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Hong Kong: Childrens Tutor:
8th June 2004
Greetings Dave,
In reference to your enquiry for an at-home tutor for your 14-year-old son, I would be pleased to apply for such a position of employ. You are welcome to contact me directly for further details. Following is a brief excerpt of my career history, skills, interests and qualifications.
I am a Canadian citizen and I also have British Right of Abode. I have been most fortunate to have lived and worked as an expat in various countries such as Hong Kong and England. I am especially knowledgeable about Hong Kong. My travels have taken me across the globe from Europe to South East Asia and other interesting destinations. I am interested in other cultures, and I work well with people of all nationalities and ages.
I am a female communications expert with substantial history both in Canada and the international arena. Some of my family members are or have been school teachers and ESL tutors. My part-time English teaching history has been varied and included, for example, instructing a Hong Kong based Japanese client in American business English.
Although I have authored advertising copy (text) for international trade and business magazines as well as communiqués for special events, I am most comfortable with facilitating, instructing and public speaking. My elocution is excellent and I am well versed in the American, Canadian and British English language variations, applications and accents.
In addition to my communications profession, I continue to volunteer for various non-profit societies. I especially enjoy helping people, and can motivate and relay information in ways that are easily understood. With strong interpersonal and organizational skills, I am self-motivated and creative.
I am preparing to return to Hong Kong in the capacity of tutor. If you are interested in communicating further, please contact me at the coordinate below. I will also appreciate further details pertaining to your situation. I will be pleased to forward my résumé and any other information that may be of help to you and your family as you prepare for your journey to Hong Kong.
Sincerely,
Enya Sharen
E-mail. panorama-place@shaw.ca
Hong Kong: Short-term HK rental for family of 5:
08June 2004
Hello cjgerard,
Re. HK Accommodation for Family of Five:
Please also refer to my reply to this forums' writer," tjc ".
In addition to the alternatives I suggested to ' tjc ' you should also take into consideration your budget, expenses, children's ages, place of work (?) and schools (if the children will attend summer shool or not (?) - but especially, your interests.
If you are paying for all your expenses by yourself and not benefitting from a full or partial ex-pat package - then a well planned budget is vital.
The New Territories tend to be more economical, and there are many expats who live in good apartments/flats and other accomodation - including people who are employed by the HK Polytechnic, University and so on. The commute from the mainland NT, however, may not be ideal for your children if they are holidaying for only one month.
If ocean and beaches are important, Clear Water Bay is a lovely area, as is Sai Kung and surrounding villages. You might be able to secure rental of a house for a decent fee: many UK and other expats return to their homeland for the summer school break. Rental companies can provide contacts (for which you will have to pay), but you might also consider researching the major HK newspapers, embassies/consulates and especially, the private social/recreational clubs: HK American Club, Ladies Recreational Club, USRC, Kowloon Cricket Club, HK Rugby Club. Well known schools such as the Int'l. American School, Canadian School, Swiss-German school, KGV (King George 5th), Montessori, et al - may know of teachers/parents who have homes for short term summer rent.
The major business and shopping districts are exciting and interesting to visit (though not the only venues to see!) - but the cost of living is proportionatley higher in those places - as is the noise and air pollution.
The Helena May in Hong Kong Central is worth looking into also although no guarantee that they yet accept families. I suggest this excellent alternative because of the supberb central location on HK-side (close to Central) and within easy access to all of the major sites. Aside from the main building there, there are also independent, basic villas on-site that can be rented short term. The manager of The Helena May might also be able to suggest something for you: everyone in HK has a contact, and many know of people who own various properties and who would be willing to rent short term.
You will need a kitchen and euro style bathroom - especially as you have children. Depending on their ages and size they can either share larger beds and/or double-up in bunk-beds.
August in HK is very hot and humid. Air conditioning is highly recommended after a long day of sighteeing - but not always necessary. It depends on your comfort levels and needs.
Renting a house in Clear Water Bay and/or on one of the islands - will probably be more conducive to happy children on vacation! You should however, be within taxi access of a hospital in case of emergencies.
