Job Discussion Forums

Joel 1 · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 1

I am a Spanish teacher in the United States and I am interested in an internship being offered this summer in China. The name of the company is I - English Resource and Development. They advertise a small stipend but pay the airfare and room and board while there. The website is www.i-english.us and the company is located in Chicago. I am new to all this so I was wondering if anyone knew anything about this firm or has any advice. I hear and read so much about scams I wanted to do some research. I have the summer off and I just thought it migt be a good experience and improve my teaching skills. Not interested in the money. Also, I am certified in ESL in my state. I appreciate any feedback.

Muchisimas gracias

Joel 1

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

You are in all probability going to be loaned to a Chinese employer for whom the word "internship" is synonymous with "foreign slave willing to do corvee work".
You can't do "internships" in China, whatever "internships" means to you. You can, however, get a paid job just like anyone else. Whether your experience teaching in the PR of C counts towards anything anywhere in the world remains to be seen.

Cdaniels · Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 2:54 pm Post subject: Looked into similar deal

I looked into a similar program, mainly because prepaid airfare is so very tempting. I got some reports of somewhat bad experiences, but not entirely bad. For someone who has few alternatives for travel to China, expects "trial by fire," and goes in with eyes wide open, it may be a good opportunity. One hint I got was to be insistant and demand promised services as they come up. Don't be accomadating! They will likely try to short-change you, but generally respect assertiveness in China. Please tell me if you find out more!