Saturday, September 7, 2013

Jobs of the Week September 8, 2013


Back from Vacation

For all you job hunters out there with questions upon questions about reputable EFL employers, I am back and at your service.

GOOD

1) Ray English Recruitment – China

Provides (as always) a good number of positions available with reputable employers. Good for noobs with no years of experience.

Testimonials

Job details

2) Shane English School – China

Up front about contact hours, salary and accommodation ranges and curriculum. Though, they did mention a sixth day of work that could be added as a bonus into your salary or to accumulate as time off later in the contract. Sneaky, sneaky, but worth a shot. 



BAD

3) Assumption College, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand

The contract on offer is more than decent considering standard pay is about 60,000 THB. However, these people would disagree.

Job details

4) Westgate Corporation – Japan

Not a bad gig, though the contract dates are an issue. A friend of a friend who used to work for this company said that yes accommodation was supplied, but upon the final day of the contract you had to vacate the abode. For him, that meant leaving the country because Japan was so expensive for him. And that also meant Westgate did not reimburse him for the flights. If you are going to inquire about a job, check with the company to see if they’ve changed their policy about accommodation. If you get a job, be prepared to vacate on the final day.

Job details

NOT WORTH IT

5) Teachers for Primary School – Phnom Pehn, Cambodia

$150 / month for 25 contact hours! Yes it’s Cambodia, but I mean, the school at least has to provide flights or an allowance, or else teachers with 0$ to their name will never be able to save enough money to fly home!

Job hunters beware.

Job details

6) B & A International Languages – China

B & A International Languages you had me at ‘hello,’ but then lost me when I read teachers had to supply lesson plans one week in advance.

Holy shnikes! According to the post, there’s no mention of a set curriculum. Me thinks you will be creating from scratch, and that’s a tall order without having to provide the plans a week in advance. It’s a tough cookie, and I would save myself the headache of doing so. There are other jobs that have a set curriculum and don’t require you to provide lesson plans in advance.

Job details

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Culture Shock


Getting off the plane, and it hits you right in the kisser! You’re in a different country, with different people, with a different language, and it’s all so straaaaaaaaaange. What to do? What to do?

When it's time to leave West Baltimore.
1) Study up on the language
Study up on the language. Learning a few key phrases like ‘Please’ or ‘Thank you’ or ‘Excuse me,’ will help you communicate (however minimally at first) with the locals. When in Rome, speaking Italian can charm the pants off of anybody!

2) Study the people and culture
Research as much as you can about the people and culture in the locale you’ll be living/ working in. Is it offensive to wear your cowboy boots, cut-off jean shorts and ripped tank top to the mall? Probably offensive in any country, but you’ll need to be sure if you can or can’t wear your favorite outfit. Should you be making constant eye contact? What other behaviors exhibit respect in that culture? In short, what should you do, not do whilst living there. Like in Thailand, never touch the top of a person’s head.

3) Accept the differences
The whole cultural experience is a learning experience as well. Remember: You wanted to visit that oh so special place because it is not at all like your hometown. Differences are what makes culture wonderful. Granted, McDonald’s is there (most likely) but branch out beyond the obvious and breathe in the same air as the locals do.

4) Honeymoon period
The first 3 months are a whirlwind of fun, excitement, ‘golly-gee, why I can’t believe they do that here! I want to live here for the rest of my life!’ Enjoy the honeymoon period, take lots of pictures and relish the wonderfulness of your extended tourist period. It will wear off (if you’re a normal, sane person.)

5) The Not-So Honeymoon period
Month 4 and you hate everything about that place: the people look too weird, the language is too difficult to learn, the customs are just so outrageous you’ve taken to scowling and grunting at every nice gesture that turns your way. You hear from your mom about Uncle Richard’s birthday party and how she made your favorite dish lasagna. Oh how wonderful home is! You’re more homesick than hungover. This is normal. You’ve adjusted to your surroundings; the freshness is not as fresh, and everything is getting on your nerves. Remember the honeymoon period, and remember why you wanted to live/work in a different culture.

It also helps to talk to somebody about your feelings. Expats may speak the same language as you. If you can make friends with some experienced expats who’ve been living and working in the country for a long time, who’ve adjusted quite nicely and seem to thrive in that environment, ask them for some advice about how to deal with X, Y or Zed about the country. Assuredly they experienced homesickness at some point. Assuredly, they can help you by offering advice or talking you out of your Not-So Honeymoon period.

