Job Discussion Forums

[sophie]

[color=red][b]Hello![/b] I'm just wondering about the reputation of the Koala Language School. I'm currently considering going to Alian (which is near Kaohsiung) to teach at this school, but having never taught overseas before, I just want to try and ensure that my first overseas teaching experience is a positive one. Any information on the area or the school would be greatly appreciated![/color]Thanks

[color=indigo]Sophie [/color]

[TaoyuanSteve]

My advice is to get here and look around before committing to anything. You know nothing about Taiwan or the school that wants you. You don't really know if you want to work there or for that company. Small town Taiwan is not very foreigner friendly, especially if you're new.

[wombat]

That school is next to unknown. A small independant school in a rural area. How did you find out about the school from overseas?

[matchstick_man]

I work for a Koala Language school. There is a chain on the East Coast that are half owned by an aussie guy and his wife. However I don't think the one you mentioned is part of the same chain.

[Aristotle]

[sophie]

i replied to an ad in the paper in Brisbane. I went along to an interview with the owners' daughter, and she gave me some more information on the place. There is a 2 month probationary period before I have to sign anything, so if I don't like it I can apparently leave again with no hard feelings. This is good I think, but concerning also because I have heard horror stories of people who are put on probabtion for supposedly 2 months (at a reduced wage) and the probationary period never ends and no contract is ever sighted. Seems like a bit of a risk.

[wombat]

Assuming the worst about the probationary period, there is nothing that you can do to protect yourself. If the school really wants to mess with you then there isn't a lot that you can do other than find a new job.

The probationary period is generally a two way street that allows either party to get out of the contract without penalty. Used properly, I think that it is a good idea, and a bonus for a contract. Assuming that you have never lived in Taiwan before, or taught before, you could find that either of these is not to your liking. With a two month probationary period you have time to find this out before being committed for a full year.

In turn the school gets a chance to see you in action - outside of the very unrepresentative intial demo class that you may give. If you are not cutting it then they can release you from your contract, with pay for the work that you have done. With some experience under your belt you can find another school, and they can find another teacher that they want.

It is open to abuse of course, but the majority of schools here will give you a reasonable deal if you are reasonable with them.

The fact that there is nothing available about this school is more likely good than bad. Generally people are very vocal about problems and you could be sure that you would see something written about them if they were deserving. Let us all know how you go as it will help others in the future.