Teachers Discussion Forum

GAC/OWENS school -- englishgibson -- 5 November 2009

I paid for my flight and a flat rental deposit six months ago, when I singed a contract with the GAC center owned by OWENS and Verakin High School (Sino-American International School). After ...

Re: GAC/OWENS school -- The Knowledge -- 6 November 2009

GAC is being misused here in China to make extremely worthwhile profits for greedy Chinese directors of training centres and language mills; that's stage one of the scam. Stage two will take ...

Re: Anyone give information about IGiT group in Saudi Arabia -- Amna -- 5 November 2009

Hi, I am also looking for information about IGIT. I will also call King Abdul Aziz University tomorrow to get more info. Anyone who has more information or experience with IGIT, please let me know.

Questions about degrees and ITTO school -- Mike Coulter -- 5 November 2009

I'm looking to do a career change and explore some. I have no experence in any teaching fields and don't know where to start! I would like to teach business English and every where I look at ...

Re: Questions about degrees and ITTO school -- cunning linguist -- 5 November 2009

Your honesty is commendable but, given your circumstances, I think you will have an uphill struggle if you want a decent job without holding a first degree. There are many who will state that they ...

Re: Questions about degrees and ITTO school -- Turnoi -- 5 November 2009

I can't advise you on online schools but what I can say is that you can get a CELTA teaching certificate within a 4 week intensive training course offered by a commercial provider. This would ...

Re: Questions about degrees and ITTO school -- Mike Coulter -- 6 November 2009

Thanks for the input! I'm living in USA in East Tennessee so I'm looking for some info on where I might start here! I'm willing to go back to school another 4 years if it helps with ...

Anyone have experience with 3 week English camps in Korea? -- Vivi -- 2 November 2009

Just trying to decide if I should a apply for an intense English camp which takes place for 3 weeks. I heard that there is hardly any free time, but maybe someone can give me feedback on their ...

Under-fire Education Minister -- cunning linguist -- 2 November 2009

Readers might be interested in why they removed the former Education Minister in China. Although he was educated in the US, it seems he has done little to improve standards. There's also another ...

Re: Under-fire Education Minister -- Turnoi -- 2 November 2009

Maybe, this Minister does deserve it. In other parts of the world, incapable manager and other so-called "leaders" get sacked; and it is high time that the same standards also apply in Mainland China!

Under-fire Education Minister -- KJK -- 3 November 2009

But really in a country the size of China how can one man make the needed changes that is going to turn around a department that is riddled with so much coruption. Very rarely even in Canada or any ...

Re: Under-fire Education Minister -- cunning linguist -- 4 November 2009

Some of your opinions, and those of others on this Forum are confirmed in this rather long but recent article about higher education in China. If you can get to the end of the article, it provides an ...

Re: Under-fire Education Minister -- Turnoi -- 3 November 2009

Of course, you are absolutely right in your assessment; I can confirm that from my own experiences. If that Minister of Education was sacked, then it may be because he fell in disgrace with the ...

Re: Under-fire Education Minister -- cunning linguist -- 3 November 2009

History tells us that one man can make a difference. However, I take your point that it is a big problem in China. But I disagree that officials are not held responsible in all countries. Having ...

The dynamic element of the time dimension -- Turnoi -- 4 November 2009

If we sat back and said , "Everything is hopeless, we can't do anything", we would miss the chance to make things better. We would not even need to critisize and complain about crappy training ...

What would make your lives easier? -- Tansy Clark -- 2 November 2009

Times Education Supplement has come up with a great idea to get teachers to upload teaching plans for lessons which they can share with each other. They have a rating system on the site so teachers ...

Re: What would make your lives easier? -- cunning linguist -- 3 November 2009

I am guessing that you work for the marketing department but I may be wrong. As someone who read the TES and Times Literary Supplement every week for many years I'm interested in great ideas from ...

