Sometime this summer, at least one young English teacher will cram his belongings into cases and head to London's Heathrow airport to catch a flight to Hong Kong. He will arrive, ready to stand in front of a classroom of Hong Kong schoolchildren and solve problems with the present perfect.
Every year, educational establishments across Hong Kong recruit large numbers of expatriates from different countries to help them deliver the highest level of teaching in English and other subjects. These institutions' human resources departments put in place extensive programmes to help these expats adjust to local life.
One large recruiter of expats is the Hong Kong International School (HKIS). Each year, it hires between 20 and 30 teachers - usually from the US, Canada, Australia, or Britain - to fill positions from reception through to grade 12. It also employs expats in administrative roles.
'As an international school, we look for expat teachers to bring overseas teaching experience that is compatible with our American-style curriculum,' says Joy Okazaki, HKIS director of human resources. 'International experience and specialised pedagogical skills are vital to ensure our students have the best learning environment. Overseas teachers bring a wealth of personal and professional experience that helps support our aim of 'developing the whole child'.'
Newly hired expats are given extensive support settling into Hong Kong. Before school starts, they attend a week-long orientation where they are familiarised with both the workings of the school and aspects such as the Hong Kong health service and tax system. They also receive guidance on practical issues.
'When new teachers arrive, we hire a relocation consultant to assist with the practical aspects of settling in Hong Kong, such as setting up a bank account, obtaining an ID card, and purchasing a mobile phone,' says Okazaki.