I hope this information is of some help.
Sincerely,
Enya Sharen
Hong Kong: Accomodation in Hong Kong:
08th June 2004
Hello tjc,
Re. Hong Kong Accomodation:
A budget of HK$8K is the absolute bare minimum you will need to secure safe, clean and decent accomodation that is close to or within reasonable commuting distance of Central or Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon).
Most ot the factors that affect your place of abode are: budget, expenses, ease and length of commute, working hours, local or ex-pat community or a community that is an interesting mix of everything.
I lived as an expat in HK(& travelled as a visitor to). The various locales with which I am familiar, are all superb in very different ways:
Wan Chai: within walking, tram, subway & other distance to the MTR (subway), Star Ferry, Peak Tram, The Tram and main island districts of Wan Chai, Admiralty Central, Causeway Bay and Happy Valley.
If you choose to live anywhere close to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, expect convenience - but some noise and air pollution. These locations are a good place to start however. There is one superbly located and little known gem of a place called, The Helena May. I have stayed there during brief visits to HK and the location and other convenient amenities were unrivalled. The place is old and lovely looking, but the amenities are very basic. It is stricly females only (has been since its inception...but the rule may have changed by now). The Central HK location is wonderful, but the noise and pollution - are not recommended fora long term stay. Helena May's costs have almost doubled in the past couple of years, however, so best to research their website for more information.
http://www.helenamay.com/index.html
Mid Levels is a step up - both in ameneties and location - as well as price. Many highrises to choose from. The Peak will probably be out of your budget for now though.
Pok Fu Lam is a fairly short bus/taxi drive from Central and it is one of the more sought after, middle-of-the-road places to live.
Causeway Bay and Happy Valley (close to the main venue for horse races, annual HK Rugby Sevens and major outdoor concerts) are also convenient - but the noise and air pollution negates some of the positives.
The other side of Hong Kong island offers some good opportunities too, such as Stanley (as in Market), etc.
Kowloon side, which is where your employment is, will probably be your best bet in terms of accomodation. Research such areas as Jordan (though not as 'secure') but close to major MTR and places such as the USRC (United Services Recreational Club) & the KCC (Kowloon Cricket Club).
A much longer commute will take you to places such as Clear Water Bay and Sai Kung. All areas that are well renowned for sea food, beaches and hill walking. Lots of interesting, ancient villages as well. I once lived in Long Mei Tsuen (phonetic) or Dragon Tail Village. We had a huge house with a view - but the lengthy and complicated commute before and after a long working day was difficult.
Discovery Bay (a.k.a. Disco Bay) has seen an explosion of development in the past decade. It is not the easiest commute - nor is it the most difficult, and there are many moderately priced flats to choose from, as well as a generous dose of expats from varied backgrounds.
Islands such as Lantau and some of the smaller ones, are much cheaper to live on. Positives are the healther air and sound environment - and smaller enclaves. More of a mix of business & arty expats as well as more rural focussed locals. Negatives are the longer and limited commutes by ferry - and sometimes, fairly long walks through villages to flats. Amenities can range from deluxe to extremely basic.
I suggest you look for a flat-share situation first. Commit to only a month or three at the most. A desposit of 2 to 3 months is usually required up front. You will probably need to secure a fully furnished flat and will need at the very least, a small kitchenette and euro-style bathroom. Look at the premises well in advance, meet your flat-mate(s) in advance. As for the contract, take your time and read all of it...especially the small print. Details are sometimes negotiable.
If you have no contacts prior to your visit to HK, I suggest you communicate with your home country embassy/consulate. You can also look at the major english newspapers such as The Standard and the South China Morning Post.
There are many social/recreational clubs and associations that cater to expats as well as locals, and they might provide some valuable information, if not contacts.
Prior to your arrival in HK, I strongly advise that you secure some type of temporary accomodation until you are more comfortable about the territory, people, culture, language and other relevant factors.
Hong Kong is an extremely expensive place to live, but with some good research, planning and a heavy dose of reality as well as a sense of adventure - it can be a most exciting place to live.
