Job Discussion Forums

[WuZetTien]

I'm new here and I'm not sure of the most appropriate section to post this. I'm looking for a job in China. I 've recently been tentatively offered a job with a training institute in Suzhou, IELTS, though a recruiter. I was told they are interested in me but don't offer a contract until after providing a demonstration lesson. The recruiter reassured me, "don't worry, I have lots of other jobs available". She said she will put me up in a hotel in the meantime.

Maybe this is legit but I am leery. I could be placing myself into a dangerous situation. I was wondering if anyone might have thoughts on this or similiar experiences.

Also does anyone know anything about Dongying in Shandong? Also, I know its far into the school year but is it still possible to get a fairly high paying job this late (early November)?

WuZetTien

[brsmith15]

Hi Wu,

Boston, huh? I grew up in Newton; went to Northeastern.

Can you supply more details? Also, try a search here on Dave's.

Without more specifics, it's hard to render an opinion, but it does sound a little iffy. I didn't like the "don't worry" part. That often sends up a red flag to a lot of us lifers here.

Is this a recuiter or a school?

[WuZetTien]

Thanks for your quick reply. Right now I live in Cambridge not far from Harvard Square. One of my roommates used to go to Northeastern. I taught in Xi'an for two years in the 90s. It was among the happiest times of my life.

The job offer seems to be from someone with IELTS, which I guess is a training school franchise. They have their own exam system. She called me a week ago, asked me where in China I want to go to. I said "Chengdu". She was going to send me there, then asked me if Suzhou was okay (I've been to both places). I said yes. Then I was told that a demo class was required before I'm hired.

Maggie Mei" <[email protected]

Maybe I'm a bit paranoid but it does sound strange.

[mikefriend]

[WuZetTien]

Good advise. I do feel a bit sheepish. Right now I'm having an odd email exchange w/"Maggie". I emailed her, saying it would be difficult for me to come to China w/out having a definite job. I told her I have experience teaching in China and I have excellent credentials. She sent me back a defensive sounding email.

"HI PHILIPPA ,

do you have experience in China ? when and where ?

any references ?
maggie "

This was after I sent my resume, references, etc.

Again thanks. I will do more research and be careful.

[WuZetTien]

I meant to add I love Orwell. "Homage To Catalonoia" is one of my favorites. I read Burmese Days" and the "Road To Wigan Pier". Good stuff."

[JohnC]

100% dodgy.

Find a real school.

Deal with them directly.

You'll surely find one.

[eddy-cool]

Well, Dongying is nowhere near Suzhou or Chengdu, so you may have to skip this offer this time.

Just curious: Can you teach to IELTS?

[lf_aristotle69]

IELTS is a proprietary test owned by Cambridge University, IDP, and others. They do not run training courses for the test (AFAIK).

This school is only a training centre offering preparation courses for the test. They are not, in fact cannot be, affiliated with the IELTS test itself.

Usually, IELTS courses are well resourced, or resources are easy to find at any rate. Almost anything can be an IELTS listening, reading, or writing study resource, in the right hands. And, there are many, many books of practice IELTS tests around from which to borrow material, some of dubious quality though.

It can be a cushy job as it's usually higher paid than regular Conversational English teaching.

One thing to be wary of though, is that the Chinese have a different idea of test preparation than most of us do. They love all kinds of "beat the test" short cut scams over here... as opposed to building students' real language skills. They'll happily advertise courses for boosting students from a Level 4 to a Level 6 in two weeks and such rubbish. Not all IELTS training is bad though.

However, coming over all that way for a demo class seriously sucks. Tell them you'll take the job, but no demo class condition. Or, do a video demo tape for them.

LFA

[WuZetTien]

Again, I do appreciate the advice and insight. In response to eddie-cool, I am not familiar with the IELTS but I have taught TOEFL.

Another tentative job offer is in Dongying. There are red flags w/this as well. I've been emailing a "David Hockley" at "A.D. Stills Photgraphy" <[email protected]>. It would be to teach primary school, grades 1 to 7. The answering email talked about "enormous potential for someone willing to work hard", I forget the exact wording. That's how sales jobs are advertised here in the States.It is supposed to be some sort of joint venture between "Sunshine Realty" and BeiDa. They are building a high school and then a university. A six month contract, longer if they like me. David Hockley did not really say who he was or what his organization/company did. Also, as an ESL teacher I couldn't help noticing the word "photography" in his email signature is misspelled. I did a google search and found this same job posted on craigslist in Shanghai and Beijing in September.

Is this a scam or do they have trouble holding on to people?

[mikefriend]

[Eyrick3]

I wouldn't meet for an interview with anyone before looking at their contract. Any excuses for not giving a contract ahead of time are BS.

[Eyrick3]

Oh, and don't go through recruiters.

[Mister Al]

Absolutely get a copy of the contract before you do anything else. If they refuse tell them to go f**k themselves.

If you do get it and are fairly happy then you could go to Suzhou and see what happens. If it doesn't work out with the job there is a healthy enough expats scene for support and quite a few jobs around, I believe. So if you have some cash to see you through a month or so you'd probably be alright here. Lots of 'ifs' but that's not so unusual in the situation you are in. Good luck.

[teacher12344]

Can anyone tell me about [email protected]? They want me to have an interview next week. I looked them up and can't find anything about them. the persons called dongsheng Li.
I'd appericate any feedback about it. I am not sure if it's a scam.