Job Discussion Forums

[debo-smile]

Hi,
I've been offered some work in kindergartens through 'Asian Consultants Interntional' based in Taipei, but they want to charge me a fee of 20% of my first month's salary which seems a bit steep!

Any advice?

Thanks!

Debbie

[creztor]

I guess you could either:
A) Take it.
or
B) Don't take it.

[TheAmericanNomad]

In case you aren't aware, its illegal for most Foreigners to teach Kindergarten in Taiwan. Many times the government looks the other way, especially when it comes to the big chain schools like HESS who have plenty of "Red Envelopes" to hand out, but if you aren't at a big chain there is a chance you could be deported.

If you are going to take the job anyway, I suggest you use that fact to negotiate a lower fee.

But, I don't think 20% is that unusual for a recruiter fee, but I could be wrong. And if you are going to be teaching illegally, you might as well get it as low as you can.

[EG in Taipei]

Please don't waste your money on that recruiter. You are better of suffering at Hess. They actually have a good training program, and if you luck into a nice branch, you can have a pleasant experience. If you don't , you can always find work while you teach there. The other chains like Happy Marian and Joy English will offer similar experiences. Someone who recruits for a kindergarten only gets the worst of the worst for clients.

[Dr_Zoidberg]

You've asked for advice in a couple of threads, so here is some for your consideration:

NEVER EVER pay a recruiter. Not up front, not through percentages of wages. Any recruiter that demands payment from you is a crook. They are playing your for a sap. They are already getting a fee from the buxiban and now they want another one from you.

Forget trying to secure a job in Taiwan before you arrive. Come here, get your boots on the ground, and do the foot work.

As has been mentioned, working in a kindergarten is illegal. It is also something commonly done by foreigners, and there are those on the board who will tell you not to worry about it. Keep in mind, you could be deported if caught.

The best bit of advice I can give is for you to listen to what the people on this board are telling you.

[EG in Taipei]

I should clarify something I have learned. It is illegal for anyone holding an ARC-- even an APRC-- to teach kindergarten. The larger chains have a system that makes it highly unlikely you will be deported as long as you follow their instructions. It is also important to note that most chains have elementary education as well, which is perfectly legal. That is how you are able to stay here and teach. The kindergartens that use the recruiters usually don't have a lot of elementary classes, thus making you more likely to be caught by the government.

[debo-smile]

Gosh - thank you everyone for your very imformative advice - especially as I had no idea that it was illegal for foreign teachers to work in a kindergarten! - WOW! - thanks for telling me that!

The agency has dropped the fee, but after your advice, I will definitely not be accepting their job offer of working in a kindergarten!

I really appreciate your posts, the job hunting continues...........

Debbie

[adogadie]

[Dr_Zoidberg]

[asianconsultants]

Hello all,

Thank you for your feedback regarding this thread.

ACI is a licensed company based in Taipei, not a "SOHO" operating out of his/her home. We are the largest agency focusing on foreign English teachers in Taiwan. The agency is run by a team of English-speaking professionals who provides continuous service to its clients. We take pride in our expedience and reliability.

As you are seeking for the most suitable job for you, there are many ways to go about it besides using a recruiter. There are many free channels, in fact, such as this great website, Dave�s ESL. Yet along the hunt, you must devote a lot of time, energy and resource in your job search. What ACI does is take the headache out for you by saving you time, the biggest asset in anyone�s lives. Additionally to securing you a teaching position, we also guide you through the visa process, tell you all the must-know things regarding living and working in Taiwan, help you get settled, plus much more. Even after you have started working, we are still here constantly for our teachers for support and communication.

For all the things we do, yes, there is a fee. You may ask, �Why don�t you just charge the schools?� The truth is, we believe both the schools and the teachers are our clients. Both parties deserve equally excellent service. We don�t just �stuff� you to a school (or visa versa). If we only charged the schools, this means that we are siding with the school more than with the teachers!

Teacher�s service fee only occurs after you have started working and getting paid. This means NO RISK---if you are not satisfied, we don�t get paid for all the work we have done!

We never say ACI is the ONLY way, but we do say we are the BEST way. You are locked into a one-year contract. What if something goes wrong? You need someone dedicated and professional to minimize any risk, to stand by you, and to help you resolve any issues that may arise.

Many teachers have gone through ACI and can vouch for us. We are happy to give references, or you can visit our website for many testimonials at this link: http://www.asianconsultants.com/aci-teacher-referrals/


Regarding the �kindergarten� issue, we need to clarify that you are actually legally hired by a licensed language school (buxiban) that offers work permit/ARC. Your contract is never signed with a kindergarten but with a buxiban. If you were solely placed at a kindergarten, then yes, you would be working illegally without any papers.

Typically, in order to allow you to make more money, these language schools will offer additional morning and/or early afternoon hours for you to work at their kindergarten branch. If you do not wish to work extra and make more money, then you can refuse to teach at the kindy department or any jobs that have kindy hours included. You have the right to do so, and ACI is not in a position to dissuade you.

To sum up, we want to stress that you ALWAYS have a choice, and ACI provides the best-valued choice.

[Benben]

I got a job through ACI when I first got here a few years ago....
From what I remember, they only charge you if you get the job in Taipei, if not, they charge the school....

Don't expect ACI to back you if your having trouble with your boss. In my case, they basically put me down and said everything was my fault. Julie told me no one ever had any problems at that school, even if in fact that wasn't true. I won't get into it, but I've never felt so let down by someone who "pretended" to care just to fill a position at a shitty school.

Luckily, my new school is great and I've been here for a few years.

[yamahuh]

[asianconsultants]

To the couple whom we have not been able to assist:

We are very sorry for this. This is not your loss but ours as well. We love to help all the wonderful applicants, but regrettably due to availability, we cannot assist everyone.

As you should be aware of, there are not as many jobs as once were before in the Taiwan job market. Only limited numbers of positions are available, with surpassing numbers of terrific available candidates. This means that not everyone will find jobs as easily as before.

ACI is simply a bridge. First thing after we have received your full application is resume delivery to schools. Whether the next step, (getting interview/offer) happens with a school, depends on two factors:

1. How many competitors are out there
2. If the school thinks you are suitable

We cannot 100% guarantee you a job because the hiring decision is ultimate in your hands and in the school�s hands.

Whether you take a position from us or not, we still spend our time and resources to proactively process your application. This is all manual work, done by real people, not by machines. We do a lot of prelim work without getting any fees.

There is one thing certain: we don't get paid unless you get placed. Yet still, we have to do our part of work and pay all the related costs.

Nonetheless, we know it's not about us, and this is our job to get teachers placed.

So, we apologize that we have not been able to assist you more.

[TaoyuanSteve]

[yamahuh]

Well said sir.

These jokers are just trying to pull the wool over people's eyes long enough to get a signature on a contract, get some payment in their pockets and move onto the next candidate for an illegal job offer.