Job Discussion Forums

wholmes1325 · Joined: 17 Aug 2014 Posts: 15

Hey guys! My name is will and I'm new to the forum. Firstly I'd like to thank you in advance for all your support. I could really use some help as I've been trying to teach in Vietnam for almost a year (with little luck, but still eager would love to work in HCMC!) but have decided to set my sites on China and Korea.

Is Gold Star Tefl reputable?
Anyone have any feedback from their own experiences?
Which of their programs should I choose from?
Was sent some information on the "EF" schools, any feedback?

Eager for all the info (other websites, job sites, people to speak to, etc) you guys/gals can give. Thanks again. Speak to you all soon!
Very Happy

eihpos · Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Posts: 331

Hello!
I've worked in China, Korea and Vietnam. I think Gold Star are ok - as recruiters go. I was in touch with them a few years ago, but didn't end up going with them. They primarily deal with Wall Street and EF. You can apply directly to both. You don't really need a recruiter, but I can understand using one if it's you first time teaching abroad. I worked for EF in China for a while. Some people will tell you to steer clear, but I guess they are good when you are starting out. You have to be aware that Wall Street and EF are businesses rather than schools and care about how you dress more/as much as than how you teach! some People don't mind that though - I didn't, for a while! Overall, if you are going to China, you can do better that EF. A uni job would be a better bet.
In Vietnam, If you have a CELTA or equivalent, you can get a job pretty easily with ILA or Apollo, good for new teachers. I worked for ILA in HCMC. I found ILA a more satisfying experience as a teacher than EF.
You have to register on the Korea forum to talk about stuff related to there, but it was my first job and the best place for a new teacher in my opinion.
You might want to consider Japan (ECC, AEON) or Indonesia too!
People are very helpful on these forums, so ask away and use the search function too!

Listerine · Joined: 15 Jun 2014 Posts: 340

Recent thread.....

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=104617

wholmes1325 · Joined: 17 Aug 2014 Posts: 15

Great thanks for your help folks!

Anyone else have any feedback? Any ideas on other ways to teach in Vietnam or China?

Your help is greatly appreciated!

3701 W.119th · Joined: 26 Feb 2014 Posts: 386 Location: Central China

EF-owned centres that are run centrally from Shanghai - go for it, generally very well-run, on the proviso they are only as good as the manager (usually pretty good).

EF centres that are franchises - go for it, on the proviso that they will ONLY be good if the manager is (which is hit-and-miss, the brand being a massive money-sponge, as with any franchise).

Gold Star are a legit recruiter, but they will be filling the franchise schools. Why use them? If you want to work for EF, WS, etc., best applying directly on their site. You'll be placed with a centrally-run centre, and have a recruiter that works for the company to help you along the way, rather than a third party.

wholmes1325 · Joined: 17 Aug 2014 Posts: 15

Great thanks for the advice!

And information on Blacklisted Chinese/Korean schools?
Any other websites I can go to for Chinese Job Postings?

3701 W.119th · Joined: 26 Feb 2014 Posts: 386 Location: Central China

Oh dear. I hope this isn't another CFTU reach-around (if you don't know what that means, then good. I wish I didn't either.)

There is no black list, in China at least. It's a country with a fifth of the world's population. Hell of a list!

If you want a uni job in China, choose a province/city and apply directly to the school (you're late for the plum jobs, mind. School's started.)

If you want to work at a 'mill', apply directly on their website.

I don't know anything about Korea.