SNET, ESF, and International Schools

[Hazeleyedfriend]

Hi everyone,

Most of the posters on this site seem very generous with the information they share and the advice they give. Thanks in advance for any replies.

I'm moving to Hong Kong at the end of November of this year. Fell in love with the city when I visited last year, coming over from Tokyo.

Does anyone have any experience working on SNET? Could SNET be an entry point to working in the ESF school system or working at an international school in Hong Kong?(Eventually would like to work as an international teacher, because of the potential for career advancement and added responsibility. Thought SNET would be a good way to start in Hong Kong.)

It looks like folks have very different experiences with on NET; some describe it as a cushy job others say it can be taxing. Does it depend on the luck of the draw?

With regards to the SNET position, are most teachers fulfilled with their role? Is there a high degree of job satisfaction? Are there any opportunities for professional development or advancement? Is the position challenging but fun?

I have worked and taught before, most recently spent six years in Japan on the JET (japanese exchange & teaching) Programme, the Japanese version of NET, teaching in a Japanese high school.

I'm currently doing my Graduate Diploma in Education down under (originally from Canada). The program wraps up this fall; hence the November date.

I understand that hiring doesn't get underway until January and February and that the position would not commence until September 2013. I'm fine with that. Doign my research ahead of time.

Even if you haven't worked on NET, for ESF, or at one of the international schools, any advice you have to share is most appreciated.

Look forward to hearing from all you good folks. And, maybe, seeing you in the future, too.

Thanks.

[Hazeleyedfriend]

Just as an addendum, I have been over to Dave's ESL site. And I've poured over about 30 to 40 threads on the subject here on GeoExpat.

I thought some folks here might have their own unique experiences to share.

[chingleutsch]

I suspect that the contributors here will be largely the same ones as on Dave's but with different monikers

[Hazeleyedfriend]

Chingleutsch, thanks for the response. Yeah, must be the same people here. That explains the crickets.

[carang]

why not apply directly to ESF and the international schools? why bother going through the NET if that's not what you want to do?

[Hazeleyedfriend]

Hi Carang,

Yes, you're right. Best to apply to both. It's worth a try, right? As Donald Trump likes to say, "What's the worst that can happen? They'll say 'no.'"

My situation is a little unique because I do have high school teaching experience, but not in my home country. I taught in a Japanese high school on their version of SNET.

The ESF requirements seem quite stringent, and I read somewhere else that international schools frown upon the SNET scheme and teaching experience there. Why? I don't know. Maybe something to do with the reputation.

You're point is well taken. Best to apply to both.

[chingleutsch]

I don't know that the international schools so much as frown on SNET experience, but that they don't normally employ EFL teachers: they are looking for qualified and experienced class (for primary) or subject (for secondary school) people. Likewise, I don't know that ESF employs any ESL/ EFL teachers who don't have any other strings to their bows.

That said, an Australian PGDE is worth something here. If you can get IB training as well it would be another step up.

But without post- PGDE experience, your only realistic chance of getting an international /ESF position would be if a mid school year vacancy occurs (such as when "trailing spouse" teachers' partners are suddenly transferred elsewhere) and no-one with more experience is prepared to drop whatever they're doing to take it.