Change it up: go experience something as yet unexperienced in the place. Go hike that mountain you’ve been putting off because you’ve been busy at work. Travel to another part of the country. Even something so simple as trying a different restaurant or new bar or new dish or new drink. Meet new people, even if they may be expats.

In short, all of these tips for coping with culture shock are to get you to be mindful of why you chose to work abroad in the first place, that it is going to be difficult sometimes, but you should always try, try, try.

If you give up and want to blow your brains out with a shotgun but can’t find one, then you should think about finding a new job in a new culture in a new environment.


Much love to you,


Dr. R. Gonzo

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Vacation

Hello all,

I'm currently on vacation, and won't be blogging again until some time later. Job huntin's up to you now, kiddo. Read the old posts, educate yourself, and do a thorough research before submitting your C. V.

Good luck, and happy holidays to all!

-Dr. R. Gonzo

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Jobs of the Week June 30, 2013

GOOD

Wrinkly Gus is happy with these jobs!
1)Earlybirds – China

Sounds like a sweet deal. But other than the name of this recruiter, is the sentence at the bottom of the post that really grates against my kisser. You claim you are not a recruiter, but what you describe IS what the job of a recruiter does. No matter if you have ‘personal’ relationships with universities. You are sending out job posts in order to recruit teachers for those specific posts.

It’s like a pig dressed up as a woman, saying it’s not a pig.

Insulting to my intelligence, but still sounds good.


2) Semyung University – Korea

Alright! 4 day work week! Low number of students and contact hours! Though, a position more suitable for (somewhat) experienced teachers with qualifications.

Sign me up! But negotiated wisely for adequate pay. Remember: you’re an educated person, don’t let them lowball you.


3) Kangwon National University - Korea

Low pay for the type of qualifications and experience this place is looking for. With that in mind, low contact hours, ample vacation time and partly-furnished housing. No mention of flights...

Give it a go if you’ve got at least a year teaching experience with BA or MA...though, I’d negotiate for a minimum of 2.5 Won/ month.


BAD

Angry or pooping? Or pooping angrily?

4) WithAble Recruiting – Korea

I’m sketched out by the gmail address. But with that in mind, this recruiter has a range of jobs for your perusal. Different locations with salary between 2.0 – 2.7 million Won. However, some of the contact hours reach upwards of 30 (for kindy, no less) and require you to work 10 hours in one day. Will you lose your sanity teaching kindergarteners 6 – 8 contact hours per day and remain in the office for an addition 2-4 hours? Salary is pretty low for the work demand.

Keep looking.


5) Orange Education Co - Korea

If a stable, reputable recruiter for the last 11 years, why are you still using a Hotmail address? The website offers suitable information about aspects of the job (contact hours, pay, holidays, etc). Be careful though, since Orange Education Co. is a recruiter, the demands of the director/ principal of language institutes may differ than what is stipulated on the OECo. website. For most of the jobs, there seems to be high contact hours with low pay and are looking for Kyopo teachers (F visas) and E2 visa holders already inside Korea.

As well, misspelled words and grammar errors proliferate on the job posting.

Beware.


6) ACE Recruiting Agency – Korea

Go to the ACE Career website, under Recruiting Info, and you will read about teacher’s home leave after signing another contract.

I don’t like the unpaid 14 day home leave for teachers who will re-sign. That’s how you pay back your loyal teachers?

I find that extremely offensive, especially when most other institutes pay you for vacation time.

No thanks.


NOT WORTH IT

[witty caption redacted due to the image speaking for itself]

7) Expertise Education – Beijing, China

No mention of contact hours. Salary is disgustingly low. Look elsewhere. Also, this company should think about renaming it since it sounds so much like the disreputable Education Experts in Saudi Arabia.

Pass...


8) China TEFL Network (CTN)

This post is sloppily presented. Reading it makes my eyes hurt, and my heart as well when I read the range of salary offered at the different schools.

White space is important when reading. Organize the information into salary ranges. Learn how to write links in your job post. It's much cleaner...unorganized noob.

No thank you.


9) Korea International School Beijing – China

You had me at the salary! But then made me think twice about a small detail you tried to sneak past me.
Yes, 20 contact hours per week is good. Yes, the housing and pay are great too.

But... you have to submit weekly lesson plans. Any good teacher has a lesson plan, but I think you will have to submit highly detailed plans for approval. If you are making the curriculum from scratch, you’ll easily be working 60 hours per week in preparation and teaching.

Go sit on an egg.


