Job Discussion Forums

shlomo · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

Hello,
I have seven years of high school social studies teaching experience, and am certified in two states. I am interested in teaching English in China in either the winter semester, or next fall. Does it make sense to go thru a recruiting agency, or should I just find a job myself? Also, there are two agency's that I am interested in- Global Crossroads Presents, and Americanchinateaching.org. Does anyone know anything about them? Are they legit.
Thanks, Shlomo

jester · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 111

This question has only been answered 1000 times. Do a search.

saint57 · Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 1:33 am Post subject:

Super Mario · Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 1:52 am Post subject:

I haven't heard of the 2 organisations you mention, but then I avoid recruiters.
Many schools advertise direct or you can get the info you need from a recruiter site [eg www.chinatefl.com ] then go direct to the school.

You'd have no trouble finding a decent job [ie, relatively short hours, relatively high pay in a city of your choice]. As a high school teacher myself, I enjoyed working with tertiary students, even though some are 13 masquerading as 20.
Certified teachers are quite rare amongst the EFL community in China.

HunanForeignGuy · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 989 Location: Shanghai, PRC

lollercauster · Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 418 Location: Inside-Out NYC

I apologize for his apology.

jester · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 111

Yeah, I also apologise for others' rudeness. I think that it would be best if you stay away from recruiters. If you Google it you will find tons of info on teaching here.
Sorry again

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Agents can be useful to newbies who don't know the country, the conduct of employers and whatever awaits them here. Most are, however, quite unscrupulous and shun their responsibility; in fact, they merely pass you on to a paying employer who then is your boss. THe problem in such cases is that your real employer may not be in a legal position to hire you, and that's when your problems really begin snowballing!

I would recommend between 2 or 4 agents (China-based ones). Those you listed are not among them!

grwit · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 329 Location: Dagobah

Yes I would be carful about using agents too.

My University may be looking for new foreign teachers to begin in September. I work in Suzhou University Anhui Province. Do NOT confuse it with the suzhou in Jiangsu province.

The city is very small so don't bother trying to find it on any map. I couldn't find it even when I knew where to look. All I can say is that the closest big cities are Xuzhou (1hr North) and Bengbu (1hr South).

I will ask my boss if the positions are still available in september.
Here is my email address if you want more information: [email protected]

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

Super Mario · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 1:13 am Post subject:

I can partly answer mlomker, being both a certified teacher and a former EFLer in China.
Firstly, teaching teenaged suburban terrorists in Western high schools can wear one down. So can the 40 hour a week plus working commitment that comes with it. The salary looks good, but realistically you can spend most of the year trying to meet your credit card debt.

On the other hand, a 16 hour a week job in China, no office hours or meetings, housing and utilities supplied so that all your cash is your own........it goes a long way there, BTW. You can even save a decent amount on a decent salary. Post graduate study [now you have the time] and increased career path options come into view.

As for international schools, yes, that's another path. Be aware you'll probably put in more time than at home though, you could be teaching some precocious little darlings, and these schools are quite ageist, which might leave you unemployed in your later years.

jeffinflorida · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 1:20 am Post subject:

Shlomo, instead of coming to China maybe you can do the world some good and join the IDF and take back Gaza, The West Bank, The REST of Jerusalem and of course, the Sinai...

Thank you...

KACH & KAHANE CHAI

Craig! · Joined: 23 Jan 2005 Posts: 202

orangiey · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 217 Location: UK

I came to China through and agent 'START' in Wuhan, and they have been wondrful. We had the paperwork/visa etc before leaving for China and they liased with the school regarding collection at the train station, housing problems etc.

The agent doesn't charge us a fee, it's the school who pay her.

She has also told if we want to go to another city next year she can help us!!!

Think about it, perhaps look my agent up

Start consulting, Wuhan

shlomo · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

I'd like to thank everyone who responded to my query. Your reply's were exremely helpful (except for a couple of %&&^^&'s). Thanks again, Shlomo