Job Discussion Forums

[msscha01]

I had an interview with Linguarama (possibly the Rome branch?). They told me the interview would be via Skype, which I've done plenty of times before via video or audio. However, the entire interview was done with text, and the interviewer kept disconnecting. The questions were predictable, but I was not given a chance to ask my own questions at the end of the interview. This all seemed strange.

Two days later they send me a contract for €2300 per month. They are asking me to fly out in two weeks. I'm an American, not an EU citizen, and they didn't mention anything about the process of getting a visa.

I've emailed them asking if I could talk to an actual human being before taking the job.

This all seems rushed: one TYPED interview, no information on a working visa for an American, and it starts in two weeks. Is this normal for Italy, or for this school? Are working visas easy enough to get for Americans that I can fly over there in two weeks with no worries? Does anyone have experience with this school?

[spiral78]

Oh, this is bad news, and I'm very sorry to be the first to burst your bubble.


This is 99.99% going to be a SCAM. Don't do it!!

They cannot get you a visa. They will be asking for some money from you, if they have not already.

1. European employers almost never hire from abroad, unless you have very high-level specialist qualifications which they have a serious need for. This will not apply to Linguarama.

2. The salary you quote is quite high for the region.

3. It is VERY rare for a non-EU citizen to qualify for a visa as an EFL teacher in this part of the world. I literally know two, in my 15+ years in the European region.

I suggest you place a call to the actual school. I believe you will find that someone shady has hijacked their name.

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes. Definitely do not recommend your flying out under these circumstances!!

[Xie Lin]

I agrree with Spiral. This is definitely a scam. The "interview" by text is another red flag, in addition to the others mentioned. It could be fun to play along with this--accept the "job," and then wait to see when and how the request for money happens. Report back to us, of course!

.

[Sashadroogie]

Yip. Sounds most definitely like a scam. Agree with previous replies.

[msscha01]

After some further research I see you are correct. The phone number they supplied (+390694801641) came up as the number in a similar scam with the same contract conditions:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=103095

Thank you for your advice. Sounded too good to be true, just wanted to get thoughts from others.

[msscha01]

After some further research I see you are correct. The phone number they supplied (+390694801641) came up as the number in a similar scam with the same contract conditions:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=103095

Thank you for your advice. Sounded too good to be true, just wanted to get thoughts from others.

Here is the ad:
Linguarama has a range of established and thriving language training centres in major cities across Europe. Due to growth and internal development we have vacancies arising at these throughout the year, particularly in early autumn. We are seeking qualified and experienced teachers as well as new teachers of sufficient calibre to add to our teams. We offer the following:


Full-time English Teachers - Milan, Rome and Turin
Linguarama Location Milan, Rome and Turin, Italy
Experience 1 to 2 years
Positions 8


Qualifications

- A degree.
- Valid passport.
- Good organizational and interpersonal skills
- Commitment and flexibility


Compensation
For those joining our company we offer the following:

- induction, on-going training and support;
- an excellent range of materials;
- opportunities for structured career development;
- a professional, positive and supportive teaching environment; and
- assistance with initial travel and accommodation.

Salaries range from 2,200 to 2435 euros per month depending on experience and grade.


If you meet these requirements, please forward your CV, passport, degrees/certificates, recent photograph and your proffered job location to US:



Linguarama Roman

Mr Marcus Evans
Address: Via Po, 72, 00198 Rome, Ital
E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]
Tel: +390694801641
Skype: linguaramaroman

[msscha01]

They also included this information for the "flight."

Air Italy/Alitalia
Mr Mark Giorgio
E-mail: [email protected]
Skype: AlitaliacityLiner

[spiral78]

Thanks for letting everyone know - and good job that you didn't fall for it.

[msscha01]

Is there any authority to whom these scammers can be reported?

[spiral78]

Not really; it's an international thing and usually no-one really wants to get involved. It's very useful to create a thread, such as you have done here, and otherwise it's really a case of caveat emptor.

[Xie Lin]