Job Discussion Forums

zombie_chris · Joined: 10 Jun 2006 Posts: 26 Location: Umeda, Osaka

I'm getting fairly involved in a decent looking deal with Start Consulting, and I wondered if anyone had any contact with them before I stamp my chop on the dotted line.

TIA Very Happy

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=16950

www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=30715

www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=28522

zombie_chris · Joined: 10 Jun 2006 Posts: 26 Location: Umeda, Osaka

Thank you kindly Smile

I presume you used the search for that? I used every search combo that I could think of, and eventually ended up getting a repeatedly blank page?

hairuo · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 473 Location: Somewhere in China

I have never used them personally, however, some teachers in Xiangfan I knew, did come through them. Their complaints were that the schools were not as represented to them by Robin... and that they received no support following their placement. Two of them went to a university and the others were put in middle schools.

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

I'm with my second year with START and to date myself and all the other teachers in my school recruited by Robyn have had no problems. She's a really nice lady who understands Westerners and for me personally lives 5 mins walk from my school. Ask her to put you in touch with other teachers she's recruited in a school (we often speak to potentials) and get some feedback about how she's been with them and the true situatution of the school/city etc.....

NathanRahl · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 509

Avoid Start consulting, I'd not listen to orangiey at all. No offense, sounds like someone who works for them, these agencies often have folks check these lines, and then give a good recommendation to contradict a real bad one. Start is bad. I dealt with them, was going to wrok for them, but they were really scammers it turned out. Not that they could not get you work, they could, but they contradicted themselves constantly, not good, and basically were not all that honest with me. When I caled them on their clear inconsistencies and contradcitions, I never heardback from thenm, an this was after weeks of talks. If they will up and pull out of talks after someone questions them about valid point's you know to look elsewhere, "plenty of other suckers out there, why waste our time on this fellow." That was the feeling I got. Look into someone else, from what I read about start, and their own actions, I would say avoid them.

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

I don't work for START, PM me if you want the address of the school I work at and I am happy to put you in touch with other teachers at my school who are also recruited by them.
You have to deceide for yourself but my personal 2 years expereince with them are excellent.
Thanks.

richie122 · Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Seattle, Wa, USA

If orangiey doesn't work for Start Consulting he/she must have some sort of involvement with them or Robyn.

If your goal is to have a secure job before you come to China, Start consulting can do it for you. On the other hand, once you are here and they have been paid, you are no longer a priority. Don't beleive anything they tell you. Research the name of the school they're setting you up with. I was told I'd be teaching in Wuhan with a university. When I reached my final destination i was in Xiantao, a dirty village. I repeatedly tried to call Robyn, but she was unreachable. Finally I gave up and did my time. By the way, there were 5 other foreigners that went through the same thing. I'd suggest you contact schools directly... don't use agencies

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

This is annoying me!
I'm a Brit working in a primary school in Wuhan. The only involvement I have with Start/Robyn is that I was recruited from the UK for my current school and have had no problems with them.
Because I don't talk about them in a negative manner must in your mind mean I'm working for them or connected with them?
I suppose you think all Chinese look the same too!

NathanRahl · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 509

Sorry, but I agree with ritchie. Many of you consulting companies pay careful attention to this sight. I am just seeing way to many of you "conveniently" coming out in defense of Star consulting, and I don't believe in coincidences. Sorry, but I think you are full of it, and work for them as well *shrug*.

NathanRahl · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 509

Oh, you live where Robyn is, and you know her personally, can even speak with her, for her in fact, but your not biased in some way, you don't work for her, or are not good friends with her? Please, give us all a break and spare us the act, ok. It's far too common, and obvious, when a recruiter roams this board and responds when they are bad mouthed. Next time, I recommend not being so proactive, but waiting a little while. It was too much support for start that gave you away. Be a little slower next time someone has a grivience, bring out your support slowly, not so all at once, and you will be more believeable. At this point your just insulting the majority of the people here, and their intelligence. To be honest I would not be surprised if you are Robyn, thats a pretty common act with agents and recruiters as well. Give us all a break ok, good bye Smile

NathanRahl · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 509

Hey I just call em like I see em bub.

NathanRahl · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 509

Your one person, and as for your response, I'd have to say your hardly impartial considering you just called me a paranoid wackjob. I sure don't take anything you say seriously after those words, nor should anyone else. Not paranoid, just not stupid, or easily led by the nose, but you may feel free to insult those who do not like "start" consulting, though I find it odd that they are geting so much support. Sorry, but I just don't buy it, another "it's too good to be true" and no agent is that good, so give it a rest Pontiff ok, I for one am tired of being preached to about how great Start is, cause they sure ain't Wink

Hendahu · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 69

I have used Start and have nothing but good things to say about them. They have been helpful every step of the way and continue to write me, even though I am in my job.

j552k · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 10

START helped me find my current job. During the visa application process and contract negotiations, they were pretty straightforward and efficient. But, after they put me in contact the college, I have not been in direct contact with them anymore. Of course, I have not encountered any problems, so I haven't taken the initiative to call them either. This is not to say that their service is bad - in fact, I'm quite pleased with how things have worked out. Conditions at this college are as first presented by them, so no surprises. But, if you want a full service walk through and hand holding every step of the way, they might not be the best.