Job Discussion Forums

roaming kiwi · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2003 1:50 am Post subject: chicken or egg - contracts

Hi,

My husband and I are in the process of applying for work through AES (American Educational Services) based in Dalian.

We are expecting them to want us to sign a contract before we arrive.

I have noticed that many of the postees on this site stress the importance of NEVER signing before checking the place out.

This will be our second trip to China, but our first as non-tourists and we really can't trapse about the country to find employment. We would prefer to travel to the place without the hassle of being "di#$ed" on arrival.

Question: Is this outfit trustworthy? We would really appreciate suggestions from people who have actually worked with AES, or others who honestly know what the deal is.

thanks Confused

gerard · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 581 Location: Internet Cafe

I don't know but you can do a search on this site for old posts by hitting the (yes) search button. Also the old board (this board started in January) is still running and has a lot on it. AES are apparently famous I keep hearing it on here. By the way I think that is a bad sign to keep hearing the name as it likely means they are the McDonalds of EFL. Don't know for sure though.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I have never worked for AES, but Ihave personally been in touch wit teachers from Canada and elsewhere working at one of their branches.
They corroborate the generally positive image that AES seems to enjoy in the ESL community.
The one drawback that has on occasion been reported to us here or to me is that it is a business, first thing, but a good business that treats its expat teachers generously!
In certain locations housing might be a little on the poor side.
But all my friends reprot a cheerful atmosphere, decent remunerations and interesting students!

roaming kiwi · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2003 8:11 pm Post subject:

Superb,

Thank you for your replies gentlemen. I'll try and make a point of posting a brief travel-log of our experiences to help others with first-hand information as we go to China through AES.

So far the communication has generally been swift and comprehensive. One response from AES came within 4 hours!

Also - Roger I do enjoy reading your postings. Smile

roaming kiwi · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2003 1:46 am Post subject:

Ok, now I'm really stumped - who do we go with then? Confused

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

When you sign with AES, what do you mean by that? Are they acting as a recrutier, or a school? That is, if they fax you a contract, is it with a particular school, with a particular FAO (Foreign Affairs Officer), or are you signing a contract with AES of China, which can then do anything they want with you? Which teachers have you contacted who are currently working at the school you plan to teach at.
I personally would always reccommend working for a college or high schools, especially for your first year

roaming kiwi · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2003 8:14 pm Post subject:

arioch36 thank you for your questions - this is my understanding...

They are a school unto themselves - so we shouldn't be palmed off around the countryside. Students come in from their normal schools or companies send their staff to get a top up of English.

I have "spoken" with two teachers, one in Dalian and the other in Xi'an. Both sound positive - both have seen my postings on this board and replied, so they haven't been pushed into it by AES (one hopes).

Fortunately (or otherwise) I have spent the last 3 years teaching full-time in secondary schools in my home country and have a handful of close Chinese friends. I have also witnessed first-hand the difficulty of getting things done when it is obvious that the situation is not conducive to good teaching practise and losing "face" is avoided at all costs.

However, that does not mean I'm 100% prepared (who ever is I guess).

I'll fire off your 3rd question to AES and see what response I get.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Roaming kiwi,

I have never heard of AES "palming people off" to other schools! That is the prerogative of typical Chinese outfits. The American Education Services have been active in China for a number of years, and until very, very recently I had never heard any complaints against them!
My friend in Xi'an tells me he is happy, and let me add this, he was the one to initiate contact between us from Canada before he left for China. He wavered for a long time, but in the end he accepted a six-month job there.
His only observation is that housing is a bit spartan.
BUt that is not untypical for a job in China.
If you are considering Qingdao, there are two locations there. Take a job in downtown as the branch in one of the suburbs is nightmarishly far out of town and in a kind of no-man's land.