10) British Academic Centre – Moscow Region – Russia

No mention of contact hours. No mention if provided housing is shared or not. No mention of the amount of vacation time. Pay is little more than slave wages. Also, it’s located in the Moscow ‘Region.’ You could be out in the boonies.

Likewise, go sit on an egg.



Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Education Experts

Education Experts 



(aliases: Ed Ex, Edu Ex, Education Experts Company, Education Experts LLC)
           http://www.edu-experts.com    


*First compilation: June 27, 2013


Head Office: Main Branch at Saudi Arabia
                      Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - P. O. Box 22066 Riyadh 11495
  TELEPHONE     920000139
  FAX   92000766       

Contact Personnel: 1) Dr. William Frawley Executive Director English Programs
                               (edexdrbill@gmail.com)

2) Mr. Osamah Manna Director English Personnel

Partnerships: King Saud University, Najran University, Taibah University, Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University, King Abdul Aziz Military College, King Fahad Security College, Qassim University

Analysis: Overall, the company does not have a sterling reputation. There are various criticisms floating about the internet (here, forum pages 1-15; Personal Review 1Personal Review 2Personal Review 3) that run the gamut of:  
  • contracts not being honored
  • work hours being amended to include unpaid weekends
  • return flight tickets not provided if leaving the company on final exit
  • salary not being paid in full or not being paid on time
  • late or non-existent airport pickup of newly arriving staff
  • switching location of employment upon entering the country
  • providing unsuitable accommodation in terms of quality and distance to location of employment
  • personal conflicts with unethical managers (lying to teachers about support, classroom incidences and student complaints, etc) 
  • arriving to KSA on a work visa, and possibly extending the period to 365 days so that the company does not have to apply for the iqama (resident card). Without an iqama, teachers will not be able to open a bank account or transfer money. Other means to send money without an iqama requires using another person who does have an iqama to transfer for them.  

Salary Range: 3,000 - $4,000/ month

Housing Allowance: 25% of base salary (if accommodation is not provided)

Benefits: basic health insurance, return flights, travel allowance or provided transportation (i.e. company bus to/ from work, weekend outings, etc.)


*No tuition allowance for children.
*Single status visa.
*No flights provided for family.
*30 days' vacation after working for 11 consecutive months. 

Recent Job Posts: 1, 2, 3 

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Jobs of the Week June 23, 2013


Some good pickin's to finally whet my appetite. And in case you’re wondering, I don’t work for EF or English First. Good huntin’ to the lot of you.

GOOD

Hopefully this will be you

1) EF English First Yuci – China

Comprehensive package on offer: accommodation, salary, bonus, flight allowance. Quite generous for noobs fresh out of University. Though, no mention of contact hours.


2) Golden Bridge Training Center – China

Low pay, but what can you expect for 0 years of experience and working in China? From the post, I gather there’s solid support for new teachers, provided accommodation, generous holidays on offer (though one could expect to be teaching for Winter Camp holidays, and if you are paid for it is another question to ask in the interview) free Chinese lessons.

Give it a go.


3) English First – Hefei, China

Good package for noob teachers, but does require a TEFL cert. The pay is quite low for candidates with a CELTA. Don’t they know it costs around $2,000 for that training?


4) EF English First Swara Group – Indonesia

No mention of salary or even a range. ‘Accommodation assistance,’ which means you will not be provided an allowance. Flight allowance (return ticket, though from where? You home country, hopefully.) No mention of contact hours or number of students in class. As well, you have the choice of working in Jakarta or the outskirts. Be careful of a bait and switch, as Jakarta differs drastically from the countryside.

I would apply, but ask many, many questions.


5) Oxford House College – UK

If I was going back home this summer, I’d apply. Low pay, but provided meals and accommodation.


6) SELECT EMPLOYMENT – Turkey

Good pay...for Turkey. But you’ll be paying for rent out of your take home salary. Flight allowance. No mention of contact hours, though I’m sure they will differ depending on what age groups you’ll teach. Expect more hours for young learners. Job post requests teachers have 1 year experience + CELTA.


BAD

Choose where to send your C. V. wisely!

7) COMPASS Education - Vietnam

While not entirely bad, as the presentation of the post is helpful and straightforward. The only inference worth noting is the pay and accommodation. If you are paid hourly and your contact hours drop, you could make substantially less money. Makes things difficult, such as ensuring you have enough money to pay rent at the end of the month.

I would look for a salaried position.


8) Meten English – China

Not too bad. Yes the flight is reimbursed, along with the visa and medical costs, but are you provided with an outgoing or return flight? 40 hour week with 25 contact hours is not too bad. But using the other 15 hours to learn about Meten’s methodological approach could mean a very tiring work week. I would understand this if your teachers were noobs, but the job requires the teacher to be TEFL certified.

