Job Discussion Forums

[bebe81]

hi everyone,

I'm sorry for all these questions...but I need know this one...has anybody heard of American China Exchange Society (or ACES) or knows anybody that has? I'm asking because the "pay" is quite low from other places...I just need some input

thanks SO much !

Minna

[Exsyld]

Minna,

I've looked into America China Exchange Society to the degree available. Their website is keen to accentuate the cultural benefits of the "society," but, as we know from reading posts on this forum, promises of Chinese lessons, profound cultural exchange, etc., must be considered guardedly in lieu of salary and contracted terms. The salary of 2150RMB is the lowest I've seen of those discussed on this forum, ACES offers to refund your arrival airfare only after the successful completion of a full year's service (which could be too late if things go awry), and you would be sharing accomodations with several teachers. Again, from reading other posts, it seems that a private apartment, visa costs and inclusive airfare are rather standard benefits. Furthermore, their website doesn't adequately explain the society's affiliation- the term "society" is suggestive of an academic- or privately-sponsored group with pointed cultural interests and a published history of activities. Perhaps I'm splitting semantic hairs here but I'm willing to bet that we were both (along with others, perhaps) initially attracted to the safety and benevolence of "society." Is ACES a burgeoning conversation school, a placement agency, a for-profit business or a not-for-profit organization? Why are they HQd in North Carolina with only one office suite in NYC- does this raise any eyebrows? Is there an ACES teacher out there who can share their knowledge and experiences? There has been one teacher/recruiter posting about ACES, but perhaps a second opinion would be in order.

It may be moot for us both at this point, but I'll keep you posted as I learn more. I'd be interested to know if you've been in direct contact with them. Also, if you've moved on to different pastures- and which ones. You have to wonder that if cultural exchange is a society's raison d'etre, why shouldn't a prospective applicant who's so inclined join a premier organization such as the Peace Corps for comparable or better pay, prestige and education benefits? A dedicated EFL teacher is seeking other options, it would seem to me....I'm trying to sift through all of this myself, and there's a lot to consider. Clarification from the veterans is always appreciated. Finally, as this is my first post, I have to thank everyone for their very helpful insights...invaluable...I've been reading posts for months and just decided to take a step into the forum.

[Jazz2000]

Hi,
I actually work for ACES and have been here about 7 weeks now.
I was a little worried at first, as they appeared very American and I thought being a Britt would cause some problems with teaching culture stuff, but it's worked out quite good.

Although the pay is low they do cover all your expenses, accomodation (inc all bills, even phone, though not international calls), we get money for our meals which is more than enough, and we all recieve an hour of chinese a day, there are different classes depending on your ability, there is a end of year completion bonus, they would probalby pay one way air fare if you wanted a 6 month contract, they will also cover basic medical expenses. The exchange of culture stuff depends on what you want, the students are all keen to meet up with us and take us out for meals and stuff.

The thing I do like about this company is that is fairly relaxed and you do feel that your opinions and requests are seriously considered and taken into account, (my request to stop teaching KG was granted), you also have total freedom. I think this all comes from the fact that the company is half American owned.

The pay is low though and if you have any debts back home to pay, this amount is probably too low, but for Tianjin the pay is enough.

They are doing lots of recruiting at the moment, I'm especially trying to get any other Britts involved, as the company is looking to become more international.

Hope this helps.

[Roger]

The pay is not only low - it is below the national absolute minimum pay for English teachers (RMB 2200).
My first salary in China was RMB 1300, which at that time was equivalent to RMB 2500 these days...

Everybody gets their housing and food perks!
Why doesn't ACES pay you the stipulated national minimum salary?

[Exsyld]

Jazz2000: Where and how did you come to learn of ACES? Were you already in China or did you apply remotely? If from the UK, what was their interview procedure?....I'd also be interested to know about the accomodations.


I have to say that the pro-ACES posts seem to use the unmistakable language of recruitment-ese. We haven't heard from LaoMa for a while....

[Jazz2000]

I found ACES on this website. Since I applied from the UK I wasn't able to use their online application, so I sent an e-mail to them directly after that I recieved an e-mail back stating a time for a phone interview. I think they have the whole online application process working better now.

The accomodation is quite good. I'm posting from my apartment computer, in which all rooms have AC, we have big screen TV, phone, comfortable furniture, and everything we need. It also looks quite new and clean, we have a cleaner come in every month. All bills are taken care of and we are supplied with a water cooler. As I said before the fact that everything is included and the company is so open and relaxed, more than makes up for the low wage. I spent a year killing myself in Korea and the fact that I got so much money didn't make up for the stress at all.