Job Discussion Forums

MIKEBUCHAN · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 106 Location: Russia

Anyone hear anything good - bad about ICC plus school in Almaty? I have an offer for $1000/month and accomodations. I told them that I could come around the first of September, but seem to be getting a push to come earlier. However, they seem to be reasonable about getting me the documents necessary to enter the country and get my visa after I am in Almaty -- I plan to go by train as I am living close to the border and flying to Moscow and flying back is expensive and a waste of time. I really do not like Moscow at all.
I know that in Russia (been here for 4 years) that you lose all salary for the last month or two before you leave - very common practice and I've read it here in the threads about Kazakhstan too.

Let me know all that you can share? Thanks!!!

philbags · Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 149 Location: 1962-69

If this is the same outfit that called themselves ICCE a few years ago (they have a sister school in Astana) , I would advise you very strongly NOT to go and work for them - I gave them 3 years of my time and they totally stiffed me.
I've been waiting for their name to crop up.
Hope it's not too late for you to change your mind.
P.M. me for details.
P

Chazaq · Joined: 04 Feb 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Kazakhstan

Philbags has never worked for ICC Agency or ICC Plus. Prior to my tenure as academic director we have only hired local professors to teach in our language school. I can account for all the foreign teachers who have worked in our school and he was not one of them. Philbags please withdraw your comment.

I can guarantee that ICC PLus will treat all staff members with respect and dignity. We are developing rapidly and when any problems are faced we act with integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.

In regards to working in Almaty. Yes, it is an expensive city. However, with accommodation provided (the most expensive element of living in Almaty at the moment) the deal is pretty fair. If you want to be part of a team that is aiming to provide quality education please do come and join us.

oxi · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 347 Location: elsewhere

[quote="Chazaq"]Philbags has never worked for ICC Agency or ICC Plus. Prior to my tenure as academic director we have only hired local professors to teach in our language school. I can account for all the foreign teachers who have worked in our school and he was not one of them. Philbags please withdraw your comment.

Actually, he said he worked for ICCE. He did. So did I. It was not a good job. I don't know if they are linked to ICC Agency or ICC Plus.

philbags · Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 149 Location: 1962-69

Word. Hi oxi.
Chazaq has PMed me demanding that I retract what I posted previously
but I really dont think there is a need to do so just yet. ICC do indeed also operate out of Astana s/he tells me, so the similarity between ICC and the infinitely dodgy ICCE remains. Would you like to assure us that there is no connection nor has ever been between the two organizations, Chaz?

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

If what you wrote was honest, thrash it out (civilly) on the forum. It's what we are here for after all. So far, it sounds like an organization with a similar name is questionable based on two reports. So, the school should post that it is not affiliated with the other place OR their version of history.

Chazaq · Joined: 04 Feb 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Kazakhstan

To be completely honest I have discussed this with our founding owner and the director of our school. They both categorically deny philbags has ever worked for our organisation of any affiliate of ICC Agency. We have a branch in ACTANA but it is only study abroad, not a school.

As academic director I can guarantee that unless you are a local national you have not worked at our school even under a different name and certainly not for three years. I am personally in contact (via email) with all foreign teachers who have ever worked at our school and I don't know either OXI or PHILBAGS.

I have never heard of ICCE and would be interested to know more details of your exact situation� which is what I also asked in the PM.

I take your posting very seriously as it negatively impacts on our school�s image and ability to attract well qualified foreign staff. The school you worked at was not our school and has never been affiliated with us in any way.

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

so I will chip in and attempt to clear things up. Nope, I'm not in Kazakhstan, never worked either place but, yes, I will probably end up the goat in this exchange...

This is where the OP asked about and CHAZ is employed:

http://www.iccplus.kz/

This is PROBABLY the place PHILBAGS and OXI worked:

http://www.icce-kazakhstan.kz/page.php?lang=2

Now, stay with me here please, ARE THESE THE SAME PLACE OR AFFILIATED IN ANY WAY - COMMON STAFF, FOUNDER, SPONSOR?

Note: Either one of you can answer.

philbags · Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 149 Location: 1962-69

Yes, well The ICCE mob are the one where OXI and I worked, tho not at the same time ; I spent a couple of years with their Astana outfit before moving down to the Almaty afront. I'll put something elsewhere from which you may draw an inference if you wish.
I just scooted around the ICC website - couldnt find any direct connections (tho' you really do need a proofreader guys), why don't you just come out state whether you have any link with the International College of Continuous Exasperation?

Chazaq · Joined: 04 Feb 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Kazakhstan

Just to clarify... we do not have any connection to ICCE. Wink

cheers
Chazaq

MIKEBUCHAN · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 106 Location: Russia

Hi everyone --

As the OP of this thread, I am finding that, as usual everyone is bickering back and forth.

Doesn't anyone back down and apologize anymore?

I am well qualified with a M.Sc. and a B.A., lots of experience and a real teaching certification from California. However, since this is quite old - 7 months to be exact - I lost interest in going there. Maybe in the future...

Chazaq, please contact me with the details of your teaching positions and we can go from there. OK? I'd appreciate a direct email - [email protected]

Thanks,

Mike

philbags · Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 149 Location: 1962-69

OK. Sorry to have caused tension; only trying help, and it was an unfortunate similarity.
All the best.
P.

Chazaq · Joined: 04 Feb 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Kazakhstan

Likewise I would also like to apologise for causing tension... I am very glad it has been cleared up!

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

the only slight problem was focusing on answering the question of whether it was the same place or not, rather than arguing over whether anyone worked "there". Regardless, the issue is resolved, apparently satisfactorily. It's what the forum is supposed to be for.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Leaving aside this particular thread, perhaps a useful mode of argument is suggested for the future. If one suspects a problem, first just ask 'er, is X the same as Y', then criticise or keep shtum when the answer is known. Apart from anything else, you're more likely to ascertain the truth if other people don't know if you're coming with a critical attitude or not.