A Day in the Life of an ESL Teacher in Hong Kong

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to teach English in Hong Kong? It’s a city where East and West come together — a blend of tradition and modernity, with ancient temples, towering skyscrapers, busy streets, and some of the best street food around. For ESL teachers, it’s a place full of opportunities, but it also comes with its share of challenges. From adjusting to a new culture to finding your rhythm in the classroom, there’s a lot to take in — and a lot to learn.

To help you get a clearer picture, we’ve put together this “day in the life” guide so you can start to imagine what living and teaching in Hong Kong might really look like.

7:30 AM – Wake Up in Your Hong Kong Apartment

Like most big cities, Hong Kong mornings start early. Teachers usually live in compact but efficient apartments, often provided or subsidised by their employer. You might be living in Kowloon, on Hong Kong Island, or even in the New Territories, depending on your school.

Breakfast could be a quick coffee and pastry from a local bakery — or maybe a bowl of congee or some dim sum.

8:15 AM – Commute to Your ESL Job

The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is fast, clean, and reliable. Most ESL teachers rely on it to get to work. Rush hour can be busy, but everything runs like clockwork. Some teachers also commute by minibus or even ferry, depending on their location.

9:00 AM – Morning Classes Begin

A typical morning might involve:

·      Teaching phonics or grammar

·      Leading an interactive storytelling session for young learners

·      Helping students prep for oral English exams

Classes are usually 30–50 minutes, with some planning time in between.

12:30 PM – Lunch Break

Lunch is often provided if you work in a public or international school. In language centres, you’ll likely eat nearby. Expect everything from local noodles and roast meats to international chains like McDonald’s or Starbucks.

If you’re on a budget, a local lunch set (soup, rice, main) might cost HK$40–60 (GBP £4–£6).

1:30 PM – Afternoon Classes + Lesson Planning

Afternoons may involve:

·      One-on-one tutoring or small group speaking practice

·      Creative writing classes

·      Grading homework or giving feedback

If you work at a language centre, your hours may start later (e.g. 11 am–7 pm or 1 pm–9 pm), with peak classes in the afternoon or evening after school hours.

4:30 PM – End of the School Day (or a Short Break)

If you’re at a public or international school, your day usually wraps up around 4:00–4:30 PM. You might have staff meetings or prep time afterwards.

Language centre teachers often continue working into the evening — but may enjoy mid-morning start times and weekdays off.

6:00 PM – Explore Hong Kong!

After work, it’s time to enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer. Some ideas:

·      Grab dinner at a night market or noodle shop

·      Hike up to Victoria Peak or Dragon’s Back

·      Meet friends for rooftop drinks in Central

·      Take a ferry to Lamma Island for seafood

·      Enjoy cheap movie nights or karaoke

Weekends are often filled with hiking, beach trips, exploring nearby islands, or even weekend getaways to Macau or Shenzhen.

10:30 PM – Wind Down

Life in Hong Kong can be fast-paced, but it’s also exciting and rewarding. After a day of teaching, exploring, and maybe squeezing in a Cantonese lesson or two, most teachers are ready to crash and recharge for the next day.

Teaching English in Hong Kong is more than just a job — it’s an experience that will challenge you, shape you, and stay with you forever. From professional development to cultural immersion, it’s a chance to live and work in one of the world’s most unique cities.

If teaching in Hong Kong sounds like the right fit for you, our team is here to help. We work with trusted schools and language centres across the city to connect teachers with the opportunities that suit them best. Ready to take the next step? Apply now or get in touch — we’re happy to help you find your perfect match.