Re: Anyone give information about IGiT group in Saudi Arabia -- Dennis Keeler -- 31 October 2009

John, did you ever get information on IGIT? My son has also been contacted about a teaching position, but we can't seem to find any info on them. Would appreciate any insight. Thanks Dennis

Re: Anyone give information about IGiT group in Saudi Arabia -- aero-plane -- 31 October 2009

Hi, I just signed a contract as well and am in the process of getting my visa. Maybe we can share information as we find it. Thanks.

50% of new expats leave China early -- cunning linguist -- 31 October 2009

Newspaper article today in China Daily states that one company thinks culture shock is the key reason. They offer seminars to business people on how to cope (He He he - we can make money here!!). I ...

Re: 50% of new expats leave China early -- Turnoi -- 31 October 2009

CL, I'd be interested to follow up the link. Could you provide it as a reference, please?

Re: 50% of new expats leave China early -- cunning linguist -- 31 October 2009

50% of new expats leave China early http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/metro/2009-10/30/content_8873247.htm The responses are really interesting as some mirror some of the comments made on this Forum. ...

How to become an english teacher abroad -- karladc -- 31 October 2009

hi, I'm 21. I was born in Cusco, Perú. I can speak english, japanese and a bit of italian .... and no I'm learning french, I love languages because of culture but I've seen an opportunity ...

Re: How to become an english teacher abroad -- Turnoi -- 31 October 2009

You said: maye I could teach in Japan cause my jpanese. Question: I don't understand the meaning of your somewhat "unusual" sentence above: Do you want to teach Japanese in Japan?

Avoid GAC in China, it's a scam! -- Disillusioned GAC Facilitator -- 30 October 2009

GAC, the Global Assessment Certificate, is a demanding and fast-paced pre-university 9-month preparatory course for learners who are non-native speakers of English who wish to study at Western ...

Re: Avoid GAC in China, it's a scam!//Yes, very true!!! -- Turnoi -- 31 October 2009

I do not know what GAC exactly is...but I know that preparing Chinese students from well-to-do families in Mainland China is a bifg business there. And I for sure know it is a scam, mostly. In 2002, ...

Re: Avoid GAC in China, it's a scam! -- Monitor -- 30 October 2009

The quote below is from the "Radio Australia online" website. The relevant link is: http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/200909/2688926.htm 'Shonky' colleges While scraping together a ...

Re: Avoid GAC in China, it's a scam! -- cunning linguist -- 30 October 2009

An interesting piece, giving an insider's view. It's not surprising that you are disillusioned. I felt the same way when I worked for an International Business School, teaching business ...

Higher education equals money -- cunning linguist -- 31 October 2009

You are absolutely right in your assessment. I would like to think that the UK is somehow different, but with the massive expansion in university education, the attraction of higher fee-paying ...

Re: Higher education equals money -- Silverboy -- 1 November 2009

I feel that Young and Restless in China video you spoke of is symptomatic of the problems that are going to get worse in China. The Chinese are suffering a severe spiritual malaise that is going to ...

Consumerism -- cunning linguist -- 1 November 2009

Sorry folks for ignoring the main subject of this thread. It comes as no surprise that consumerism has replaced other values. Consider the access Chinese young people have to western ideas and ...

Australia's Connection -- KJK -- 31 October 2009

Why is Australia not donig anything about this problem? Australia is one of the most popular countries to go to for Chinese students because Australia has become hooked on the big dollars being paid ...

Re: Australia's Connection -- Global Study Talk -- 2 November 2009

I don't agree that Value of Australian degrees are going down the toilet. Australian degrees (bachelor degrees awarded by universities) still have lot of value in Asian countries as well as other ...

Re: Australia's Connection -- Turnoi -- 3 November 2009

Degrees documents issued by decent and recognised Australian universities are still respected in many parts of the world, an their reputation and acceptance does not go "down the toilette" as ...

