Job Discussion Forums

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

I was in Hangzhou recently and interviewed with the Hangzhou Helen company.
The contract I was offered did not in any way match what was advertised on their website. The contract I was shown did not even offer a salary or travel bonus for the Winter or Summer holidays.
I was not allowed to call or email any current foreign teachers, and the apartment they put me in for two nights was rat and roach infested and the bedding was unwashed and smelled of sweat and body odor.
No one ever asked me about any of my credentials or experience. It really did not seem to matter if I was qualified, they just seemed to want to sign anyone.
I did meet one of their current teachers in the lobby, and she told me that she had to pay for all of her own transportation and the medical check for her visa inside China, After almost 3 months she is still waiting to be reimbursed for her expenses and to be sent to Hong Kong to have her tourist visa changed to a work visa.
The impression that I got is that they offer you anything to get you in the door, and then do not follow up on their offers.
Fortunately I am in China already. I would hate to travel half-way around the world to be offered a contract that does not even come close to what is advertised on their website.

80daze · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 118 Location: China

Thanks for the warning - one I'll definitely avoid!

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

It's been a few years now, but I had a go-'round with this lot as well, concerning summer school woes. My advice was and still is, stay away from them!

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

I thought China TEFL network was just a website which schools would advertise on, then FT's would contact the school's directly.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

DosEquisX · Joined: 09 Dec 2010 Posts: 361

It would be nice to get a thread set up where we can create a recruiters blacklist. Yeah, I know there are countless recruiters out there. But getting some names and testimonials for shady recruiters would be nice so people can be steered out of getting screwed.

I think the Korea board has the same thing since recruiters are basically the only way to go if you are out of the country.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

I got an email from "Helen Consulting" and my response was "I am sorry but I will have to pass. There is much negative information on Helen Consulting, aka Hangzhou Helen, or whatever new name is being utilized. Thank you."