Job Discussion Forums

[esl_jimi]

Hi everyone,

So, I'm a recent MA graduate with a TESL degree and I'm looking to get to China or Taiwan by the end of January. I went through Reach to Teach and was offered a position with Hess in Taipei City.

I know Hess gets a bad rap. Although I'm sure for every one who posts a negative experience, there are a few happy Hess'ers not posting. Still, I have this nagging feeling that Hess isn't my "style". I'm not quite sure how to express this. I'm the kind of guy who doesn't like feeling like my back is against a wall, and Hess kind of seems like the bully on the block, or a totalizing force. Also, I don't go for corporate inanity and Hess seems full of it. Although I do want teaching direction, I also don't want to be a robot. I've never taught ESL before, but have four years experience as a teaching assistant in a university philosophy department. I foresee wanting to have my own way of doing things, and (especially) not being comfortable being forced into a certain way. Particularly if that way involves a lot of ridiculous script.

On the other hand, the market is pretty bad out there, it seems, and maybe I should be counting my lucky stars that I got anything. Should I feel privileged for being chosen to work at Hess' Taipei branch? And, more importantly, given how I described myself above, would it end in disaster?

I appreciate any insight that anyone can offer.

Cheers,
James

[LKJ]

The answer to your question is possibly best described this way:

What are you looking for in Taiwan? If you want a professional and progressive teaching environment you can pretty much forget working for private schools. The budget, owners, students, parents and fellow teachers just aren�t geared up for it. Some try but most fall well short.

Regarding Hess or any of the other well known school, you are at least onto a safer bet. Some posters will recall their bad experiences with chain schools and many others are very happy. The buck stops with their success and they dominate the market. That is not a bad thing if you are new to Taiwan or teaching English.

I haven�t a clue if you�ll like working for them. Largely this is up to your attitude and expectations (see my question to you above). But at least you�ll be paid on time and receive some basic rights (if you uphold your end of the bargain) while many other schools will take you for the ride of your life.

I've gotten to know the people at Reach To Teach and you should talk to them about your concerns. They are good people, will listen to your thoughts and give you some fair advice.

I hope this helps, somehow.
LKJ

[Virogen]

I'd suggest taking it and then begin searching for another job. It'll keep you financially stable while you find something more suitable...

[esl_jimi]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Virogen: Is it easy to switch jobs like that? Won't I be facing a hefty breach of contract penalty?

LKJ: Not sure what I'm looking for in Taiwan. It's a good question. Stability, yes. Money, yes. Progressive teaching environment?.. I'm not entirely sure what that entails. I'd like ample course direction, but not to be a robot. Maybe Hess isn't such a bad idea.

[LKJ]

[esl_jimi]

Thanks for your points LKJ. You make some good ones. I hadn't really considered it that way. You're right, any difference between private schools will likely be marginal, I suppose.

Although, apparently Hess has a problem giving you a schedule before you sign onto anything. I would want to know before I get on the plane whether I have a split day from 8:30AM to 8:30PM, or classes straight in the evenings (for example).

Another question: is it the norm to be working six days a week, mostly evenings, in Taiwan? A recruiter told me this...

[LKJ]