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Learning Cantonese through YouTube
4 Feb 2022 | ESLteachers
Like learning any language, immersing yourself in it and surrounding yourself with native speakers is the key to mastery. In a place like Hong Kong, however, you might struggle to find someone to help you practice, when so many people are fluent in English. If you find yourself in this situation there’s always one place you can turn to—the internet!
5 Unusual Sports Events in Hong Kong
25 Jan 2022 | ESLteachers
If you’re new to Hong Kong, you may be surprised to learn about some of the rather unusual sports events that many local residents take part in. As you immerse yourself into the culture of Hong Kong, why not stay active by giving these events a go? We’ve compiled a list of five sporting activities that will pique your interest for sure. Even if you’re not a sporty person, you certainly wouldn’t want to miss these events!
Weird but Wonderful: 5 Unusual Dishes to Try in Hong Kong
8 Jan 2022 | ESLteachers
Often dubbed as a food paradise, Hong Kong is home to an envious range of world-famous local delicacies. While many of these dishes suit the popular palate, there are also plenty of unusual ones that are more of an acquired taste. Today, let’s be adventurous and explore some of the weirdest yet wonderful food that you can find in the city.
English Newspapers in Hong Kong
10 Nov 2021 | ESLteachers
As a bilingual city, Hong Kong isn’t short of English-language newspapers. Local English newspapers do not only allow NETs in Hong Kong to catch up with current affairs in the city, but also provide good materials for teaching resources.
Get to Know Hong Kong's Amazing Olympians
7 Oct 2020 | ESLteachers
This year in Tokyo, Team Hong Kong played its best Olympics Games in history, snatching a total of six medals, including one gold, two silvers and three bronzes. As we celebrate the city’s long-awaited Olympic victories, let’s get to know more about some of Hong Kong’s top athletes!
Industry News: China’s Tuition Ban Diminishes Demand for ESL Teachers, but Hong Kong is Not Affected
7 Sep 2021 | ESLteachers
The education industry in China has long been hyper-competitive, allowing ‘cram schools’ and tuition centres in the private sector to flourish for many years. Language training, which has provided substantial job opportunities for ESL/TEFL teachers, was one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative segments in the tutoring scene in China.
Teaching Abroad in a Post-Covid World: Why Hong Kong is a Great Destination to Consider
10 Aug 2021 | ESLteachers
As Covid-19 and its aftermath continue to ravage some parts of the world, a few places have managed to keep the virus under control and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hong Kong is one of the locations where normality has largely resumed,
Language Center or School?
16 Jan 2020 | Theo
Teaching is an enriching experience. Regardless of the way you teach, each one comes with its own unique set of pros and cons. Below are some of the biggest differences between them:
Five English Books to Recommend to Your Students
24 Oct 2019 | Theo
While I’d be the first person to recommend all the Harry Potter books, I’m pretty sure most people aren’t as much of a Potterhead as myself. Instead, below are listed the best books I have read/remember reading at various ages and their recommended ages. Some students may be at stages that differ from the recommended reading level, so it’s best to suggest off of what you know.
3 Tips for Increasing Student Participation in an ESL Classroom
31 May 2019 | Veronica
1. Make sure your warmer is just that – a warmer. The English level required should already be completely familiar to students, easy to understand, and easy to play. Set the tone for the lesson from the minute you walk in with an engaging & communicative warm up. Too often teachers make the mistake of setting a task that is too difficult to start off!
ESL/EFL Lesson Planning
31 May 2019 | Veronica
As a new EFL teacher, one of the hardest parts of lesson planning is knowing where to start. Read on for some suggested guidelines to help you know how to write a lesson plan that is engaging, active, and educational!
Housing In Hong Kong: Everything You Need to Know
12 Mar 2019 | Veronica
Hong Kong’s real estate is famous for being some of the most expensive globally. So how do English teachers make it work? Read on for ESLteachers’ recommended steps for finding your home in the city, as well as answers to the most common questions for finding accommodation in Hong Kong!
