Job Discussion Forums

thunderpaws · Joined: 27 Sep 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Philadelphia

I have an interview for 10 week teaching "internship" with China Project Hope ( http://www.cphedu-us.org/About-Us.html ) tomorrow but for the life of me I can't find almost any info on them.

The position begins in mid March and ends at the end of May. They provide housing, airfare, and a small salary (about 4000 RMB/month). Sounds too good to be true to me, but the application process so far has been quite thorough. I'm cautiously optimistic, but still quite skeptical. I'd like to know if they're reputable before I commit to anything.

Has anyone heard of this organization? Worked for them?

I'd be grateful for any input. Thanks!

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

Ive never heard of them, but I wonder how much they charge for their program??

Sharing the cost of this program is likely to encourage more comments.

thunderpaws · Joined: 27 Sep 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Philadelphia

autumn_leaf · Joined: 29 Jan 2012 Posts: 2

I would see if they're associated with the Project Hope based in the US. I think that is likely since it says that it is based in Texas, US.

Project Hope in the US does free job training for those who qualify in the US. The course is usually 6 weeks long with I think 3 of those weeks being an internship.

Is the contract for English or a practical skill? Either way I would probably contact the US based Project Hope and see if there is any association. By the way, from my limited experience with Project Hope in the US they are a stickler for being on time, so never be late if you take the job.

thunderpaws · Joined: 27 Sep 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Philadelphia

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

I was kinda expecting a chunky fee to be attached to the program, which would probably then elicit yells of 'scam/dont do it/never pay for a position in China' etc.

I had a brief look at the website and it didnt really offer too much in the way of detail. It didnt mention minimum program requirements in terms of education/experience. Id personally question the value of unqualified and inexperienced 'teachers' on short term placements, but if there is no program fee, you dont really have anything to lose IMO.

thunderpaws · Joined: 27 Sep 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Philadelphia

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

In fairness, being left in China with no resources, no support and a poor room is kinda the norm. Most volunteer/voluntourism and even many jobs come with the above as 'standard'. Resouces and 'genuine' support is unlikely IMO. Expect the worst...be pleasantly surprised if it is any better than that.

I entered China a long time ago as part of a short term voluntourism program and took that route because I thought support etc would be more likely. Maybe my program wasnt the best, but I think what we term as support and resources are very different to what may be offered in China.

That isnt to say you cant have a wonderful experience, but expectations need to be realistic and lowered. The likelihood of being told to just enter a classroom and 'speak English to them' is far higher than being given lots of academic support and a syllabus to follow.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

How do they raise money to pay your 4000 a month?

I am a suspicious sort of guy and I would ask that question.

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

In fairness ... its a ten week internship, not a full contract so I dont feel it can be directly compared to other opportunities that may exist. There are a number of companies that offer similar short term placements that expect the prospective teacher to pay a fee, and/or then volunteer.

Assuming the OP is looking at a short term adventure, this would appear to be a deal that may often be better than the norm for short term placements.

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

ten-week contract and they cover airfare and housing?

sounds reasonable.

thunderpaws · Joined: 27 Sep 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Philadelphia

I have the interview in a few hours, so I'll let y'all know what I learn.

I'm applying for Fall 2012 EPIK in South Korea, so if I can get this gig (even at just 4000/month) it will give me a chance to use my TESOL training on a regular basis, it should increase my comfort in the classroom, and it's an adventure!

That said, I still need to so my best to figure out if they're legit. The fine line, though, is I don't want to sound skeptical during the interview lest they get the sense that I might be a hassle for them. If they offer me a job, at that point I'll lay the questions on em.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep ya posted!

LarssonCrew · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 1308

Maybe I've been in China too long and become cynical...

BUT, even with volunteer positions, 'helping the needy' positions, as this is in China and there MUST be a Chinese person linked in somewhere, I cannot imagine that someone who is Chinese hasn't got their hand in the till somewhere.

Even positions in Tibet to 'help the people of Tibet' I always imagined was linked to a government official 'Let's help boost locals by giving them a foreign teacher for a month!.'

I would suspect this organisation of being similar. I just cannot fathom that any organisation within China is not making money from somewhere.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Update?