Job Discussion Forums

lonnymud · Joined: 29 Jun 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Toronto Canada

My girlfriend and I are heading to Taiwan in the fall to teach English. We have been working with a Reqruiter here called TAITEKTON. Has anybody worked with them before????? Any Info would me appreciated.
Thnx
LOnnymud

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

Just to back up the last comment DON'T USE A RECRUITER, HE IS NOT YOUR FRIEND!!

There are so many websites out there posting jobs why would you use a recruiter anyway. Come over and do the leg work yourself. If you really want to sign before you come look at www.kojenenglish.com . The money's not terrible and at least you know you'll get paid.

AGAIN, NO RECRUITER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

I agree completely. Even the "good" recruiters who actually hook you up with a school that is adequate will place you in the middle of nowhere. No westerners, no English, no good restaurants...no pubs!

Simply put, recruiters are hired to place teachers where nobody wants to work. They prey on the ignorant teachers and promise you anything you want to hear.

Save enough money to be in Taiwan for 30 days, say about $2,000 American. DO NOT sign a contract until you have seen the school and met the teachers. Definetly set up half a dozen interviews before you get here. And don't count on working at the same school together. Your chances are better if you work in separate schools that are relatively close to each other. Your social circle will be larger too.

I recently met a guy who ended up working at FIVE different schools four days a week. It was not what he was told before he got here by, you guessed it, "the recruiter".

kait · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 93 Location: Lungtan, Taiwan

Kojen seems to be highly recommended. Hess pays 560/hour. Is Kojen recommended over Hess simply because Hess teachers usually work split days and on Saturday mornings, or are there other reasons too?

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

Both pay on time and correctly, neither withold wages from you as a bond (well Kojen don't, I'm assuming Hess don't). There aren't any split shifts with Kojen, but you might get one or two in the summer. You'll work Saturdays with both companies unless you work kindergarten.

Its not really a case of recommending them, its more to say that if you really don't want to come over and look yourself and would prefer to sign before then here are two options that might not pay as well as some schools but they won't screw you over.

I worked for Kojen. They were ok. They seem to get less criticism than Hess who seem to get a lot. Personally I wouldn't owrk for Hess