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Complete an Employment Visa Extension
14 Dec 2018 | Veronica
This guide explains the procedures for a working (employment) visa extension with the same sponsor. Please refer to the Immigration Department website for detailed information or other applications.
Learning Cantonese Part 3: Useful Apps and Resources for Learning and Practicing Cantonese
2 Nov 2018 | Veronica
If you haven’t yet, check out Part 1: 8 Reasons Why You Should Learn Cantonese and Part 2: Where to Learn Cantonese in Hong Kong! Here are some Cantonese-specific tips, apps, and resources to help you learn Cantonese! For general language learning suggestions, I recommend you check out these common mistakes language learners make and how to fix them.
Learning Cantonese Part 2: Where to Learn Cantonese in Hong Kong
1 Nov 2018 | Veronica
Aren’t sure yet that you should learn Cantonese? Check out part 1 on 8 Reasons Why You Should Learn Cantonese! Fast, Good, Cheap. Pick two. When it comes to Cantonese classes in Hong Kong, you’ll end up compromising on something. I’ve written this guide based on personal experience and reviews from colleagues with the goal of helping you find the school that best matches your needs.
Learning Cantonese Part 1: 8 Reasons Why You Should Learn Cantonese!
31 Oct 2018 | Veronica
Thinking about studying Cantonese? Check out these 8 reasons why you should learn Cantonese.
How to Deal with Culture Shock
17 Sep 2018 | Veronica
You’ve been in Hong Kong a few days, weeks, or months, you post online about this amazing adventure you’re on, and in so many ways it’s all the excitement you imagined. And then there are moments that you (perhaps inexplicably) feel disoriented, detached, depressed, isolated.
How to Eat at a Wet Market Cooked Food Center
12 Sep 2018 | Veronica
They’re loud, they’re chaotic, and potentially very overwhelming (especially if you have bad memories of your high school cafeteria). They’re also very cheap, very fast, and usually delicious!
5 Must-Try Foods in Hong Kong
6 Sep 2018 | Veronica
This article has been years in the making. I personally have done the very hard work of eating countless delicious meals to bring you this list. I have done that, for you, new-arrivals-in-Hong Kong (and you, been-in-Hong Kong-for years-but-never-leave-the-island)! You’re welcome in advance.
The First Day of School – Confessions from an English Teacher
6 Sep 2018 | Veronica
Who’s heard that being an English teacher in Asia is easy? Lots of holidays, often only minimal experience needed, being with cute kids all day. Should be a breeze, right? Now picture answering the phone the day before you’re meant to start work because another school needs a cover teacher that day and your agency is wondering if you can do it.
6 Reasons To Teach English In Hong Kong
6 Sep 2018 | Veronica
1. East Meets West – If you’re considering Asia for the first time, or if you’re a bit intimidated about culture shock, Hong Kong is the perfect place to live. Walk around neighbourhoods like Sheung Wan to see exactly how East meets West here as you pass a western coffee shop followed by a traditional Chinese medicine store side by side, hearing French, English, Mandarin, and Cantonese as you go…
4 Must-Have Apps for Life in Hong Kong
29 Aug 2018 | Veronica
Delete those photos from 3 years ago, get rid of that ex’s phone number that is just bad news in your phone anyways, do whatever you need to make space for these 4 apps to get you through daily life in Hong Kong …
How to Find Your Tribe in Hong Kong
29 Aug 2018 | Veronica
Hong Kong is a very transient city and as a result the expat community is very welcoming. It’s normal to be invited to tag along to a birthday party, going away party, or junk party of people you’ve never met. You can easily find other new arrivals to the city – as lost and as keen to explore as you are.
5 Unexpectedly Awesome Things About Hong Kong
20 Aug 2018 | Veronica
After moving to Hong Kong on a whim, I knew very little about what to expect from the city. Two and a half years later, these are 5 of the unexpectedly awesome things about Hong Kong that I love the most. Enjoy!