Re: Australia's Connection -- Silverboy -- 1 November 2009

Whilst I will agree that there are some crap colleges and universities even in Australia, I don't know where you obtained that 50 per cent figure. The University of Queensland, Melbourne ...

Re: Australia's Connection -- KJK -- 5 November 2009

Sorry so taking so long in replying to your question Silverboy. I came across that info that Australian uni's were lowering their standards in order to attract more Chinese students at another ...

Re: Australia's Connection -- Simon says -- 5 November 2009

Sorry so taking so long in replying to your question Silverboy. I came across that info that Australian uni's were lowering their standards in order to attract more Chinese students at another ...

Re: Australia's Connection -- Silverboy -- 6 November 2009

I have already stated on this forum many times that I think any crap school or university should be eliminated, in China, Australia, or elsewhere. Sadly, there is always someone who will try to make ...

Re: Australia's Connection -- Turnoi -- 1 November 2009

I agree - given the current serious problems that the Chinese education has, the Chinese education system cannot match with any of the decent education systems and unis outside China. That said, it ...

Re: Australia's Connection -- Global Study Talk -- 4 November 2009

exactly, comparing Chinese universities to Australian Universities is bit too much. It will take another 20-25 years before the Chinese universities is able to compare to Australian Universities. ...

Re: Australia's Connection -- Turnoi -- 4 November 2009

I agree - Chinese universities are (still) not able to match with the standards at decent universities abroad. But in terms of the time it may take to complete for Chinese unis such a catch up ...

The key sentences are, 'What did you eat?Did you eat? I ate -- Lucia -- 30 October 2009

I have no teaching experince! I have no idea how to get my students motivated or how to create lesson plan about food for 40 mintues .The key sentences are, 'What did you eat?', 'Did you ...

Re: The key sentences are, 'What did you eat?Did you eat? I ate -- cunning linguist -- 30 October 2009

You don't give information about the level of the students, so try this link:- http://www.lessonplanet.com/search/search?keywords=Foods&rating=4&gclid=COmKut3F5p0CFdEvpAodK2PvKg The website ...

Eating and being eaten -- Turnoi -- 31 October 2009

Teaching sentences with different forms of "eat" must also be a good opportunity to introduce the notion of Passive Voice and its structures in English: You can eat actively some apples, for ...

several questions regarding teaching English in Korea... -- prospectenglishteacher -- 29 October 2009

Hello everyone! My fiancee and I have generated interest in teaching English in Korea. We will be married this summer 2010, and look to start perhaps in September. We are both adventurous, ambitious ...

N1H1 Virus in my training center in Korea -- William Peters -- 28 October 2009

Hi. Yes, that's right the N1HI Virus is in my training center in Korea. One of the teacher trainers came down with it a couple of days ago. I'm starting to feel sick, on my way to the doctor ...

Re: N1H1 Virus in my training center in Korea -- cunning linguist -- 28 October 2009

Dear William A few questions: •If the other teachers are unaware of the problem is there a reason - secrecy, wait and see what happens, or something else? •Have you seen the diagnosis of the fellow ...

Re: N1H1 Virus in my training center in Korea -- ANET -- 29 October 2009

This is part of the Korean culture. They don't want to discuss anything that's bad. There is a superstition in the smaller cities that paying attention to illness is bad luck. If H1N1 is ...

Re: N1H1 Virus in my training center in Korea -- cunning linguist -- 29 October 2009

Thanks for your information which is helpful to William who has this problem to deal with in S. Korea.

Re: N1H1 Virus in my training center in Korea -- cunning linguist -- 29 October 2009

Further information http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009-10/26/content_8849776.htm

Re: N1H1 Virus in my training center in Korea -- Turnoi -- 3 November 2009

I have just received the news that in several countries in Europe an increasing number of people have been diagnosed to be infected with the N1H1 virus and thus to suffer from swine flu. In some ...

