong Kong holds the most Rolls Royces per capita.
Hong Kong also has the world's largest double-decker tram fleet.
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, tending towards the temperate for nearly half the year. Temperatures can drop below 50°F (10°C) in the winter (December–February), but average around 62°F (17°C). In the summer (June–September), temperatures can exceed 88°F (31°C), but often stay around 82°F (28°C). About 90 percent of the rainfall occurs between April and September.