Could be promising if you ask the right questions: salary? accommodation allowance?


NOT WORTH IT

Choosing this job is just as terrible a choice as the tats above.

9) Kidz-n-us – Hong Kong, China

Good salary, but you’ll be paying for accommodation. It can be quite expensive in Hong Kong.



Friday, June 14, 2013

Jobs of the Week June 16, 2013

Dear all,

I have been working on some consultancy work, and have not had much time to browse the job listings. But from the ones I have seen, here's the good, bad and not worth it selections from China and Korea. Not like anyone's reading this anyways. Any who, marvel.

GOOD


1) University Teaching Jobs - China Vacancies info@chinavacancies.com

Thank you for not providing quirky (read: annoying, offensive) rhetorical questions or a descriptive paragraph that falls short of the mark. Thank you for listing only need-to-know information for me, the prospective employee. Shit pay, shit hours, but whatever...I like companies that give you the info without you having to punch them in the face to get their attention.


2) DFL Recruitment Agency – Korea – dfl.worldteacher@gmail.com

Many jobs to choose from. Postings are straightforward with detailed information. I like DFL Recruitment Agency, but get rid of the Gmail address and set-up a domain name that can host email. It makes you look unprofessional.


3) Daegu Haany University – Korea – english@dhu.ac.kr

I am saddened to read the yearly salary is only about 29,000,000 won, and the job requires you to have a Masters. Low hours and paid vacation make this a go. But you should attempt to negotiate a higher salary. Korea! You and China and Japan make me angry with low paying university gigs that require higher ed qualifications. How dare you!


BAD


4) East-West Education LLC – China – HR@BeijingTeach.com

Teaching kids 25 hours per week? At your own peril. Especially since most kiddie jobs are higher paying than this one. I like the website http://www.beijingteach.com/ because it’s informative. Also, the pictures that display an unpolluted Chinese sky near the Bird’s Nest. And all the teachers are white! Ethnicities not preferred? But that’s racist China for you.

I hate kids. If you’re a pedo or a Mormon or Evangelical Christian, then go for it...perv.


NOT WORTH IT

5) Readingtown – China – judyh@sageshanghai.com

Zero job details. It describes the school and the curriculum, albeit vaguely. Even on the website, it only shows the recruitment process. What the hell is the salary range? If you can’t put together an informative job posting, in what other ways are you disorganized?

Pass, sucka.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Interesting New Blog

Hello folks,

Found a nice new blog that gives a nice comprehensive overview of Global TEFL Scams.


As you can see, it's nice! 

Hopefully this blogger will keep it coming with the helpful information for TEFLers. 

Friday, June 7, 2013

June 9, 2013 Jobs of the Week

Three jobs that tickle my fancy. I hope they tickle you noobs out there, as well. The other jobs might tickle you in the wrong spot, laugh yes, but then make you angry to know there are such crap organizations in the TEFL world. TEFL employers: get your act together! If you want professional employees, post professional, informative job postings. 

GOOD

I would like to thank Selena Gomez for personally assisting me with these GOOD TEFL job selections. You're such a dear!

1) EFL Teacher – Bell – Assumption College Thornbury in Bangkok Thailand

This is what all companies should aspire to when posting jobs. All the info I need to make a good decision whether or not to send my CV.

Why hasn’t anyone jumped on this job yet?


2) Prime Teachers - EFL Teachers required in Shenzhen, China

This company’s all up on Bell’s quality job posting. Clear, direct information.

Apply you fool! Apply!


3) ESL Teachers - EF English First Chongqing Schools

Hey now, English First (EF) provides a decent looking package for noob teachers. The pay is atrociously low, but so is the rest of China. Free accommodation, Chinese lessons, flight allowance.
Be careful if you don’t have a TEFL cert. already. If you don’t, you’ll have to fork out some bucks to get EF’s TEFL cert, which probably isn’t worth more than the paper it’s printed on.

If you’re fresh out of university, it’s a nice foot in the door. Hopefully EF delivers on its promises outlined in the job posting.

Apply to begin paying off your student loans (albeit at only $100 – 200 per month).


BAD

Even the King of Pop doesn't approve of these jobs.

4) Teach, Travel and Earn Money in Russia! – Aclipse

Something is off here. The job post at Dave’s is for Russia. Go to Aclipse’s website and the only countries on offer are Korea, China and Japan. The following screenshot is from the website. There are no mention of Russian schools partnered with Aclipse.

