Job Discussion Forums

[SALLYKERNICK]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone had any comments or warnings about Anglo-Hellenic, the agency that places teachers throughout Greece?
I discovered their website the other day and the deal looks really good, but after reading a few comments on these message boards I have learnt that it is better not to believe everything that is promised by these recruiters!

Many thanks

Sally

[Iulbahar]

I asked some friends of mine who run a school about this, and the only dealings they have ever had with Mr Beech were when they asked him to find a teacher and he never replied.
There are a couple of negative comments on the Job Information Journal though, so I would be careful. I had a look at the website and it looks OK, but if you go ahead I would ask for the address and phone number of the Frontistirio you are planning to go to and speak to them yourself before you actually arrive in Greece.
Like any agency, I think the conditions and pay vary considerably from place to place. Remember that Athens is very expensive; on the other hand islands can be very isolated and very dead in the winter and you would have less chance of finding another job if you have a problem with your assigned school.

[PrimaryTeacher]

If you are not an EU national, this organization wants nothing to do with you. This was their response to an American.

[Boy Wonder]

hi..in response to the query re Anglo Hellenic..
I applied to them in the late 90's from the UK after seeing their ad in the Guardian Ed Supp.The lady I spoke to seemed alright on the phone and soon set me up with a telephone interview with a school in Northern Greece.
Beware.though..they can talk the talk..and muggins here was led to believe he was going to have good accom...in a happening and vibrant town.
Wrong wrong wrong....exactly the opposite...
After arriving in Greece..my one and only contact with Anglo Hell came when they phoned up my school out of the blue during my 1st week to tell me that a young English girl was arriving in a day or two at a neighbouring school.
They made it clear that as the elder of the two... I would be doing my duty as a Gentlemen and an Englishmen to 'look after' her..i.e keep her company so that she didn't get too homesick.and scoot off back from where she had come!
Of course i didn't mind but that's the last I ever heard from Anglo Hell......they are there simply to place you in a vacancy....bit like a recriutment agency......There's no follow up....or feedback on your placement asked for.... In my case I'm not suprised ..as they probably knew just what they were sending me to!
By all means..use them to get a foothold in greece..but stick to the major cities....and don't expect too much in the way of concern once you're over there!

[Talkdoc]

I recently sent a detailed letter to Beech highlighting my current situation and asking him for some advice. This was in response to his canvas e-mail that you receive when you sign up for his yahoo discussion group.

His entire reply to my request consisted of resending me the same application/canvas e-mail with no additional comments. My sense is that a big part of his business is bringing in students for the language school that he is promoting/affiliated with. If he doesn't see a clear customer in you or a potential student for that school, then he has no interest.

That says it all.

Doc

[niko60]

Don't even waste your time with them, or Anglo-hellenic

[need4travel]

In response to the post about being an EU National to use Anglo-Hellenic.... I'm an American myself, and they placed me in Greece with no problems.
The only problem I have encountered, is with the Greek and American consulates, in trying to get my work permit. It seems like each consulate has different information, and I recommend doing thorough research before departing for Greece.

In regards to Anglo-Hellenic in general.... people who say they're "a bit like a recruiting agency" -- well, YEAH. That's exactly what it is, and as far as a recruiting agency goes, they're good. Just be assertive on your own part, and very very clear about what kind of position your looking for, what kind of town/city you want to be in, and what kind of flat you will/will not tolerate. However, if you're self-motivated enough to move to another country to teach, being assertive with the recruiting agency shouldn't be an issue