Free Disk with Tools for the Study of Canonical Buddhist Scripture -- Turnoi -- 27 October 2009

For all those interested in Buddhism: We also have produced now a free disk which helps in the study of authentic texts of Canonical Buddhist Scripture in the original language(s) with English ...

WARNING!!!!Throat Expert Doctor Strikes Again - New name/id: Dr. Peter Graham, pg200909@yahoo.ca -- MS. X (marxlenin) -- 27 October 2009

I was also a victim of this Throat Expert Doctor. He said he is a doctor named Dr.Peter Graham He offered me teaching job to children with disabilities such as difficulties with swallowing and ...

Re: WARNING!!!!Throat Expert Doctor Strikes Again - New name/id: Dr. Peter Graham, pg200909@yahoo.ca -- N -- 27 October 2009

do you have caller id? there is a way to stop this guy. don't feel bad. he found a great scam, because it works, and he needs to be stopped.

ESL Teaching and Learning Materials -- Turnoi -- 25 October 2009

We have produced a much revised, updated and enlarged version of our accredited TESL degree program. This 2009 version comes in form of a disk (DVD) containing the following: * a complete TESL ...

How to get a reputable teaching job abroaqd for a first- timer -- Ruth -- 25 October 2009

Hello. I am new to this site,- was referred here by a pal. I am a mathematics teacher, teaching in Kenya, and have been looking for a job abroad, for a change. Various web searches have left me so ...

Re: How to get a reputable teaching job abroaqd for a first- timer -- Turnoi -- 25 October 2009

Jambo, Ruth - perhaps I have to disappoint you with what I have to say below; please take it then as a well-meant advice.... Just for immigration rules and labour/employment laws in the countries you ...

Calling all Foreign Teachers -- ANET -- 24 October 2009

Have you, or anyone you know, ever developed kidney ailments while living and working in Korea? If so, in what city was it? Did you, or anyone you know, ever get fired by a Korean employer while in ...

SIOP/GLAD compare & contrast -- Heather -- 24 October 2009

Hello all, I am working on my MS in Ed degree and am writing an essay about the similarities and differences of GLAD and SIOP teaching methods. I am GLAD trained, but it was a while ago - anyone want ...

Re: SIOP/GLAD compare & contrast -- cunning linguist -- 24 October 2009

Both methods suggest making the link with national curriculum standards / objectives in lesson preparation. As you are trained in GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design),you will know more about ...

China Z Visa Health Check -- Hunter -- 23 October 2009

There was a post a couple of weeks ago but only one response and not very definitive. The medical form indicates tests for HIV, TB, etc but doesn't say anything about tests for marijuana. Do the ...

Re: China Z Visa Health Check -- ks_1976 -- 23 October 2009

I had a couple of medical tests done while working in China and they did not test for drugs. These tests were done in two different provinces too!

Re: China Z Visa Health Check -- Turnoi -- 24 October 2009

Smoking is consuming a drug, too. Or getting drunk..... Perhaps, next time the will also include a psychological intelligence test in the medical exam for foreign teachers. In some cases, it might be ...

E2 Visa expiry -- Rach -- 22 October 2009

Hello, How long can my employer make me work until...like in relation to my Visa dates? Does my one year contract start from the date I arrived in Korea and got my passport stamped...or from when I ...

Re: E2 Visa expiry -- ANET -- 24 October 2009

Your 12 month teaching period starts as soon as you get your alien card and can last until the expiry date shown on that alien card. Employment contracts with Native English teachers are worthless ...

A new world order? -- cunning lnguist -- 22 October 2009

The posts on Happy Birthday China and China's 'dollar' holdings set me thinking. This article is worth reading if you think capitalism is on the brink of collapse. One key message here ...

Re: A new world order? -- HireEd -- 23 October 2009

A very illuminating article! Many thanks! Unfortunately, I have to agree woth most of the theories put forth within, especially those of Fareed Zakariah. I had so many amazing experiences during my 5 ...

