Job Discussion Forums

Wide eyed wanderer · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Canada

Hey,

I wanted to get some opinions from people who have received contracts through Oxford seminars. I read a post where a girl said there was varied opinions on Oxford Seminars but I couldn't really find any further information.

Oh and I got a contract proposal from HESS which I have heard horrible things about and one guy was defending it. Also what are your opinions of AEON (Japan) and Han LinKid Castle Kindergartens Group (China).

I received a TESOL certificate and am now applying for jobs in China, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan. I just want to know which companies I should watch for and which ones are best to aim for. I am hearing so many bad reviews and varied opinions for so many companies and I am so worried that I am going to end up with a horrible contract that will make my life a living hell for a year. I am just hoping there are more genuine good contract over there then bad ones. Luckily my friend working overseas said that she will look at my contract before I go over.

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated thanks!!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

You mean that you have certification from Oxford Seminars and are now seeking a job - correct?

Wide eyed wanderer · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Canada

I also have an interview with Teacher Tech Recruiting (Korea) http://www.teacher-tech.com/tesol/tesol.htm. Any opinions on them?

Wide eyed wanderer · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Canada

Yah, I got a certificate with Oxford Seminar and now I am looking for contracts... and I have been reading some of your posts actually and I have begun to realize that the course I took is sub-quality. Sad

Well there goes nearly a $1000 CAD down the drain. Crying or Very sad

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Well, my perspective is mostly from Europe - though I've taught in Canada as well and I know that Oxford isn't (or wasn't in 2007) sufficient to get you a job in even a private language school in Canada Shocked

There are jobs that don't require certification at all, though - I gather that's true in parts of Asia.

You may still be able to find something!

Also, I read your other post where you describe the course, and kudos to you for openly recognizing that the focus of the course isn't really the classroom at all. Your realism about the thing is refreshing and useful. It could certainly be helpful to other newbies seeking reputable certification. These courses have such great advertising they suck in a lot of people unawares!

Wide eyed wanderer · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Canada

Do you have any opinions on the companies (I mentioned above) that I am receiving interviews or contract proposals from. If I didn't get a proper TESOL certificate the least I could do is get a half-descent contract before I go overseas. And I just received an e-mail from the AEON Aminity Corporation program which seems to be an off-shoot of AEON.

I find it slightly strange that Oxford Seminars actually helps support Dave's ESL cafe... yet many forum esl'ers spend there time bashing the crappy program. In an ironic twist Oxford Seminar's is supporting it's own downfall. Haha Laughing

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Sorry, I can't help you with Asia. Other regulars will soon be around, I expect, and will be able to help you out.

As for Oxford - well, I don't think anyone's bashing the company. Simply pointing out that it's an insufficient cert in some regions of the world, as are all certs without supervised teaching practice.

I can't personally go so far as to say that there's a place for certs like Oxford's - my own feeling is that any newbie needs the on-site course and real practice - how can he/she be introduced to classrooms practices without an actual classroom??

But it's evidently ok some places - and they certainly have a right to advertise where they want, including on Dave's. I doubt it will amount to supporting their own downfall Smile

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Some places don't care about certs, just as long as you're a native speaker with a degree. Check the adverts. YOu oculd get your foot in the door. There are bad schools and contracts. Make sure you have a clause about gibving notice so that you can quit if things get bad and quit without being fined.

If all else fails, you could pull a runner, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 9:33 pm Post subject:

Wide eyed wanderer · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Canada

Perhaps I should have used lighter words... I didn't mean to say people where bashing it as much as informing other expats what a good quality program would include.

I guess I am a little bitter because I am slowly realizing the seminar I took wasn't as valuable as I thought it was going to be before I took it. I would say it was a good introductory class, I did learn about Dave's ESL cafe through it and our teacher had traveled a lot so I had the chance to ask her a lot of questions about teaching overseas. However it certainly was not worth the money I put into it, even immediately after the course I remember feeling disappointed that we hadn't learned more about teaching in the classroom, I am a little nervous about standing in front of a class of 25-35 students (hoping it does not exceed that capacity) who can barely speak the same language as me. I guess I felt what they had taught me I could have picked up easily almost anywhere else.

Anyways the countries I am going to don't require a TESOL certificate, hopefully when I do decide to go to those places the year or two of experience will speak for something.

I guess the best question I can ask now is if you would say there are any warning signs of a potential bad employer? For example a friend of mine said to stay away from nanny/teaching jobs because its usually a good indicator that it is poor teaching position. I just want to make sure I end up with a descent company. I realize that there will always be varied opinions on every company, but I am typically easily pleased so as long as there are good working/ living standards and treatment and I am not outright lied to then I should be great.

Chancellor · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 1:45 pm Post subject:

Chancellor · Posted: Tue May 26, 2009 1:45 pm Post subject:

AdrianG4 · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 160 Location: Harbin, China

Do you have a degree ?

Also, don't dread the Oxford seminar -- it's still a certificate and with that certificate (as weak as it is -- 60 hours, right ? And no teaching practice .. ?) puts you well ahead of any backpacker trying to stumble his way into a language institute looking for a job.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 4:59 pm Post subject:

Wide eyed wanderer · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Canada

Hey guys,

Sorry I have been away for the past couple of days. Yes I am from Canada, yes I have a degree. By the way Chancellor the link did not work... I see if I might be able to find it on my own. I just got a job offer from Reading town in Namyangju, Korea. Anyone heard about them, good or bad opinions of the city or private school. A friend over seas suggested that I stay away from private schools because you are treated like a number, receive little respect and get limited vacations. Are there any benefits to a private school over a public? I am not overly concerned about money, I want to experience the culture and be in a safe environment.

Thanks for all the advice! Cheers!