Job Discussion Forums

[haleynicole14]

I was seeing what was available, and since it's late to be looking, I figured a recruiter might be helpful. But I've decided it's better to wait and look for jobs starting in Spring term. My boyfriend and I got a few decent offers but nothing that was great enough to make me want to move with very little time to prepare. Most jobs advertised now want people to start immediately and are in less desirable areas.

[vikeologist]

I think people can start applying now for Feb start jobs at Uni. I know it sounds ridiculously early, since the jobs would start in five and a half months time, and obviously at this point, schools will be looking for more desirable candidates; experienced teachers with recognised qualifications and a track record of teaching in China, or at least outside their home country.

But Universities do love couples. (They need only one flat, and there's a reduced chance of them sleeping with students). Unfortunately the number of universities or public schools with two vacancies mid-way through the year will be relatively small.

Anyway, I'm glad that you're informed, or at least have opinions, about what makes for good or bad jobs and locations.

The Helen group really does have the worst reputation of any recruiter in China. If one or two people have bad experiences, it should be taken with a grain of salt, but that's not the case with this outfit. Of course it would always be nice to hear from the group themselves if they think they've addressed the complaints people have had in the past, or to hear of any positive experiences.

[choudoufu]

[haleynicole14]

Thanks vikeologist and choudoufu. I'll start emailing this week then.

[Bud Powell]

[choudoufu]

and remember it's more about the package, rather than just salary.
recruiters may have no ability to negotiate anything other than pay.

go direct to the school, negotiate with the fao. it's all negotiable;
maximum hours, 3-day weekends, no night classes, higher airfare
allowance, allowance or reimbursement, insurance allowance instead
of picc insurance, and so on.

get it in writing. not just emails, but included in the addendum to
the standard contract.

[parnett]

I had the displeasure of working for Miss Helen for 18 months- 6 in Shaoxing and 12 in Fuyang (both near Hangzhou). The only good things I can say about the place is they always paid on time and I had no problem getting my departure letter from them when I left.
As for the bad, the list could go on forever. The first experience I had with China TEFL was near Wuhan where I had taught for one year and had been put in contact with them by another recruiter. I agreed to take a university job through Helen and was told I needed to have my physical exam taken care of in Hubei Province before journeying to Zhejiang Province. I was given an address for the proper hospital and, along with my student translator, journeyed 4 hours to Yichang (the address I was given). We took a taxi to the address, and there was an empty lot. My student friend called Helen Group, and after much consultation, it was determined that not only had they sent me to the wrong address, but also the wrong city! I was supposed to have it done in Wuhan. I had to return to Ezhou, and then a few days later, take the train (with student) to Wuhan. What did I get for my troubles? An apology. Was I reimbursed for anything? Not a cent.
Getting my residency visa through them was an experience which cost me
more than $3000. If they had done their homework, I could have had it done for 1/6 of the costs.
One month, I worked more than 25 hours overtime, but received no extra pay. I went to their headquarters and argued with them for an hour with no results. I couldn't quit (they wouldn't give me the needed letter of departure), so I was up the proverbial river without a paddle. However, they told me I would receive a nice Christmas present (the first employee to ever get such a gift). On Christmas Day, they sent a driver with my gift to the school I worked at. What was my reward? A cheap coffee maker!! I don't even drink coffee!!!
I could go on and on. They are the most disorganized and dishonest people I have ever worked for. The contract is a joke (as is the salary). They are always quick to lay the blame on the school you are teaching at for contractual problems.
There are a couple of people who work there who are actually quite nice and sincere.
As for Helen, she does exist and makes an occasional appearance at the company's headquarters.

[vikeologist]

Parnett - When was this? Recently, or years ago?

Thanks for the information. Some nice solid details of the problems with them.

[Markness]

[Lancy Bloom]

What are other names for this consortium? Do they have schools in Taiwan?

[parnett]

Actually I worked almost 2 years with Helen (September 2011-July, 2013).
The biggest problem that most of the teachers had with the company was the fact that what was promised in the contract regarding the apartment never materialized. My contract stated that I would be housed in a four room apartment on campus with washing machine, computer etc. When I arrived at the school, I was immediately escorted to my "apartment." It was a small bedroom/bathroom with kitchen/laundry facilities in an unheated shack on the roof of the building. One washing machine was shared by four people. Each of us did all of our cooking in the bedrooms. Every time I visited my girlfriend, she said I smelled like a barbecue.
Of course, China TEFL blamed the school for the problem (and vice versa). They did send the manager to the school to resolve the problem, but nothing ever transpired.