Job Discussion Forums

[Alix]

Hi,
I'm just starting out with teacher job hunting and it seems a bit of a minefield. I found an agency called TeacherMexConnect, with a nice looking website but little info on the jobs they offer. They have jobs in all the places I want to go, but they want a small fee up front.
Most people advise me not to trust anyone who wants pre payment, and they have had a bad review on this forum:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=73633
But I found the ad through this site. Does the site vet agencies? Has anyone else heard of them? Is not paying up front just a good idea that I should always stick to?
Any advice appreciated.

[spiral78]

Where are you seeking work?

If it's somewhere in Europe (I see you're from the UK) then most jobs aren't found from abroad anyway - you really have to pick a city and come over and meet the employers in person before most reputable schools will give you a serious thought.
Consider timing as well - most contracts for this region are Sept - June, and coming over in, say, May would make the job hunt much more difficult and expensive.
Anyway, for Europe I would say that no recruiter is needed at all.

If you're considering other regions, the above may not hold true at all, though!

[Alix]

Hi,
Thanks, actually I have been hoping to work in Latin/South America, particularly Ecuador as I have family connections there, which is how I came across that particular agency. Europe would also be nice though, especially Spain.
I've been off work due to injury so just heading out and looking for work is a bit expensive for me right now! I've always preferred the personal approach though, easier to stand out in person than on paper. Is that true for teaching also?

[spiral78]

Yes, of course

I think we have a regular poster who's based in Ecuador...hopefully he'll be around soon!

[tomstone]

[Alix]

Thanks! I'll remember that. So easy to be tempted but luckily I'm cynical also. x