Job Discussion Forums

Brandon · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Boston

Hello,

I'm starting down the path to TEFL and have come across an opportunity to teach conversational English in China for 5 weeks. This, I believe will give me some good exposure to the process and experience (good and bad) to help me determine how I might want to proceed from there.
I also plan on getting TEFL certified here in Boston.

My question is this: Has anyone heard anything (good or bad) about
http://www.americachinateaching.org/ located in Boston?

Thanks for any info!

Brandon

Mr.T · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 1

Brandon--Unfortunately, I've never heard of ACT. I am, however, teaching in China right now. I may be able to answer some questions you have about coming over to teach here. I'm by no means an expert on TEFL, or China in general, but please let me know if I can help at all.

AT

carken · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:35 am Post subject:

No, I haven't heard of them, either, but after going to the website, I'm considering trying the summer program. I'm a certified experienced English/ESL teacher with U.S. and China experience. I don't see how you could go wrong with the summer program, which is basically a volunteer program with accomodation and flight paid. However, the long term wages are low, I think.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

No one seems to have heard of this organisation but here is a little barb: if they offer 5 week stints then they are cooperating with crooks since you are not going to be allowed to work in China legally. The minimum period of employment normally is half a year, which makes obtaining your legal documentation by youremployer worthwhile. Note that you will have to undergo a medical examination before you can get a work visa. Typically, an employer forks out over RMB 1000 to sponsor you - which they won't do for 5 weeks only!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I haven't heard of ACT, but when I was in grad school and wanted to spend my summer break teaching I found a job through the U.S.-China Educational Exchange. (At least, I think that's what they're called.) They're based in New York. You do have to pay a small fee to be placed at a school ($50). A lot of people might tell you it's not worth it, and for long-term jobs I agree, but for the short term, I was willing just for the convenience. They were reputable, answered all my questions, and, to address Roger's point, got me the correct visa. They paid for housing, but not for airfare, so overall I think I lost money, but it was worth it to spend a month in China.

They have long-term placements, study abroad options, travel options, etc., so I think that they are a cut or two above the stereotypical ruthless placement agencies that you might hear about. They handled everything very professionally.

d

Cdaniels · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 4:25 am Post subject: Look Again

I am also looking into ACT. There is ~$500 fee for the summer program. In a strange way this isn't a paid teaching position, because instead of getting a salary, the plane tickets are prepaid, Perhaps legally it might be classified as a volunteering? It's a little scary, because it seems you have to take the entire package and hope thet they have made decent arrangements. If they are truly well connected, this would be a great opportunity. They also seem to have ambitions to expand quickly and provide TEFL training as well as placement.