Re: A new world order? -- cunning linguist -- 23 October 2009

Thanks. I would say that we may be fearful of China if there is a less 'pro-mainland' government in power in Taiwan, and the Chinese do something about disputed territory claimed by the ...

Re: A new world order? -- Turnoi -- 23 October 2009

There are many Europeans and most likely many other non-US Americans also, who would like America to "abdicate" from its current world-dominant role. The only problem is: who comes after that? With ...

Re: A new world order? -- cunning liguist -- 23 October 2009

It's possible that those who are concerned about the dominance of America, including some American teachers I have spoken with, are responding to foreign policy issues. Last semester I did some ...

Re: A new world order? -- Silverboy -- 23 October 2009

I sincerely hope it is never the Chinese who overtake the USA in any capacity!

Rise and Fall, coming and going -- Turnoi -- 24 October 2009

Whether China or the US in the role of a world-dominant power - what is better or worse? I cannot give an answer. I am from a small country with only something like a bit more than a million of ...

Re: Rise and Fall, coming and going -- Aquillah -- 26 October 2009

U.S has dominated world affairs, enjoyed its being a SUPERPOWER and a capitalist. But U.S/America is collapsing. It won't be a major player and a Superpower in the end....God maybe is judging U.S ...

Re: Rise and Fall, coming and going -- cunning linguist -- 27 October 2009

I suppose your opinion is accurate if one believes in a monotheistic deity with the power to punish and bless countries - I don't. It has been said that three-quarters of Americans believe in the ...

Re: Rise and Fall, coming and going//Beliefs -- Turnoi -- 27 October 2009

Sorry Turnoi, I know theology, amongst other things, is your field of expertise. CL My comment: What the Aquillah poster says his the personal belief of the poster and not necessarily a theological ...

Re: Rise and Fall, coming and going//Beliefs -- cunning linguist -- 28 October 2009

"It is the question of whether Western dominance represented by the current world-dominating US is in decline or not and whether we can accept it or not." Indeed. I started this thread to consider ...

Re: Rise and Fall, coming and going//Beliefs -- Turnoi -- 29 October 2009

Your point is well taken, CL. I will not comment on it any further right now; I am very tired as I only returned from my business trip just today. Take care, T.

Re: Rise and Fall, coming and going -- HireEd -- 26 October 2009

If you are correct. GOD HELP US ALL!!!

Re: Rise and Fall, coming and going -- Turnoi -- 26 October 2009

You may be right in your assessment regarding China as the next rising world power. I am not sure whether this will be a better alternative for the world than the USA. I am writing from Africa ...

Re: Rise and Fall, coming and going -- The Owl -- 24 October 2009

Most excellent post, Turnoi. Thank you.

Guilin - Cost of Living -- Ed -- 21 October 2009

I'm considering a move to Guilin but am finding cost of living information difficult to find. I'm planning to move there on a tourist visa to start, settle in a little, and then start looking ...

Re: Guilin - Cost of Living -- Ex-TC teacher -- 21 October 2009

I would avoid Guilin if I was you. Especially Yangshuo. Your life will be made difficult & expensive by all the locals that will assume you are a naive, rich tourist and will try to rip you off on ...

Huludao elementary, Liaoning. -- asd -- 19 October 2009

I did a bit of research on this job offer and only within the last 12 months have they dropped their airfare reimbursement from 7500 to 5000 yuan and actually increased the working hours from 20 to ...

sam marsalli institute bad (santiago, chile) -- henry gore -- 18 October 2009

i do not recommend teaching at this place. it has three schools in santiago, chile, and two in other parts of the country. the owner promises you a bonus, health insurance, regular pay, but does not ...

Resident Visa -- Victor Andrew -- 17 October 2009

Hi all. Numerous topics and discussions have been posted here about recruiters. There is one particular recruiter from a company who keeps on calling since yesterday (12 times) asking for a copy of ...

