Job Discussion Forums

mourningclam · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 20 Location: sunny korea, again

I am looking to get into China from Korea in the next couple months and have been applying to some places. I got an email from English First and it seems that the working hours are pretty long. Is 30- 40 teaching hours the norm in China? What is the English First reputation anyway?

anthyp · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 1320 Location: Chicago, IL USA

I don't know about their rep. but maybe you could do a search on this site. As for the hours, cripes. We came to China specifically to avoid working more than 20 per.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

40 hours a week is the norm with EF, not with schools in China in general.
And, you have to wear a tie all day long.

Ah, lest I forget: EF is not the owner of those Chinese outfits: these belong to local franchisees. Expect some variation in how they treat their staff.

Norman Bethune · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 731

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

I was recruited by English First for a DOS position, but did not take a job through them because of yes, the long hours--more than double those of other schools--and because I found them to be very unprofessional. When the China side recruiter saw that I was shying away from them, she offered to call me to put my mind at rest. I indicated that I was not interested in attempts to placate me by telephone, that I was not going to consider them because they didn't answer my questions about contract signing, visas, etc. As a professional, I am not comfortable dealing with amateurs who are trying to get their commissions for delivering a body any way they can. I would advise staying far away from EF.

mourningclam · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 20 Location: sunny korea, again

Thanks everyone. All of the information has been helpful. I heard the school was dodgey in the past, but I didnt know if the reputation had changed or not. I will steer clear of them.

TESOLman · Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 34 Location: Vancouver, BC

EF is the oldest ESL company in the world; however, you will work 6 days a week with them. They tried to recruit me but after reading the contract I decided against it. The normal hours of work in China are between 20 to 25 per week and you should not accept anything below 5,000RMB/month plus free accommodations. However, the final decision is your's.

One thing to remember about northern China is that the winters can be brutal and some places (Dalian, for example) only turn on the heat between certain dates. Dalian is from Nov. 15 to Mar. 15 regardless of how cold it is. They have central heating plants that heat maybe 50 building or more.

Wish you all the best.

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

TESOLman · Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 34 Location: Vancouver, BC

Sorry, my mistake about EF being the oldest ESL company in the world. I forgot about Berlitz.

yaco · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 473

Send me a PM for information about a reputable college in Guangdong province.

Giantbudwiser · Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 3:20 am Post subject:

For gods sake keep clear of EF! They work you to the bone and are stuck up A-holes that pay you an underaverage salary Twisted Evil