They probably do have relationships with Russian schools, but for godsakes people, post that information on your website. If you don’t post, then what other surprises do you have in store for prospective employees? Me thinks there’s also a good reason why you don’t post package details like accommodation, flight allowances, base pay and contact hours. This is shoddy marketing at its shoddiest.


5) Teachers Needed in Sakarya, Turkey
AdapazarĂ˝ Private Enka School esunter@enka.k12.tr

Straightforward post mentioning the qualifications an applicant should have. But no mention of salary, contact hours, etc. Yes there is an email address, but that’s a mistake of the hiring personnel. Now they’re going to get inundated with simple questions that could’ve been avoided had they put basic info. like salary, contact hours, and other employment package details. No website for us to browse at our leisure?

It sounds good, but I wouldn’t expect much in terms of pay because it’s Turkey. You’ll have to query to find out more.


6) QUALIFIED NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS - Ankara, Turkey
University of Turkish Aeronautical Association ssahinel@thk.edu.tr

This post from Turkey is more comprehensive. It outlines the contact hours, what content you’ll be teaching, vacation, flight allowance. As well, clearly states accommodation is not provided.
Although, no website to direct us to for FAQs.

Again, it’s Turkey. Expect the salary to be low, even though you the candidate is highly qualified with over 3 years teaching experience. In terms of submitting required documents as part of your employment application, it’s a lot. Jump through hoops, but don’t expect to jump through hoops for big salary.

At your discretion, but personally, not for me.


7) CMT Learning Ltd – UK

First, they misspelled ‘definitely.’ Furthermore, the job posting format looks redonkulous. Other than the max number of contact hours (25), no mention of important job details like accommodation, flight allowance (though I think they’re looking for UK based individuals.)

Nice website for me to look at. 

If you’re athletically inclined and from the UK, go for it. I expect the pay to be around £250 – 300 per week.


NOT WORTH IT



8) English-and-Skype

This old nugget of crap? They’re spending a fortune on posting on Dave’s ESL CafĂ©. They’ve got to change their game if they want to be considered reputable, or at least, halfway decent.


9) Native ESL/EFL Teacher - Interlingua School

Ok, let me say the employment package is decent (pay, accommodation, flight allowance, etc.)
But what I really enjoy, and for all the wrong reasons, is that Interlingua School is tacking on additional duties. You get to work as an office assistant as well! Maybe it’s a blend of working in the office and teaching, but I wouldn’t think the pay would be much better. Golly gee, no thank you.

If you’re teaching 26 hours per week, you deserve more than 8,600 RMB/ month.

This is a pass.


10) Beijing Hampson Education Training School – China

One on one teaching? It’s got its limitations. If you don’t develop rapport with the student immediately, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. You will still have to teach him/ her. Do you like pulling teeth on a daily basis for hours on end? Then this job is for you.

For the rest of you sane people, I’d pass on this ‘opportunity.’


11) Online English Teacher (part time) – dadaabc (company name)

Pass! And a big one at that.

The posting does not provide an email address or website. How do I apply to your crummy organization? Make it easy for employees to apply. Don’t make it a game of chasing the hare.
A Google search only yielded other job postings under the same company name.

These jokers aren't worth the time or effort to track them down and apply.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Jobs of the Week June 2, 2013


How sad the TEFL industry is this week: one friggin’ job worthy of the ‘good’ rating. I hope quality jobs start popping up in time to hire teachers for September.

GOOD

1) 3 Native English teachers needed in Dongying, Shandong Province, China
Golden Bridge Training Center

Low pay, but accommodation provided in a city somewhat close to Beijing. Ample vacation time, and free Chinese lessons. Minimal contact hours. Yes, low pay, but could be a good situation. Apply.


BAD

2) Teach to Travel University Positions, Bursa, Turkey

Low pay and to think you’ll have to pay for expensive accommodation in or around Bursa, you’ll be just about to make ends meet though without going out or spending any money on fun.


3) Apply Immediately for Teaching Positions in Taipei, Taiwan
Honor Roll kerryliou@gmail.com

Low pay. No mention of contact hours. Short vacation. You will have to pay accommodation from your salary. And you’ll be teaching kids.


4) EAP tutors/IELTS teachers
Winchester School of Art/Dalian Polytechnic University

If they want such highly qualified teachers, then they should be offering a lot more money. University of Liverpool at Xian Jiao Tong starts at 16, 000 RMB.