Re: Resident Visa -- Turnoi -- 18 October 2009

Don't give him a copy of your visa; he may use it for something else than the actual purpose stated by him. Instead, you could offer him to send it to the school directly. Even if you get the job ...

Re: Resident Visa -- Victor Andrew -- 18 October 2009

Thank you for the advice. I did not entertain his calls in which the last call was at 21:45 last night. When he figured out that I am not going to give anything, he called my wife and asked her to ...

Re: Resident Visa -- AMonk -- 18 October 2009

12 calls in 24 hours!?! Seems to be bordering on stalking. Besides, what is "urgent" for him, need not be urgent for you. Stick to your guns, and do not send him any copies.

Re: Resident Visa -- Turnoi -- 19 October 2009

Yes, what is urgent for that person needs not to be urgent for you, please bear this mind! He is a someone asking you a "favour" which you are not obliged to grant. It may not be in your own interest ...

Names for ESL students! -- ex-TC teacher -- 16 October 2009

http://www.boysnames.co.uk http://www.girlsnames.co.uk Two websites to give to your students. Help them choose for themselves a good name!

Linguaphone China (Jinan, Shandong) -- kangaroo -- 16 October 2009

A brief warning to anyone considering employment with this business. Don't! They have an appalling attitude towards their foreign teachers (and Chinese staff also). You will suffer a hassle each ...

Re: Linguaphone China (Jinan, Shandong) -- Turnoi -- 17 October 2009

What is Linguaphone? Just another crap "school", I guess. Avoid!

Re: Linguaphone China (Jinan, Shandong) -- Silverboy -- 16 October 2009

It is Linguaphone, what else would you expect to get from them? AVOID!

Re: Modern Modern American Language Institute in Yemen -- Abu -- 14 October 2009

MALI is an avoid-at-all-cost kind of place. If you want to teach in Yemen, consider YALI, Amideast, or the British Council. Many foreign workers have had problems working at MALI, either by being ...

Re: Black List IN KOREA - Wonderland English School, Ulsan -- Garrett -- 14 October 2009

Hello, Can anyone tell me about Sang Ah Top Hakwon, Ulsan city. I am thinking about taking a position there, but from what I have been reading it seems that Ulsan is not the most desirable place to ...

Re: Black List IN KOREA - Wonderland English School, Ulsan -- ANET -- 17 October 2009

I lived and worked in Ulsan for three years. In my opinion, the colleges and university positions are OK. As for Hagwons (English Academies) the only decent ones are: the ELC chain, Megaton and ...

Teacher Training -- James -- 13 October 2009

Hi all, I run a couple of language schools and teacher training schools around Europe. The problem I am writing about is to do with teacher training. Lately my staff and I are finding it more and ...

Re: Teacher Training -- Turnoi -- 17 October 2009

I cannot really understand the problem you are having.... Let's say, if there was a new medicament under development, and the producer would ask you to volunteer as a test person in the ...

Re: Teacher Training -- cunning linguist -- 17 October 2009

Hi and welcome back. I trust your business trip was successful? The training model James is using in his schools I am guessing is similar to the one used for CELTA. And I based my suggrstions on that ...

Re: Teacher Training -- Turnoi -- 18 October 2009

Hi,CL - I will be travelling again from Monday (tomorrow) on, I just have had a break so I've also had some internet access. I will probably be off the internet for the next week. Have a great ...

Re: Teacher Training -- cunning inguist -- 14 October 2009

Hello James You don't state what your company offers in the way of teacher training - CELTA, TEFL, TESOL? Without going into specific details of your business, (not asked for), here are a few ...

Re: Teacher Training -- James -- 15 October 2009

Thank you for the sound advice. Great ideas and questions, but again, nothing I have not thought of or acted on. I have since met with other course providers in the country (who are experiencing the ...

Re: Teacher Training -- cunning linguist -- 16 October 2009

Glad to help. Good luck. The tie-up with the employment agency seems a sensible move.

