Job Discussion Forums

[mgoblue424]

Hi, all! Im new to the cafe, and looking into getting some info on the Hess schools.


Im very interested in their progam, and other schools as well. I am looking for a big change in life in the States, and this sounded very appealing to me.

Specifically, how do they handle things. Ive heard about people being able to save a fair amount of money, but Im interested in all opinions.

Here actually is a list of things im wondering about that i have not been able to get from their site. Please, if you have any knowledge, please share!

-do they provide airfare to taiwan for those in the States or elsewhere
-what are the differences in the different types of contracts?
-do they offer housing or a housing allowance?
-are teaching terms typically one-two years?
-are teachers place in housing, or is there onsite housing, or a subsidy?



ok, quite the laundry list, but i know some of the answers, but am having a hard time putting it all together. any help would be greatly appreciated! I believe I would be a good match for their program- i have an MSW, so i appreciate cultural differences, as well I have worked with children of all ages and am looking for a new adventure.

Any thoughts appreciated!


Steve in Michigan, USA

[wix]

Hess has got its own entry in Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hess_Educational_Organization

[sbettinson]

I work for Hess. Here are answers in brief to you laundry list.

-do they provide airfare to taiwan for those in the States or elsewhere

No, you pay your own fare. They state that the end of year bonus though will pay a lot of your return fare though. It doesn't pay all of it though.

-what are the differences in the different types of contracts?

They offer language school (bushiban) or both kindy and bushiban.

-do they offer housing or a housing allowance?

No, you pay for your own place.


-are teaching terms typically one-two years?

In Taiwan, all contracts must be signed for 1 year. After 1 year though you can resign for 6 months with Hess. Initially though, only 1 year.

-are teachers place in housing, or is there onsite housing, or a subsidy?

No onsite housing is available. They help you find housing when you are placed at your branch. When you arrive in Taiwan they pay for a hotel while you do your initial training. When you move to your allocated city they will pay for a hotel for a few nights while they help you find an apartment. All cases are individually assessed and work according to your branch's budget. I got a fantastic 5 star hotel in Taichung with my girlfriend as the cost was split, but other people didn't get the same deal. They got average hotels.


Hope this helps. PM me if you want more info.

[Ki]

What they 'offer' and what you are actually offered are often two totally different things. Be prepared for split shifts, working at two or three different locations or being stuck in a small town. That said, they are probably a good option for newbies wanting the security of a 'job upon arrival'.

[mgoblue424]

thanks all. i will at least send in an app. this is all new to me. im not looking for a million dollars or anything, just a legit chance to go overseas and see a bit of the world.

[markholmes]

You may also want to try www.kojenenglish.com . They are also a well known chain school, probably fairly similar to Hess in set up. However they only operate in larger towns / cities, so you won't get stuck in the middle of nowhere.

It is unusual for jobs in Taiwan to pay for flights and accomodation. Kojen and probably Hess usually offer short term accomodation when you arrive, until you've got yourself set up.

You will be able to save money with both companies, but how much depends on your life style and the exchange rate (presumably you are planning on taking these savings with you). Don't plan on being able to save anything in the first few months.