Job Discussion Forums

Cathy OB · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 32 Location: Brisbane

Can anyone tell me if this is a good recruiter?
I've heard that most recruiters will charge you 20% of your salary for finding you a job.
However, John Dewey and Reach to Teach say they provide a free service for teachers. They also have 5-star ratings on www.buxiban.com.
Also, is it legal to teach private students in Taiwan? I've had a couple of enquiries from parents while I've been out shopping, but I don't know where I stand in regard to the law here. Laughing

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

There has been a lot of discussion on this in the past. It seems that most experiences have been positive but some minor bad remarks have been made. When dealing with recruiters make sure that your contract is signed with the school and NOT the recruiter. To my knowledge, with Dewey, your contract is signed with the school. This means that not only will they NOT deduct 20 % each and every month but you will probably encounter far less hassle with regards to late payments, difficult and illegal contract stipulations, and not even being paid at all which some recruiters are renowned for.

As far as I know it is illegal to teach privates but why should that stop you. Go for it.

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

I agree with Ki on this.

I think that if you go through either Andrew at Dewey or Mitch at Reach to Teach then you probably don't have much to worry about.

I would avoid work in government schools and kindergartens as there is obvious concerns as to legality and instead stick with work in buxibans. Sign your contract with the school directly as Ki says and you should be fine...relatively speaking!

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

I have a lot of respect for Clark and his opinions here but I I am not so concerned about the legalities of employment here. Yes, kindergartens are supposedly illegal, unless maybe you have an ARC through marriage, [NOT SURE EXACTLY]. Privates similarly.

It really is a difficult minefield to work your way around here.

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

I agree with much of what is being said here. Using an agency which DOESN'T charge the teacher and which helps you to sign a contract DIRECTLY with the school can actually be a good idea.

Signing with a recruiter who charges you money (IACC, for example) or who pays you directly, is rarely a good idea.

So, either Reach To Teach or Dewey are fine choices. Read up about them on http://Buxiban.com to make your personal choice

If you prepare yourself well and ask a lot of questions, you will likely end up at a good school. Do a lot of your own research about what you are looking for out of your year (or more!) and make your wishes clear.