Job Discussion Forums

[Jenshi]

Hey,

I'm completely new to this whole teaching abroad application process, and would appreciate any thoughts, and maybe suggest on some error or starting points.

I recently applied online through this agency for teaching posts in China a couple days ago - http://www.teach-abroad.org.

They replied via email and stated that they have reviewed my resume and other qualifications and are willing to offer me for a position. Actually, here's an excerpt from what they sent me;

" we have received your Application. Our Experts have evaluated
your Application and we are glad to inform you that we and the
below mentioned Host School have decided to accept you for our
teaching English program in the Country you have chosen.

Here are the Job Details:

Salary: 1350 $US/Monthly, Contract: 6 Month, Tax Rate: 15% for
the first 183 days and 10% after that, Furnished Apartment with
Kitchen, Bathroom and Balcony is free of Charge for the Teacher,
Flight Bonus (950$US) will be paid upon completion of your
Contract, 22 teaching Hours/Week. Location: Beijing, China "

They are asking for a fee of $150USD, and requested it to be forwarded to a bank account or pay via credit card at www.moneybookers.com
This seems like the dodgy part, and is making me skceptical about replying. The job details seems too good to be true as I have researched other agencies and other postings to see what the avg salary is. Especially the $150USD Fee, eventhough its expected the agencies do command a fee, however the fee seems rather low.

So, just wondering if anyone has gone through this agency? Do you suggest it, or have you heard anything about it.

I came upon thier link on the www.goabroad.com, and it seems legitimate as I do see other agencies on that site who I have heard of, such as BUNAC/SWAP in which I've gone through them from before..

So any thoughts?!?!

- J

[jeffinflorida]

Sounds fishy to me that they only want the funds wired to them...

But if you use a credit card at least you are protected if they scam your VISA or MASTERCARD.

[fallon77]

Don't give them one red cent.

You don't need to pay anyone to find a job in China. This organization is taking your money and taking money from the host school too, if in fact they are legit.

The details are too good to be true. I haven't seen anyone offering that big a bonus on a 6 month contract.

As for experts reviewing your resume: the experts were only concerned with the fact you are currently alive and have the resources to pay them.

Try somewhere else. No good will come from this.

Regards,
Fallon

[saint57]

You should not be paying anyone to find you a job at this level. If you're a fully qualified teacher in your home country there are some agencies who charge a fee, but they are hooking you up with elite international schools. Personally, I would never pay the above company a fee. There is a 95% chance it's a fraud. Finally, if they label it an application fee, then you have no recourse when they simply keep your money.

[tony lee]

You would need a lot more info to evaluate this position.
eg -- 22 teaching hours or hours teaching -- BIG difference.

Teaching in one location or all over town - BIG BIG difference when you add up all the unpaid travel time.

Living on-campus or a long way away.

Best not to even consider having to commute in Beijing except if you can use the underground, because the traffic is horrendous.

What extra non-teaching duties are involved? Can add up to a lot of unpaid work.

Lots more questions of course, but this is a start.

Can be a good move to give us the name of the school because you might get some hard info on it.

Contrary to popular opinion, Beijing salaries are generally relatively low and only a third of what you have been offered, so I would suspect a catch somewhere.

Don't pay a recruiter unless they are giving you a lot of extra assistance. They pick up a fee from the school - usually ranging from half a month to a month of your salary.

Tony

[kayakgirl]

Sadly, I received the exact same offer from them except the location was different. I researched it over the weekend and found so many red flags that I personally believe that it is a total scam. I emailed and asked for the school phone number and got no response. I am not sending any money and I caution you to be very skeptical. Please be careful.

[Malsol]

[Leon Purvis]

I question their claim that they are a non-profit group. Nonprofit groups don't charge fees to defray costs. They operate with grants, fellowship, and endowments.

It's simple business 101.