Job Discussion Forums

[Mr Wind-up Bird]

Does anyone have any experiences of Apollo in HCMC, positive or negative, they could share with me?

[Paul John]

I worked there in early 2001, almost 4 years ago. They were just starting up in HCMC and were after the corporate market then, and as far as I know that is still their main target. I think I must have been one of their very first teachers there.

I didn't mind working there. The atmosphere was somewhat on the formal side but the conditions were good and they treated me well. I only had the one class, 3 times a week over 10 weeks. They asked me to continue but I declined because the schedule conflicted with a better offer I had elsewhere. The pay then was USD15 per hour, less 10% tax for a net of USD13.50 per hour.

Another colleague of mine started working for them just over two years ago and rated them very highly. At the time, I was looking for extra work so I went back for another interview. All new staff, nobody remembered me and they said they had nothing on at the moment but they would get back to me. However, I didn't hear from them. This last bit isn't really a criticism, just a comment. I was light on business English experience at that time, so they no doubt found people more qualified than me. However, I sometimes wonder if it was because I declined continuing that class years earlier.

That fact that I would be willing to work for them again says something, I guess

[Thay Jim]

I worked for Apollo a few years ago, and I enjoyed the time I was associated with them. The management team is competent and approachable. The instructors I worked with were quite friendly. People seemed to get along well with each other.

The only thing I did not care for is the policy of deducting 10% tax from gross pay. At the training centers I work at, my pay is the same or higher rate but "net of tax."

Apollo seems to have identified its niche in the HCMC English language training market. I recommend it to any qualified individual.