Job Discussion Forums

asia0708 · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 32

Direct vs Agency....

I am starting to encounter problems with agencies. I enquire about a post (half the time I don't even know they are an agency) and they reply about a different post. Also I give them specifics about hours / students I am interested in, but they send totally unsuitable stuff. I also think its strange they ask for images of all my cerificates and passport before they have even found me something that I like - that is usually the last step done by agencies in the West.

The only website I have found that differentiates between the Employer vs Agency is esl-job-china.com. However, it is not that popular as there aren't many jobs posted there.
(I have tried daves forum, mykindchina, totalesl.com, esljobs.com - but too many recruiters here)

Is there another good site that Employers (the school/college/uni) use?

Other questions which would be useful to know are :

1) I like my own transport/freedom so......Is it easy to rent a scooter in all cities (laws/availablity)? Which cities are impossible to drive in (I am used to HCMC so I don't mind heavy motorcycle traffic)? Typically how much for one month (Shanghai/Beijing/Guangdong cities vs cheaper cities)

2) Can there tbe problems with supplied accomodation - not very nice / noisy / etc. And I guess they give you a place your'e stuck with it - right? So, is it better to get a job with accomodation allowance and find your own place?

thanks

Sugar Magnolia · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Posts: 233

If you're interested in teaching at a university, you might consider checking out - www.chinatefl.com and apply directly to the school.

As for the scooter question - as far as I know, most people buy one. It will cost 1k to 3k rmb depending on the scooter.

Good Luck!

Raindrops · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 142 Location: PRC

No scooter/motorcycles allowed in BJ and GZ.

evaforsure · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 1217

BJ does allow motorcycle and scooters...

Raindrops · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 142 Location: PRC

Does not!

evaforsure · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 1217

The law in Beijng has been no new motorcycle registration for a long time ..but existing tags of crush-destined bikes can be redeemed for Jing A tags ... I currently know of one for sale with a legal tags .. so if you want one.. I can give you the number of the ExPat selling it...there are even legal Harley Davidsons sold...really check the information...or better yet check the reality...B and C tags cannot go inside the third ring...the Hubei tags are mostly fake...

eddy-cool · Joined: 06 Jul 2008 Posts: 1008

Agencies are at the forefront of the hiring game. It's a bit like U.S. American publishing houses - they won't accept manuscripts from unknown writers. New writers have to pass through agencies.

Scooters and motorbikes have been banned from 'civilised' downtown areas. In Guangzhou, only the handicapped can motor into town on orange-coloured vehicles.

asia0708 · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 32

No scooters downtown in major cities!!

wow - really? I suppose I should of asked 'does anybody drive a scooter without having to dodge/outrun the police, and if so, in what city'.

If this is true, I guess I need to be considering smaller towns.

Still getting lots of BS and unsuitable stuff from recruiters.
I'm thinking of just turning up on a tourist visa in GD area and doing my search from there (knocking on doors).
Is TESL in China like SE Asia in that if you are already in the country...
1) Your chances of getting a good job are better
2) Better prospects for negotiating terms
3) Easier to find a position that starts asap. And the school may consider a term-by-term/course duration 'contract', meaning that the teacher has a chance to 'try out' the city before comotting to 6/12 months. This may mean me paying for my own work visa, but thats fine.

evaforsure · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 1217