Job Discussion Forums

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

I am currently finishing an obligation for a program run by SIWA and as i will no longer be under contract, I would be glad to answer questions.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I am interested to see answers to several questions recently discussed between a not-so cooperative TEFLer (self-professed) and others.

To begin with: what does this acronym stand for?
How long has it been in operation?
Is it legit?
Do all its FTs work legally?
So, and finally, what's the beef of some with this outfit?

Brian Caulfield · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 1247 Location: China

Don't know what the acronym stands for but they have an affiliation in South Korea . They used to be called ELS and in Taiwan were called ELSI.
They run well structured programs and stand behind their teachers . The pay is low but for a new teacher it is good because they get training .

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

Not sure what you mean by beef, but I will try and answer your other questions..or I will pm you the phone number and you can feel free to ask yourself.
Not sure what SIWA stand for but they are the company that started athe 21 century School and kindergarden. These two schools started strong but have lost a little street cred over the last few years. Again not sure as to the length of service but at least 3 years going in their International Program for which I work. I took over for a guy who left the program without any notice, reportedly because of a attack in South China that left him needing an extended medical attention. Since that time I have seen 3 more teachers come and go...and although this company has the right to hire and provide z visas, all of the teachers had Fs except for the one I replaced and myself. I never had a contract and was compensated 10k for 8 hours class room work. They are disbanding this program but will replace it with a new one at a another college. I hope this clears up your questions. As to a recomendation as to wheither I would recomend this company..I can say they have always paid me so far but the unsurity of the programs involved would make me think twice about accepting another position. Also the lact of attention to paperwork would worry me as I think they will only do what is necessary but then again..that is normal. I would never try an deal with plane tickets and so forth as it would leave room for deceiving particulers in a contract and as I went for cold cash I have had no problem with money so far.