Job Discussion Forums

[gottabeme]

Hi All

I have read all the individual posts I could find about both these schools and it seems that in terms of who might be better to work for, they both have pros and cons.

I am looking for some general opinions about folk who may have worked for both, or know people who have.

If you had to chose, which one would it be, and why?

I hope this post generates some discussion.

Thanks

gottabeme

[lizarddoctor]

Neither of the above mentioned. It's a shame to see endless requests for these two schools apparently since they are the major advertisers across the net. There are hundreds of employment options that just need some legwork that are much better unless someone is the type of person that needs that security blanket of having something set before they come over.

Why not these two? Better hours, better wages, and better piece of mind are out there for those that look. Vietnam schools hire face to face, and it really should be a requirement of teachers to see the schools for themselves before they donate their time and energy.

Generally speaking of course.

[UpScope]

Funny that some contributors seek to constantly put down the bigger more successful schools. Not all schools are for all people and yes certainly for some the bigger schools may have their faults but should they be criticized for advertising heavily? Any schools that experience the growth that ILA and Apollo have will need to constantly advertise to maintain the number of teachers they require.

Coming to a country with no prearranged employment and contacts may be the 'brave' thing to do for some and it may even earn you a few stripes in the ranks of teachers and backpackers alike (am thinking of a shirt slogan here...... "I did it my way; it took me a few months to get myself financial again, but I SURVIVED, and I did it MY WAY!!!!!") but it can also prove risky and costly whilst suitable employment is found, especially at this time of year.

When considering a position at a school in VN, think and ask yourself........

Will my hours be guaranteed for the duration of my contract?
Do I get a health insurance payment?
Do I get a relocation payment?
Is there a contract completion bonus?
Is there a re-sign bonus if I want to stay longer?
Are there any paid holidays?
Are my visas paid for?
Is my work permit paid for?
Is there assistance on arrival; pick ups / accommodation / housing?
Is there a social network?
Is there any teacher support?
Is there any professional development?
Is there any chance of moving into a management position?
Are there any opportunities to work in non teaching work?
Is there an opportunity to teach a range of ages and levels?
Is there an established curriculum?
Is there a range of support materials?
Will I leave this school a better teacher?

Are some of the smaller local schools that one would find walking the streets able to answer yes to more than half of these? I strongly doubt it. Between them I would imagine ILA and Apollo would employ over 200 people, they must be doing something right.

The peace of mind that positive answers to the above questions provides one with, allows teachers to do what most come to do, enjoy the lifestyle a foreign culture provides, have some fun and meet some good people. Will save on shoes also.

[lizarddoctor]

Not exactly a put down from me as there are other threads that I have shown that ILA is not sub par in some areas of teaching. In fact, I have show very selective support of the place due to the extra effort over other schools. But the repetitious newbie posts about a small select of global internet advertising schools (about 5 in total out of hundreds upon hundreds of employment options) gets a little old. There are so many posts about ILA and Apollo all over this place that their really should only be specific questions worth answering if someone doesn't really spend much of their time searching the forums first.

Where are the South Saigons, ISHCMCs, AISs, SICs, CTSs, Studylinks and other schools questions that pay up to 20$/hr also with some kinds of benefits as questioned? Also to add at much better working schedules rather than the 6-9 M-F and weekend workhorse schedule of the language mills as these ones offer. AUSP at least has some daytime hours during the week and will pay 20$/hr for qualified and/or experience in their cert programs.

VUS used to contract teachers with all those questions answered that Upscope posted only to tear up most of the teachers year long contract and slide a 3 month contract under their noses with most of the goodies removed. That happened just 9 months ago. Are they to be perceived as successful just because they are a bigger school? VATC with 18 branches sure isn't. There contracts are not worth the paper they are printed on.

ILA is looking at stiff penalties soon for overexpansion without meeting the gov't requirements that are in place for expansion. Sure they will make more from students for whatever the fine will be, but that doesn't mean successful and stop it from being a meatgrinder on teachers after a while. ILA is successful for it's kids program which is quite good, not for it's teens/adults programs as they are too expensive for the majority of local citizens and staff members over there would agree with that as I have talked with some present and past staff there about this before. Too many staff members of those schools (not teaching staffs) gravy up postings for these two inparticular and some of the actual teachers who have been through there (such as myself) are very necessary to balance that equation.

Everyone considering these schools should just get on a plane and come over themselves first. If they can't score anything to their liking in 5 days (after Tet is over) then ILA and Apollo will still be there for them. At least they walked in and checked out the place for themselves and knew what they were getting into first.

If coming to SE Asia for the adventure, then be an adventurous person. A contract before hand doesn't change the timid into tigers. If coming for the money, then those two are just not good options. People who need the 'contract security blanket' before they get here really should cut their teeth in Korea or Taiwan first as Vietnam is much more challenging and rewarding for those who can, not those who need spoon fed.

[wisdomlover]

lizarddoctor has laid the facts out on the line. the information is very accurate.

[deessell2]

I selected other. I have only worked at Language Link. I can honestly say that more teachers move to LL from Apollo than go.

[just noel]