NOT WORTH IT

5) Teach Kindergarten in Nakhonsawan, Thailand
Yuwapat Nakhonsawan Thailand mdamulligan@gmail.com

Super low pay, even by Thai standards. Max 20 kindy students in a class? And no mention of contact hours. No thank you.


6) Qualified Female Native English Speaking Teacher Needed in Khartoum, Sudan
Kibeida International Schools mkeebo@hotmail.com

If you’re only going to offer NET with 3 years’ experience and degree and TEFL certified $1,200 to come to Sudan, then you’re better off just hiring locals. This package is a slap in the face, even for the kindhearted individuals.


7) ARAMCO Contractor in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Ballenger-Atherton Group ballenger.atherton.group@gmail.com


This contractor is taking a huge chunk of the salary. As well, they are not providing you with 14 day vacations every 4 months. And they do not provide roundtrip tickets for each vacation. Do not send your resume to them.


8) Teach Online! - from $10 to $20 per hour
English-and-Skype

These bastards again? Read my other posts here and here.
Not worth your time. As a teacher, you deserve better treatment.


Friday, May 24, 2013

Jobs of the Week May 26, 2013

Maybe I'm in a generous mood? I found some good enough jobs for me to recommend. And even the BAD jobs aren't too bad. Happy hunting, and good luck!

GOOD
Very good
1) EFL Teacher – KELT - Surabaya, Indonesia


Good salary in Indonesian terms, 20 contact hours, in beautiful Surabaya, Indonesia (not Jakarta). 8 weeks’ vacation per year? You’ll have to ask if that’s paid or unpaid. However, I think I’ll be sending this job on to my friends. No mention of flight allowance or flight reimbursement. As well, is there a severance for finishing the contract?

Apply for this one quick, or else you’ll lose out.


2) EFL Teacher – Bell - TJAS – Bangkok, Thailand

Awesome base salary for Thailand. Except, no provided accommodation, or mention of allowance. That could be at least 15,000 Baht taken out of your salary each month. No mention of contact hours as well.

But, but, but, but!

8 weeks paid holiday + public holidays.

Help (whatever that means, it still sounds good) towards a flight.

A two year renewable contract! Good news

Maybe not a suitable job for absolute noobs, but if you’ve got the quals, apply!


3) Englsih [sic....they spelled ‘English’ wrong!] Way Training Center - Shanghai

The high severance is what attracted me to this post to begin with. How did they come up with that number, which is exorbitant by China’s standards?

A decent pay, but only national holidays are mentioned. And the contact hours? Yes, only 25 per week, but it does not mention if you are allowed consecutive days off? It seems you will be teaching 6 days a week. 

Off on Monday. Free apartment! Flight money? No mention.

Worth a shot...



(NOT TOO) BAD 

At least his undies are on...

4) English Teacher – English First training school - Nanjing, China

The posting looks presentable, and offers important information for me to make a decision whether to send my CV. Except...no salary range.

10 days paid vacation per year is low (they do work you to death in China), but one could manage if the salary was decent. But you’ll have to find out during the interview.

Still, worth a shot. Apply.


5) Find Work Abroad – Shenzhen, China

30 contact hours and 10 office hours per week...pretty steep. But, the pay is fantastic. And they give you accommodation.

If you can hack it, I’d say go for it.



NOT WORTH IT



6) Bai Da Wei Foreign Language School – Northeast China

Terrible pay for such a high number of contact hours. I’d apply to the Way Training Center in Shanghai over this place.

Not worth the hassle. Keep looking...



7) Pearson Longman Schools - Shanghai, China

Low contact hours, considerable pay, but no mention of accommodation or flights.
Not too bad, but there are better out there.


Thursday, May 23, 2013

i-to-i TEFL Survey 2013



A nice survey recently just put out by i-to-i TEFL which provides 393 TEFL  teachers' views about where, and why they are teaching among others.

Some of the questions are obvious enough, with obvious enough replies. Although, I would've like to see where, exactly, are those 'All Other Responses' are teaching. Considering it is about a quarter of the pie-chart, that would warrant a more thorough explanation.

Russia? UK? USA? Australia? 


Nice survey, but not very insightful.


Saturday, May 18, 2013

Review of Online TEFL Course Provider www.myteflworld.com

'Make the world your classroom...by flushing your money down the toilet.' 


Not worth the paper this certificate is printed on. Well, actually you have to pay £15 just to have the company print it and send it to you through the mail. 

