Job Discussion Forums

[Cal Ripken, Jr.]

Hi there,

Has anyone had any experience with this company? I'm a non-certified teacher interested in their 5-month teaching program, and it seems ideal on paper. I can't seem to track down any opinion of the organization though, and I was hoping one of you fine folks might have some knowledge to impart.

Thanks!

[haltes]

I ahve been working here for many years and I've never heard of it (that doesn't mean it does not exist though)

Is it a training program?

What kind of teaching program is it?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

This is another one of those 'pay-to-teach' programs.


In a nutshell, you pay Traks a placement fee of $1,000 &

they offer you a teaching position that pays $500 per month,

a non-B visa & maybe an end-of-contract flight reimbursement.


Basically, Traks (et al) take money at both ends;

the $1,000 placement fee from the applicant

and a commission from the hiring school.


http://www.traksinternational.com/t_overview.html


I'm not saying you should rule out Traks - it may be right for you.

If you're worried about your lack of teacher certification, please don't.

There are plenty of schools in Thailand that will pay you a decent salary

without requiring years of teaching experience or certified teacher status.


You didn't mention your qualifications.


Do you have a university degree?

A photo of you wearing a tie?

Any teaching experience?

A few references?


If you answered 'yes' to two or more of the above questions

- you can keep that $1,000 in your pocket where it belongs.


I see this was your first post on Dave's;

here's what I'd suggest in concrete terms.


Spend a few hours reading the posts on this forum,

and then have a serious look at the information

& job offers on the following three webpages:


http://www.ajarn.com/ (Ajarn.com)

http://www.teflasia.com/ (TEFL Asia.com)

http://www.shoppy.co.il/jobpro/ (The Job Pro)

[Cal Ripken, Jr.]

Great -- thanks for taking the time to respond, folks.

Kent, I'll spend some time with those links. I have actually done a decent amount of research, which included a few trips through the message boards here (and their warring factions ), and am considering a program such as Traks for the following reasons:

1) I'm going with someone else, and we'll need to be placed in the same area.
2) This program allows us to choose the province in which we'll teach.
3) They offer a 5-month contract, which is all we're looking for.
4) It's assistant teaching, so probably not a maddening amount of prep time.

In terms of qualifications -- I have everything but the teaching experience. My traveling companion, however, does have plenty of teaching experience.

I greatly apprectiate you taking the time to help, and I'm open to additional advice if anyone has any!