Job Discussion Forums

[MLSTA]

Hello, I have been in contact with Buckland International Education group in hopes of teaching in China. I was hoping that someone might have an outside perspective on this placement program. Ideally, I would like to hear first hand experience. But also general information aquired through research would be very helpful as well. Thank you

[eddy-cool]

Only general info from me, and that in the category of 'outsider'.

Buckland is one of the mainland's oldest, and probably its most sterling, agent for laowai teachers. Buckland runs some classes locally, but most laowais are posted to public schools away from the big cities.

Buckland does take exceptionally good care of FTs under their contract but you mustn't expect national top salary.

[eddy-cool]

Only general info from me, and that in the category of 'outsider'.

Buckland is one of the mainland's oldest, and probably its most sterling, agent for laowai teachers. Buckland runs some classes locally, but most laowais are posted to public schools away from the big cities.

Buckland does take exceptionally good care of FTs under their contract but you mustn't expect national top salary.

[vikuk]

Eddy - if sterling is defined as something that's of the highest quality - then wages and other working conditions offered by this employer must be well above average

Eddy what kind of sterling wages do these Buckland Guys offer - and if they are so sterling why haven't you used their services

[nickpellatt]

Buckland have a group on facebook that is worth searching for if you are a facebook user. There are lots of current teachers in the group, as well as ex-teachers. The general vibe seems to be a positive one.

[Xi_Gua]

Sup. I'm a current Buckland teacher. As far as recruiting agencies go Buckland is pretty much one of the best. The only bad stuff i've found on the internet about them was from years ago and it seems like all the complaints come from mama's boys who come to China expecting a rich and lavish lifestyle.

They are located in Yangshuo and you will receive a week long training course to basically "prep" you for a little bit of what to expect. So you don't stumble into class without a clue.

They do send you to smaller cities and counties, but that isn't a bad thing at all. I actually prefer it. The city i'm in has 7 million in the county. It's a good sized city, the problem with these places is that they can be a little boring. But it's real China, the real people, the real difficulties that isn't the same in Shanghai or Beijing. Kudos if that's your cup of tea but it's not mine. I prefer life away from tourists. It's great for some people, but not everyone I will admit.

The salary is more than enough for where you will be unless you're the type that wants to go out and party every night. They give you 2k RMB for Spring Festival for travel, I know it's not much but hey it's something, also, spring festival is paid holiday which isn't bad. For me, Buckland is great and i've had nothing but great experiences with them and Owen has been very helpful and has speedily responded to any problems I have had.

All that being said. Their premiere teacher trainer (Betts) recently retired and went home, so she is no longer training the foreign teachers. To me, this is a huge blow as she played a huge support role for the new teachers, so we will see how well her replacement does. I know all the staff there and they're all very friendly and helpful so it honestly isn't a place where they just drop you off and you never hear from them again. The reason they are so successful is the support.

I seriously have nothing to complain about really, but my school is also pretty great so it helps that my FAO's and head master take very good care of me.

If you have any additional questions feel free to PM me about specifics or any of that jazz.

[eddy-cool]