The course is only 100 hours, which is not even close to the 120 hours most employers stipulate for an acceptable TEFL course. As well, no observed teaching practice. Not accredited by anyone worth their weight in the TEFL industry (ie Cambridge). 

www.myteflworld.comBut, but, but, but! If you need a piece of paper like this for a pay increase (for instance China, Korea) then go ahead and waste your hard-earned money. Do a CELTA or CELTYL to make sure you receive beneficial teacher training to earn a qualification that is accepted by nearly every TEFL job worldwide.

Do not waste your money with this company!   

Jobs of the Week May 19, 2013

GOOD

1) Teaching Children English in China

Excellent package on offer in Beijing. But you’ll be teaching kids, and you’ll be paying for accommodation out of your own pocket. Ask about number of contact hours/ week.

2) Native English-Speaking Kindergarten Teacher Needed in Hong Kong

Excellent package, though you will pay for accommodation. Again, ask about the number of contact hours/ week.

BAD

3) Native English Teacher needed starting late February 2013 in Dongying City, Shandong, China

Well, not too bad...but it will be difficult trying to get a conversation out of 6-16 year old kids. Quite a rural location. Only go if you want the ‘authentic’ Chinese cultural experience. The low pay is offset by the generous vacation time, flight airfare (provided in lieu of severance – ahem, ahem) and provided accommodation. Post is requesting teachers for early February...but the posting is May 18, 2013....

4) English Teaching Positions in Thailand

35,000 Baht per month, and you got to foot the bill for accommodation? 15-25 hours teaching per week? Classes are 3 hours each? I hope to God for the teacher's sanity there's a break half-way through. Eh, not too bad. But not the best out there. BFITS provides the curriculum for you, so prep. time is limited. 11 month contract means you don’t get paid for one of those summer months. If you is a noob, you can get this job so long as your BA is related to teaching (ie English, TESOL, Education, Linguistics, etc.)

NOT WORTH IT

5) ESL Teaching Position in Foreigner Owned & Run Training Centre

Low pay, part of which will go towards accommodation. 30 periods / week teaching Young Learners? No. Not even close, bud. Choose another job.

ONLY FOR THE DESPERATE/ KIND-HEARTED

6) Native English Teacher needed ASAP!

Low pay, 30 contact hours, but accommodation provided and you’re in Brazil! Waka – waka...I guess that’s South Africa (Shakira) and the Muppets (Fawzy). If you are desperate, or like to help out those less fortunate learn English, apply, apply, apply!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Jobs of the Week 12 May 2013


GOOD

English First (EF) Academic Partnerships - English Teacher at University in Shanghai

Good salary working for a university in a great location. Low hours and the opportunity to earn extra income during holidays make this a job to apply for.


RAY English Recruitment- TEACH IN CHINA!!

Comprehensive post with all questions answered but one: how many teaching hours per week?
Accommodation is provided, but will you be sharing with another teacher?
Salary is quite low. If you do have a TEFL/ CELTA cert, negotiate for at least 12, 000 RMB.


Becamex – Vietnam

A very high salary and severance on offer here in a beautiful spot in SE Asia. Accommodation provided and decent vacation time (30 days inclusive of public holidays), opportunities for IELTS examiner training. But no mention of contact hours, or if you have to work on Saturday.


BAD

Aston Business Consulting - High School English and/or US history teacher needed for semi-tropical Quanzhou, China

I’m surprised the salary is so low for content teachers. If you have Literature/ History experience in the US, that usually means you are certified to teach in High School, which garners more money, at least for other schools in China.

11 month contract means they will not pay for your holidays. That is a shiesty way to treat teachers who have worked their ass of for upwards of 30 students in each class, for 25 hours per week.
At least they provide you with accommodation and foot the visa costs.


Istra School - EFL Teacher – Russia

Not a bad package. $1,500 / month, shared accommodation. Contact hours? Holidays? Not mentioned...and you’re an hour away from Moscow.


TLTP Teach Global - English Teachers – Saudi Arabia

No mention of salary, contact hours. Because the required qualifications are only a CELTA/ TEFL certificate, they will rape you on the salary. Expect $1,800 – 2,500 at best. You’ve been warned.


NOT WORTH IT

European Centre - Corporate English Language Instructors – Saudi Arabia

No mention of anything helpful for a candidate to make a decision to submit a resume.
Nothing about contact hours, accommodation, flights, visas...in short if they don’t take the time to post the necessary information about the job, I don’t want to waste my time with them.
Keep looking.


