Job Discussion Forums

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

Hi All,

I am going to teach abroad for the first time (hopefully) in the fall. I have an interview with HESS in Taiwan next week.

What input can you guys give me on this organization?

It seems like there are a couple of different schedules I can chose from one with fewer hours and the other with more.

They don't pay for airfare or housing and pay $560 an hour.
It seems like the pay only includes contact hours with students, not prep or grading time.

It's a one year contract and must work Saturdays.

They say that they have a curriculum and have all needed.

Ok so as I am writing I am realizing this doesn't sound good Sad

What do you guys think?

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

Do a search. There are pages and pages of posts about Hess.

Your post sounds like a standard offer, but with a low starting rate, especially if Saturday work is involved.

Schools in Taiwan don't pay for airfare or housing. Prep is also rarely paid, as it is pretty much generally considered to be just part of the job.

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

Most schools will offer you something like this. I am sure many will chime in and say the offer sucks, but it is pretty much very standard no matter where you go. Of course you can find something better, but you will definitely need to be here in person. Having said that, most cram schools offer pay around the 600 mark, expect you to work on weekends and you need to correct hwk.

ptm234 · Joined: 29 Aug 2010 Posts: 17

I had an interview there and it lasted about an hour long. They asked questions like in an office job interview. Like strengths, weaknesses, discuss your education and experience and how your skills are best suited for the job. What would you do if a coworker took you out to eat and you didn't like the food? How would you react?

I was on the waiting list but I eventually found a better job elsewhere. Also, they expect you to go for 9 day training in another city which is unpaid.

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

Thanks...I did do a search and it seems like it is an ok organization.

Thanks ptm234 I did read about this training on the internet. It looks like they also have HESS in Singapore and the schools look a little nicer.
I think I might e mail them as well.

where are you now ptm? What job did you end up getting that is better.

This is my first time teaching abroad and I have been looking at International Schools but haven't gotten any interviews. So now I kinda need to know where I am going to let my current school district know.

I have interviewed with EF and now HESS interview will happen next week.

If anyone has other ideas of good language schools for experienced teachers please let me know.

bellam4x · Joined: 14 Jan 2011 Posts: 20

Are you a certified teacher in your home country? If you are I would start looking in the private/bilingual/public schools. They are only allowed to hire certified teachers or people here through marriage. Go on tealit.com there are many posted. If you are not certified then you can only work in cram schools.

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

Hi bellam,

Yes I am a certified teacher in America. I have the qualifications and have sent out many CV but the only replies I am getting are from Language Institutes. (EF and HESS) I have been applying since January and need to let my school know in 6 weeks what my plans are. I actually have two master degrees in education, so am just perplexed at why I am not hearing back from schools.

Thanks I will go to tealit.com.

I have also been looking on TES and have my information on TIE.

I am talking to someone from the teachaway recruitment tomorrow. So hopefully he will be able to give me some guidance.

Thanks
Denise

bellam4x · Joined: 14 Jan 2011 Posts: 20

TES and Taipei American School are not hiring. It would be easier to find a job if you were in Taiwan now, but I feel a lot of the schools will still hire you from overseas. Also look into Greenheart Travel. It is a recruitment Agency located in Chicago. They work with the Taiwan MOE to place teachers.

What are you certified in? I am a certified Math teacher but could not find a job teaching math. I took a job at a very nice and fancy private school in Taipei for next year but to teach English.

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

I am certified to teach K-9. I have endorsements in Social Sciences, Language Arts, ESL, and Middle School. I also have two master degrees in education. One in Curriculum and Instruction the other in Educational Administration. I have been teaching for 12 years.

Yea I know it would be easier if I was there. I am pretty open to all areas of the world. This is the first time I am teaching abroad so have just been searching and searching the internet.

hmmm Greenheart Travel there in my town. I will definitely look them up.

So where are you teaching now?

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

Excuse my french, but what the hell are you applying to HESS for with those kinds of qualifications?!?!

deniserita · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Chicago, IL

I know this seems crazy but I have been sending out my info to many international schools and haven't gotten one interview from them. I'm kind of at a loss here. I would love to work in a school but for some reason they aren't responding. I just re-sent about 30 resumes and only two schools responded saying no openings. I have got to be doing something wrong here. The only thing I can think of is that I do not have any international experience. I am talking with a recruiter from teach anywhere today so maybe he can help but I have been told at this point it is very late inthe hiring season so we will see what happens.

I did postpone my HESS interview until next week.