Job Discussion Forums

[Nomad79]

Yes, yes, we all know that recruiters and agencies are often shadier than the Black Forest, but given you're applying from overseas, which job boards and recruiting agencies etc. are the most likely not to screw you?

I am most interested in university jobs but am open to training centers I guess. I hate cold weather, so I think Shanghai is as far north as I'd go. I'm thinking Zhuhai, Qingdao, Guangzhou or something in that part of the country.

[RPMcMurphy]

[haleynicole14]

I used a paid recruiter, US Chinese Culture Center (http://www.chineseculturecenter.org/). I was naive and had just graduated college, and found the agency because they posted on my university's job board. I didn't search too hard for other options.

That being said, as far as paid agencies go, I was satisfied with the service. I paid $990 but they charge more now. Once I got to China I learned that I could have been making more money, but I had gotten a decent job at a good school and wasn't being taken advantage of in any way like some other people I met. I met a few people who were doing the same types of jobs, but as "volunteers" and not getting paid even half of what I made. Watch out for volunteer abroad programs.

The program that I went with took care of everything, arranged a flight for me, had a place for me to stay upon arrival for an orientation with meals paid for, and a great Chinese liason that was solely responsible for assisting the foreign teachers in the province (not associated with my school). They were really on top of what forms I needed and when, and got everything submitted and my visa taken care of for me. If I had any problems, they would contact my school to help handle disputes or questions.

Overall, if you can find all of those services for free, that would definitely be the best option. I don't think it should be necessary to pay, but I was happy to have the extra security and support especially since I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. (By the way, I wouldn't recommend that. I have since learned to do my research before making any big decisions like moving abroad.) I'm curious what routes other first timers have taken.

(EDIT: This program charges $1650 now. Would never pay that much for it. )