@overseaslifer- I am glad you wrote about the many cons of housing in HK, and I am not going to disagree. I was under the impression that teaching couples/families had it better in terms of the allowance/choice based on my married teaching colleagues. I could definitely be wrong about that. As a single at my school (which sounds like it is where you work too) the housing allowance and what it gets you in HK is our biggest gripe. I got fairly lucky in that I have a two bedroom flat and I don't pay out of pocket, but I also haven't had to renew my lease yet so we'll what happens.

I think regardless what you decide, you will end up in a quality apartment. Most teaching couples with families tend to live in Repulse Bay, Stanley, and Tai Tam whether they take the allowance or opt for school provided housing. I think if there is something in particular that is important to you, you may want to go for the allowance. One thing to mention though is that finding an apartment can be competitive and time consuming during the summer months since new families and teachers tend to arrive during that time. For me location was important, so it was worth it to take the time and effort to find my own place.

I would recommend asking to get in touch with a few teaching couples or teachers with dependents currently working at the school who may be able to speak more about the kind of housing in which you are interested. Best of luck!

I am currently working at a top school in Hong Kong and the allowance is adequate for singles, but even more so for staff who have a dependent or teaching couples. I live in a popular area of HK island in a large-ish flat (according to HK standards) and the allowance covers all of my rent. There is also the option for the school to provide housing but it is up to the school's discretion on the housing/area chosen. Most staff members with children opt to take the allowance and live in Stanley or Repulse Bay where there are beach areas to enjoy or playgrounds nearby. The quality of their living accommodations are definitely more than decent.

Here is some information that you may find useful:

Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Europe, 2014

http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc ... index.html

PsyGuy wrote:
> Flights were an option, I didnt word my reply very well. You could 'get
> more' by negotiating a flight over the resigning bonus. It wasnt an option
> for everyone. Not everyone gets the same resigning options, there was
> certainly flexibility for some staff members over others.


Now that I think about it, there is definitely some truth to that statement. I had heard you could negotiate a bit depending upon your position. Totally different admin now so not sure if that is still the case.

I don't. I am being facetious. I worked there for many years and I experienced none of what he said.

PsyGuy wrote:
> My post was more about the experience of a new IT to ASB walking in the
> door, for the first time.
> If youd been there a decade then a new building is certainly something
> thats a worthy difference, but if you came into the IS after the new
> capitol projects than a building doesnt add to the experience since you
> have have nothing to compare it too.
>
> Reading and writing workshop is a substantial improvement, but thats
> because ASB didnt have anything before, it was an adhoc curriculum and some
> of the teachers were using aspects of RWW before it was formally
> implemented.
>
> The flights is good though, they use to only offer flights during contract
> resigning years and it was a factor/portion of your resigning bonus (you
> could get more if you indicated you didnt require airfare).

You and I must have worked there at different times because they never offered flights for the years I worked at ASB. The resigning bonus when I worked there was only a few hundred euros. Interesting to learn!

Actually, a few things have changed there in the past 4 years, and I think these things could matter to some people. First, they built a new elementary school and Early Childhood center. This was something that was supposed to happen about 10 years ago, so the fact that it finally was built is kind of a miracle. The school also now gives new teachers flights home every year, and a decent resigning bonus. The curriculum has improved too in the lower grades. Many international schools are adopting reading and writing workshop, and so has ASB. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is way better than what they used to have in place for literacy instruction.

With that being said, I am sure it is still extremely hard to save money. The city is amazing though. And as for the Administration acting elitist....yea, that is pretty much correct.

This happened to me at my first fair, though it was 11 years ago. A friend who was already teaching in Tokyo recommended I register on tieonline.com. That is how I landed my first international job, and I signed that contract on April 2nd. Times have definitely changed since then, but I believe you will still get a job. Something always comes up!

lightstays wrote:
> The pay in southern Europe is something international school are aware of
> and, frankly, should be ashamed of. Anyone with a modicum of financial
> sense would pass over Spain. But earnings aside, it is the best country on
> earth.


I could not agree with you more. I taught in Barcelona for many years. Financially, it was a horrible decision, but in the larger scheme of things, it was the best time of my life. Now that I live in Asia, I visit every summer instead.

I know two people who were flown out to interview at UWCSEA. They didn't make the cut. They ended up being hired at SAS instead.

The first IS I worked at was in an amazing location but pretty low quality. Halloween was a huge deal and the events, parades, and celebrations took an entire school day. My current school is Tier 1 and doesn't celebrate Halloween (though we celebrate many other cultural events. It is a balanced place).

I think you are on to something here.

superunknown wrote:
>
> Thanks for your comment. Would you mind elaborating on expat life in hk a little. I
> am very interested in living there and just need a little convincing.

Sure! There are many things to do here and it is a very diverse city. There is a large Western influence as well as many others nationalities from Asia (ex: India, Indonesia,etc.) I have found it very easy to meet people outside of work which is always refreshing. There are plenty of Meet Up groups and events through InterNations if you like planned activities to meet people. Expats in general are doing a variety of things. If you like to go out to bars and clubs, that is easily found. If you enjoy dinners (at most price points) there are new restaurants opening all of the time. If you are looking for some culture, the HK Arts Festival is beginning soon with concerts, plays, ballet, etc. If you are looking for outdoor activities there are many trails with gorgeous views on both HK Island and beyond which are enjoyed by expats and locals. There are many outdoor sports/events available, especially water sports. (the HK Marathon is this weekend) Beaches are plentiful here and on the outlying islands. I guess the bottom line is that I have lived in a few countries now, and as an Expat this has been my easiest transition, and the easiest time making friends with other expats, and locals as well. I could go on and on. It's a good life here!

Feel free to send me a message if you want any more information.

I live here and I love it. There are many, many things to do here, especially hiking which doesn't cost a thing. Some may say that the pollution may prevent you from doing this often, but that has not been my experience thus far. The food scene is incredible and though many of the trendier places are pricey, there are lots of inexpensive places to eat. I can't speak about ESF, but as for the city, I think it is an exciting place to be.

I recruited last year and went to the Bangkok fair. I didn't start really hearing from schools until after January 1st, and then things started getting exciting. I wouldn't worry at all!