RE: South African working legally in Indonesia -- bigfish -- 13 October 2009

Hi there Im a South African seeking work legally as an ESL teacher in Indonesia. Numerous - in fact most - job offers in Indonesia categorically state that only UK, USA, Australian, New Zealand, ...

Looking.... -- ex_TC Teacher -- 12 October 2009

Looking at the resume section, I can't help but feel sorry that an over whelming number of job seekers have not mastered simple things like punctuation, spaces after punctuation and the next ...

Re: Looking.... -- Monitor -- 12 October 2009

Most of them are non-native speakers of English, or semi-literate native speakers of English. In spite of their iffy written English, some lucky ones will get teaching posts in China, working for ...

Re: Looking.... -- Simple Guy -- 15 October 2009

Hi Monitor, don't generalize. coz there are some native speakers who does not even know how to spell words they utter and grammar even.

Re: Looking.... -- Monitor -- 16 October 2009

Most of them are non-native speakers of English, or semi-literate native speakers of English. In spite of their iffy written English, some lucky ones will get teaching posts in China, working for ...

Work In China - READ THIS -- WarningSigns -- 11 October 2009

Hi there, I'm no expert, but I've seen quite a few people going through hell this year. Just thought I'd post a little warning. With western countries finding their economic feet stuck in ...

Re: Work In China - READ THIS -- Shanghai Cowboy -- 13 October 2009

Every PSB in China knows that companies hire unregistered staff; they only "crack down" when they need money (the Shanghai PSB uses the schools here like ATMs). While it's technically illegal to ...

lessons for young children's oral interpretation -- NOR -- 10 October 2009

hi, does anyone have any good material for the teaching of oral interpretation for young students aged 9-14? i'm looking for monologues, dialogues and interesting or funny narratives suitable for ...

Re: Aston English Review -- Haggisbreath -- 9 October 2009

Turnoi, I have to assume you're being satirical? The Aston I know offers heavy class loads, pay that's unremarkable at best, rancid apartments that you have to share, bloody awful texts, and ...

Re: Aston English Review -- asd -- 13 October 2009

Sounds like Aston really is terrible to work for. I've been talking to their Canadian recruiter based in Dalian a fair bit and he genuinely seems like a nice guy. But working for Aston sounds ...

Re: Aston English Review -- Haggisbreath -- 17 October 2009

Bear in mind that the job of the recruiter is to try and get yer wee pink arse delivered to one of their schools, so of course they're going to seem nice. Don't let them hand you a Mersey ...

Aston is an excellent place to work for! Or not?...... -- Turnoi -- 18 October 2009

Much has been said already with regard to the excellent working and compensation conditions that this famous (or should I say "infamous") pretend "school" offers. If you are looking for a job in ...

Re: Aston is an excellent place to work for! Or not?...... -- F-Aston -- 2 November 2009

Aston is a horrible company to work for. Take it from me. I worked there for 6 months, my first job in China and it was ridiculous what I was put through. First of all, the manager at the school ...

ESL Software -- Jim Laing -- 7 October 2009

Hi, We are looking for software to teach our ESL students how to speak English. I've seen a couple of different one on the web including Rosetta Stone and Tell Me More. I was wondering if anyone ...

Notice of Absence -- Turnoi -- 7 October 2009

I will be away for a couple of weeks until the end of the month in business matters. Just for those who may "miss" my posts..... CU then....

Re: ILS school, Yongin South Korea -- Sophie -- 6 October 2009

Hi, I have applied for this school too (ILS in Yongin). Did you teach there or are you still there? Could you tell me about it if so. Thanks. I cant find any info.

Has Anyone Heard of Maven Language School in Korea? -- Recent College Grad Interested in Teaching -- 5 October 2009

I am talking to a recruiter there and am wondering what kind of reputation the recruiting organization has. Thanks so much.

