Job Discussion Forums

jacobfrank · Joined: 30 Aug 2009 Posts: 17 Location: Wenzhou, China

Received a job offer from this school though the recruiter "teachingd" -- does anyone have any info about the school -- good or bad?

Thanks.

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

Hi. Did you pursue a job with alpha?

I live in Ningbo, and did ask around, but nobody (in my admittedly limited circle) had heard of them. They do exist, but that's about all I could find out.

If you found out anything about them, I'd be interested in an update.

jacobfrank · Joined: 30 Aug 2009 Posts: 17 Location: Wenzhou, China

I decided not to pursue it based on the fact that they offered me a job without even wanting to talk with me and the contract they offered was very light in details.

dudeteacher · Joined: 27 Feb 2010 Posts: 173

This is the info, I received from Alpha English:

We are located in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. Our students range in age from 11 to 17, with classes segregated according to age and ability. We emphasize group learning and discussion. Text books and teaching materials are provided. The salary range is 7,000 to 10,000 RMB (includes basic salary, bonus) per month, depending on one's ability. Housing is provided. There are also opportunities to earn additional income (such as working with the Sales/Marketing Department). We offer a good benefit package (such as airfare reimbursement, transportation subsidies and free travel opportunities). We also provide a furnished apartment very close to the school. It will be 5 working days per week, which includes 25 teaching hours and 10 office hours.
If you are interested, Please send your reference letter, resume, diploma, TESOL/TEFL certificate and scanned passport to [email protected]. We will reply shortly if interested.

I'd like to know what office hours means. Is that prep time for classes or do they expect me to do admin work?

Dude

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

vikeologist · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 600

There's lots of potentially worrying things in the brief description that they've provided, but you'd need to have a look at the contract and hear what they say.

3 things to ask about

how much of the office hours will be spent on assessments, interviews etc.

how many people will you be sharing accommodation with?

what's the bonus about?

Actually, the website makes the school look quite good, but it's in Zhenhai which is 19km outside Ningbo, and is quite polluted.

Did you read about the environmental protests in Ningbo a few months back. That's was about Zhenhai.

You may want to ask how long it takes to get into the city centre, because you may be isolated. It's a bit cheeky of them to claim to be in Ningbo. When I went to Zhenhai it took about an hour and a half, though I'm sure there are more direct and quicker buses.

dudeteacher · Joined: 27 Feb 2010 Posts: 173

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

This appears to be them:

"4 ESL Teachers Needed by Alpha Language Training Institute in Ningbo category: Education & Childcaresubcategory: Esl teaching jobsNo. of Vacancies: 4Location: HangzhouPosting duration: 2012-11-22 ~ 2012-12-31Level of Spoken Chinese: A littleNationality: Australia , Canada , Jordan , United Kingdom, United StatesEducation: bachelor Work Experience: One YearGender: F/MAge: 22-50Work Status: Fulltime Salary: 6000-10000Position responsibilities and other requirements:
Requirements:
1.Native English teacher come from USA, UK, Canada
2.Bachelor or above between 22-50 years old
3.At least one-year teaching experience
4.With TESOL or TEFEL certificate

Benefits:
1.RMB 6000-10000/month including basic salary, bonus
2.Free accommodation with furniture, kitchen, refrigerator, bathroom and internet access
3.Air ticket allowance: 5000/year
4.Tourism Fund: 2000/year "

http://www.teachcn.com/Job.asp?id=11623