Job Discussion Forums

HollyC · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 74

Hi. Does anyone work for or know anything about this institute? They seem pretty good from their website but I want some opinions if anyone has any. And before anyone tells me to do a "search", I have already done that and nothing pops up. Thanks for your help.

BigWally · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 2:13 pm Post subject:

Holly,

PM me.

Toe Save · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 4:12 pm Post subject:

AQUA MARINA · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 7:25 pm Post subject:

this sounds like a good contract

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=13637

what's the 411 on them?

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

We've been looking at this organization as well.
Is this the company you're working for Big Wally?
If so can you post up some info or P.M me as well?
Thanks dude!!

Cool

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

KNS does not have any complaints about it that I am aware of, and in fact the only comment listed on the buxiban.com site is a positive one.

They have a number of schools in southern Taiwan which does include some kindergarten classes however.

I would watch the following though:

1. Don't get involved with teaching kindergarten aged kids no matter what the school may tell you as far as being legal or not;

2. Ensure that if they ask you to teach at more than one of their schools (even as just a sub) that you have each of the individual schools added to your ARC. If each school is not named on your ARC then you won't be legal.

Judging by the hours being offered at this particular school in the job ad it seems that most if not all of the classes would be elementary aged kids.

I would be surprised if the four weeks holidays are paid, but it is pretty standard not to get paid for those in Taiwan so thats not a negative for this school, just something worth confirming.

I would also be surprised if the accomodation was included. The ad is a bit ambiguous here, but my guess is that they help you find accomodation but that you pay for it yourself. If they are offering free accomodation on that wage then that is pretty good, but be wary of school provided accomodation as it can limit your options if you decide to leave.

Finally, contract completion bonuses are also pretty standard, but I would recommend that you always do your math based upon the assumption that you won't get that bonus. Provided that you complete the contract then you almost definitely will get it, but don't come to rely upon it just in case.

Overall it seems that they could be a good opportunity - it would be good to hear from Big Wally though.

Toe Save · Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 5:09 am Post subject:

While Clark's advice is spot on (as usual), I would caution n00bs about being too picky with their contractual demands. Yes, kindy teaching is illegal. However, almost everyone teaches in a kindy. The law has shades of grey to it here in Taiwan that make it difficult for our western sensibilities to understand.. As a first year Teacher, you are a dime a dozen. So if you get too demanding with your questioning of the contract, you may find yourelf without a job. In fact, this situation is more likely to happen that that of being deported for working in a kindy.

So, yes, be careful. But also be wise. It is a business and you, dear "teacher" are extremely replaceable.

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

I worked for KNS years ago when it was a brand-new school. It was a good place to work then, although I had personal issues with the owners that had nothing to do with the quality of their school. They expected a lot from the teachers, but were generally up-front about their expectations. I don't have an opinion as to the current situation there, but I personally know some of the head office staff, and they are honest people.

BigWally · Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 7:38 am Post subject:

dvasas · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 138 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

BigWally · Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 4:58 pm Post subject: Re: KNS Language Institute

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

Thanks BigWally. It's good to hear from a teacher actually working there.

Everything sounds pretty good to me, except for the bit about them not having preschool classes. KNS, or at least someone representing them and looking for new teachers, posted this on the internet:

BigWally · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject:

One thing that I can think of, that might be "kindy-ish" Wink

, is what is called an A level class (onloy offered at one of the branches), this would be that age group that you're speaking of...

but I know that if there was a seperation, there isnt any seperation as far as the building from the regular student population...there are only 5 branches, and no special kindy buildings, and "regular" bushiban classes are taught in all buildings...

also there are 2 new branches scheduled to be opened by 08-09, so they may be getting their cards in order before they designate one of the new branches kindy-only??

none the less, overall its a decent school, and like i said before i'm glad to help out anyone interested in specific questions