Learn as much as you can about HK in advance. It is esp. wise to learn some basic Cantonese phrases - much of which you will pick up when you are there. Publications such as The "Lonely Planet Guides", the "Hong Kong Expat Guide", "Discover Hong Kong" and other texts will be most helpful.
Best wishes that your forthcoming adventures in Hong Kong be all you hope for.
Jao la!
Enya Sharen
Kenya: Kenya: Communications & P.R. / ESL Instruction:
I am initiating research re. employment in Kenya, and welcome advice from other professionals there.
I am a communications and P.R. person with substantial experience in travel & culture writing, international media, special events & stakeholder relations.
Fundraising, community relations and english instruction (ESL) make up my non-profit volunteer profile.
I have lived and worked as an expat in various countries including Hong Kong and England (marketing & communications in the int'l. trade & telecommunications industries).
With thanks, any relevant advice is most welcome - especially as it pertains to female expats working & living in Kenya.
Trinidad & Tobago: Trinidad & Tobago: Communications / ESL Instructor:
I am initiating research re. employment & volunteer projects in Trinidad & Tobago, and welcome advice/suggestions from other professionals there.
I am a communications and P.R. person with substantial experience in travel & culture writing, international media, special events & stakeholder relations.
Fundraising, community relations and english instruction (ESL) make up my non-profit volunteer experience profile.
I have lived and worked as an expat in various countries including Hong Kong and England (marketing & communications in the int'l. trade & telecommunications industries).
Any relevant advice is most welcome. with thanks.
India: India: Communications & P.R. / ESL Instruction:
I am initiating research re. employment & volunteer projects in India, and welcome advice from other professionals there.
I am a communications and P.R. person with substantial experience in travel & culture writing, international media, special events & stakeholder relations.
Fundraising, community relations and english instruction (ESL) make up my non-profit volunteer experience profile.
I have lived and worked as an expat in various countries including Hong Kong and England (marketing & communications in the int'l. trade & telecommunications industries).
Any relevant advice is most welcome. with thanks.
Honduras: Honduras: Communications, P.R. / ESL Instruction:
I am initiating research re. employment & volunteer projects in Honduras, and welcome advice/suggestions from other professionals there.
I am a communications and P.R. person with substantial experience in travel & culture writing, international media, special events & stakeholder relations.
Fundraising, community relations and english instruction (ESL) make up my non-profit volunteer experience profile.
I have lived and worked as an expat in various countries including Hong Kong and England (marketing & communications in the int'l. trade & telecommunications industries).
Any relevant advice is most welcome. with thanks.
Costa Rica: Costa Rica: Communications, P.R &/or Volunteer:
I am initiating research re. employment &/or Volunteer projects in Costa Rica, and welcome advice/suggestions from other professionals there.
I am a communications and P.R. person with substantial experience in travel & culture articles, international media, special events & stakeholder relations.
Fundraising, community relations and english teaching make up my non-profit volunteer experience profile.
I have lived and worked as an expat in various countries including Hong Kong and England (marketing & communications: int'l. trade & tele-communications).
Any relevant advice is most welcome. with thanks.
British Virgin Islands: B.V.I.: Communications & P.R.:
I am initiating research re. employment in British Virgin Islands, and welcome advice/suggestions from other professionals there.
I am a communications and P.R. person with substantial experience in travel & culture articles, international media, special events & stakeholder relations.
Fundraising, community relations and english teaching make up my non-profit volunteer experience profile.
I have lived and worked as an expat in various countries including Hong Kong and England (marketing & communications: int'l. trade & tele-communications).
Any relevant advice is most welcome. with thanks.
Bermuda: Bermuda: Communications & P.R.:
I am initiating research re. employment in Bermuda, and welcome advice/suggestions from other professionals there.
I am a communications and P.R. person with substantial experience in travel & culture articles, international media, special events & stakeholder relations. As a volunteer also, fundraising, community relations and english teaching make up my non-profit experience profile.
I have lived and worked as an expat in various countries including Hong Kong and England (marketing & communications: int'l. trade & tele-communications).
Any relevant advice is most welcome. with thanks.
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