Job Discussion Forums

[midas224]

I feel like I need a change of surroundings, and I hope to get into TESL after I get my Bachelor's in two years. So, I find this program, and it looks too good to be true. $670 for seven weeks teaching in China? Total? As in, that's all I have to pay? I realize that someday, with the right credentials, I could be PAID for doing this work, instead of PAYING to do it, but for now, this summer, I feel like it would be amazing. My question, then, is: Has anyone heard of or participated in this program? It sounds so good, and I don't just want to blindly walk into this organization and give them my money. Any unbiased information anyone could offer me would be so greatly appreciated. I really just want this opportunity to work out, but at the same time, I don't want to be scammed. Thanks so much -

-Darin

P.S. - The site with all the info is
http://www.uschinaedu.org/TESL_Outline.asp

[anthyp]

You have the right attitude, as you know we are daily in the habit of chewing out those without degrees who want to work here -- but what the hell, don't ever pay anyone to work in this country.

I'd advise you to look into coming over with a summer camp, we are still debating the legality of those without BAs doing them but it's better than paying someone and then doing the same exact thing. There really isn't any need to go with one of these bogus (OK, at least superfluous) "Pay - us - to - volunteer" organizations.

Hmm, after taking a look at that website ... I see they want you to teach 6 "sessions" a day, cripes is that normal for summer camps? I get paid my normal salary during the summer months for doing nothing. And you'll be working with "around" 24 students at a time, ha ha ha.

Maybe somebody has actual experience with this organization, I frankly think you can accomplish the same without them. You are giving them almost $700, but the camps here will pay you to come over and give you a fat paycheck at the end, as well. If you are worried about the logistics of it, I can't see how they would be able to get you anything but an L or F Visa, which is what you would have to come over with a summer camp, anyway.

I am not saying do it or don't, I am saying there is really no need to pay anybody if you want to teach English here.

[midas224]

can you recommend a summer camp that would pay me to work there this summer? i know i need to get my degree to really get anything worthwhile, but i just feel like...if i dont get out of here (the midwest) this summer, i'll go crazy. are there any camps that are reputable and accept people without degrees? i know that it being March and all it's a bit unlikely, but it's worth a shot.

[anthyp]

Hello again:

Well, I am not in the business of recommending summer camps. Frankly I don't have any experience with them, but I can put you in touch with a regular poster who has -- kev7161, I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you sent him a PM asking for more information.

By the way, there are still plenty of summer camp opportunities available over at the International Job Board of this site:

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/

Hmm, I am thinking about looking into one of these summer camps myself, maybe I'll check it out too! Good luck.

[journeyeast]

This is the org based in Bridgeport right?

I helped the director Xinglong Weng found this org years ago.. Lets just say, after two very frustrating years of helping introduce students and professors to this program, and after they cheated me BIG TIME out of a summer salary when I was still just a student.. I can tell you everything you need to know about this program.. Email me offlist
subterfuge42(A)hotmail.com

If you are not already in living and teaching in China, you're going to pay one way or the other to come to China and have this experience. You'd make more money in the states working at McDonalds, so why not go with an organization that would set up and arrange for all the touring lodging, food etc..

Summer programs are not the places to put your initial trust in a school you have no good information about. Summer program exploitation is rampant.

I can say, that the price for thir program is accurate and you can end up with a good experience, especially if you are a fairly independant person and self-reliant. CIEE and other programs charge more than $1000 for the fee which DOES NOT include airfare.

You need to do more homework, the first thing you should know, is that a school wont accept you until close to july, when they have exhausted every reasonable hope of finding a suitable teacher who is already living in China, that they dont have to pay the airfare for. Then after you buy the airfare, there is still no gaurantee that you school wont cut you if they find a last minute teacher willing to work for them (Happens all the time)

Then you can expect a salary of between 8-10,000 RMB if you are lucky. Or because you are new to China, they may decide to pay you at the end of the teaching contract, after they have subtract all the new things they plan to introduce and negotiate into your contract.

You could find yourself really upset and angry and making threats to a sly smiling headmaster who will look at your L visa and suggest you try to find legal recourse.

10000RMB -That might pay your airfare if you buy it now, airfare prices average 900-1200 after May, depending on which part of the country you are departing from.

Like any other organization, they make a profit share with their cooperation with the schools, your teaching supplements the cost of the trip.

Anyway, again, if you want more detailed information I can provide you offlist.