ISUS - Online Language Teachers

This company always has a job post on TEFL.com. I applied a few years ago, just to see what the process was. Not a single word from them. Why wouldn’t they entertain a Ph. D. in Education fluent in three languages?




Thursday, May 9, 2013

National Careers Service

A comprehensive website devoted to the job-hunt. The site provides advice in regards to anyone seeking any kind of career or employment.



What I found useful was the C. V. section. There is a C. V. builder, advice for what to write (and leave out) in each section, as well as explanation of what some key words mean when you come across them in job adverts.

A great, useful tool, especially for fresh graduates looking for that first job, but have loads of questions about the hunt. 

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

5 Reasons to Research Employers/ Recruiters Before You Apply for a Job



1) Fees/ Scams

Do I have to pay a fee?

Am I being scammed?


He said I'd have a job if I sent $5,000 via Western Union
You do not want to send anyone money to secure you a job. And sometimes this information is not explicit in the job posting. You have to browse the website (if the employer/ recruiter has one) and determine if there is a price tag involved. As these employers/ recruiters do provide a service for a fee, this is not a scam. However, I suggest candidates do their own search for reputable employers that offer a comprehensive employment package without you paying them any money.

Furthermore, people will try to scam you. You should research any names of contact persons, employment organizations and email addresses. 1) Google is a highly proficient search engine, barring you enter in the proper key words in your search; 2) Use websites to check if they are scams. For instance, ScamAdviser and Scambusters allow you to check if the website is legit. Scamchecker provides a list of points to consider if the website is a scam or not. Consumer Fraud Reporting and Scamdex provide general information about internet scams. More specifically related to TEFL jobs, my blog helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of particular jobs, sift the good from the crap, and has information available to candidates about potential risky employers/ recruiters.

2) Reputation

Is the employer/ recruiter reputable?

Not a Bad Ass Reputation

Teachers have good and bad experiences whilst working for any employer. If you discover complaints on a forum, like Dave's ESL CafĂ©, you have to determine if they are valid. What is the person complaining about? Low pay, a massive number of contact hours or personality conflicts, I think, are not valid complaints. First, you do not have to sign the contract if you do not agree to any terms therein. Second, people will clash no matter what the job is…it's life.

However, complaints like inefficiency of HR, not being paid salary, bonus or severance in a timely manner, not being reimbursed for costs, like airfare, medicals or visas, and overtime hours not compensated for, are only some examples of valid complaints.

After research, and you still question the reputation of the employer/ recruiter, do not send your resume. Look elsewhere…

3) Job Information

What are my duties?

A very important duty...deciding on which shoes the boss should wear.
But it's not  related to teaching!


A teacher should, of course, be responsible for teaching. Overtime hours must be stipulated in the contract and the corresponding overtime pay. If your duties involve extracurricular activities, including, but not limited to, organizing games, attending school functions outside of normal workday hours, creating textbooks for which will be used by other members of staff, you need to get this explained in writing. You do not want to arrive at a new job, finish teaching for the day and then your boss demands you wash her car or hit the street.

If she's your employer, well then, you should maybe think about washing her car.
 

4) Employer Information

Who - exactly - am I going to work for?


That's why you research...to avoid working for a Chechen terrorist. 
My biggest pet-peeve, one that screams the employer/ recruiter is not reputable or smart enough to invest in purchasing a website, is the use of free email accounts. Send your resume at your own risk.

Is there a website for you to research the mission, vision and goals of the employer? Are there pictures that show where you'll be working? Can you contact other teachers to ask them questions about the job?

Recruiters work on commission. The bad lot will promise you everything under the sun just to get you to sign the contract so they get paid. When you arrive to start work, you might find conditions are bottom-of-the-barrel bad. Trust only what a recruiter says if you can verify it by another source: teachers who work for the employer, message boards and unbiased reviews from a Google search. 

5) Personal Preferences

What do I like/ dislike about the job prospect?

Yes...you've got to decide!

You have to manage your expectations before sending your resume. Expect a worst case scenario, and ask yourself if you still could work there. 

Can you last a seventeen week semester if you're teaching thirty contact hours? What happens to your salary if your contact hours drop because student enrollment has dropped? After six months, will I want to flee the country? Can I live on the salary offered if a sizable chunk of that money is going towards renting a flat? What is my savings potential? Are promotions available?

These are just five of the reasons anyone should conduct research about potential employers/ recruiters. You should brainstorm other aspects to think about which may be of personal value to yourself. If you have other points you'd like to suggest, I'm all ears. After all, this blog is about helping the underrepresented TEFL teachers share information about employers, good and bad.