best agencies for English teachers?
Posted in: Forums > Living in Chengdu • 3 posts • Newest
- toritori
August 7, 2012
3 posts -
Hi, I'm thinking of coming to China to teach English. Can anyone recommend a good agency? On my last visit I went to Sunny's for an interview and it seemed fine, but I'd like more names, to have the most options. Any tips on agencies/getting started would be appreciated. Thanks!
- toritori
- DoubleD
August 7, 2012
2 posts -
You did not specify which city in China you intend to come. Regardless, I would suggest you narrow your search to a few cities or even Provinces. Otherwise, it will be too mindboggling to process all the jobs advertised. I would further suggest not to accept a job in a very small town as your first job. The culture shock would be too great. After a year or two, this might suit you.
If you have the time, I would suggest only applying to DIRECT EMPLOYEER advertisements and NOT go through an agent. Many of these Agents are unscrupulous and disingenuous and will say anything to fill a position. Furthermore, in most cases, all the Agent has done is search all the jobs available through classified ad's like here on GoChengdoo, echinacities, ESL Teacher's Board, or other expat websites found in Tier I and II cities and simply repost them as their listings.
Too many foreigners have come to China believing false promises from some agent, or even direct employers. Once they are here, they find the accommodation if provided, for example, is NOT what was promised AND more importantly, the school is not authorized to obtain a legal Z-Work VISA necessary to LEGALLY work in China. DO NOT let anyone tell you it is OK to work on a renewable L-Tourist or F-Business Visa. If an agent or employer is evasive about visa questions, then forget them. Working on improper visa's has become an even bigger issue in China in 2012 than it was before.
If you do not have time and insist on using an Agent, I would suggest using Horizon Recruitment http://www.horizoneslchina.com/ owned and operated by some Australians with some excellent Chinese staff and a professional website. I used them four years ago when I relocated to Chengdu and you can believe what they say. Their advertised jobs are tiered according to qualifications necessary. After they receive all your necessary documents, they will give you a ranking. Then you browse their jobs by city and apply for those you have been ranked for. They do not charge for their service and NEVER pay any Agent since their fee will come from the employer.
I would further suggest researching the internet not only for jobs, but also for comments about schools across China. Many of these websites have good suggestions and warnings or Black Lists of schools and agents. ESL Teachers Board http://www.eslteachersboard.com/ is my personal favorite and filled full of useful information and jobs across China and other countries.
Depending on your personal situation, it will pay big dividends to do sufficient research and your homework before taking the plunge and accepting any job in China. The waters here are full of sharks and alligators. To hurry invites disaster, so even if you need to postpone your trip a few months, be confident you have an informed opinion of the China ESL industry before you accept a job and spend a lot of money to get here. Otherwise, you can find yourself in a very bad or difficult situation that will ruin your China experience.
Finally, remember the 7-P Principle... Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
Good luck and I hope you find a decent job!
- DoubleD
- toritori
August 9, 2012
3 posts -
Thanks very much for the info. I'm mainly interested in Chengdu or Shanghai. It's too bad the agencies are often sleazy!
- toritori
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