Postings on FACEBOOK -- ANET -- 2 October 2009

To Whom It May Concern: I am NOT on FACEBOOK. I do NOT post on FACEBOOK. Any postings under the name ANET are not from me. Beware of Phishing Scam artists posting as members of ATEK and requesting ...

Re: Postings on FACEBOOK -- Turnoi -- 4 October 2009

These scam artists are most likely trying to get hold of teacher data to post fake CVs on other sites or to sell them to crap recruiters who are mailing them to recruit them for a crappy job. There ...

To the nation of dragons! -- Not a native son -- 1 October 2009

Congratulations, you nation of dragons! You have been around for thousands of years, with all the many ups and downs in your long history. You have been humbled and lifted up again, restoring ...

Happy Birthday, Zhongguo -- Native Son -- 30 September 2009

Sixty years. Happy birthday. You've come a long way in a short time. To me, not surprisingly. Your history is a long and storied one. From the killing fields of dynastic despots to the ...

Re: Happy Birthday, Zhongguo -- Godson of China -- 1 October 2009

Native son, you have written a wonderful and rousing piece that confirms your steadfast patriotism for your fatherland. Your government is the envy of the rest of the world. Your homeland will become ...

Re: Happy Birthday, Zhongguo -- Wang Ba Dan -- 2 October 2009

Godson of China do not exist and is only in head of foreigner they do not know Chinese culture. Respect China, respect culture of China, do not say wrong thing!

Re: Happy Birthday, Zhongguo -- Monitor -- 1 October 2009

I reckon the USA has left itself little room to maneouvre with China re any controversial political and economic issues that might arise. Why is this? It's on account of the foreign and economic ...

Decedption at work? -- Turnoi -- 1 October 2009

You do not history either, I think; otherwise you would refrain from your nationalist-like pathos. But may be, the pretending "native son" (who I believe is none) is just posting under another alias ...

Re: Happy Birthday, Zhongguo -- cunning linguist -- 1 October 2009

Congratulations on having the courage to write what you appear to believe. If it was tongue-in-cheek, I was fooled. Have you considered a job as a speechwriter for members of the Politburo of the ...

Re: Happy Birthday, Zhongguo -- Turnoi -- 1 October 2009

From my life in a former communist country, I know for sure that Politbureau is only for a small audience - themselves. They have no credibility among the so-called "masses" whatsoever! I am too old ...

China still has got a long way to go! -- Turnoi -- 30 September 2009

The "native son" writing this praise of a developing country that still needs to go a long way until it reaches the level of general rule of law that is common to all civilised nations on this globe ...

The Grovelling Weasel Hymn - a new literary genre to be taught in ESL! -- Turnoi -- 30 September 2009

Sixty years. Happy birthday. China is much older than the period of sixty years you are mentioning. I suggest you get yourself a history book on China. You've come a long way in a short time. To ...

Re: Happy Birthday, Zhongguo -- Turino -- 30 September 2009

Happy birthday,Zhongguo,whose people and foreign friends should never,never forget your saviour and founder,Chairman Mao,who defeated the Japanese invaders against all the odds while the rest of the ...

Re: Happy Birthday, Zhongguo -- Turnoi -- 1 October 2009

Japanese imperialism, fortunately, was only a paper tiger. Mao Zedong once claimed the same with respect to "American imperialism". I am not sure whether the same would apply with respect to ...

Re: Happy Birthday, Zhongguo -- Non-native son -- 30 September 2009

This pathetic text written by a "native son"? May be by someone who pretends to be a "native son". Hard to believe that a native Chinese would ever post such a text, full of ambitious imperialist and ...

Some more Food for Thought -- Turnoi -- 29 September 2009

For all those who may be interested - I have provided some more 3 free e-books on a number of topics that may interest foreign teachers in China; they are available for download at the links below. ...

Re: Some more Food for Thought -- Migrant Worker -- 30 September 2009

Thank you good sir, I will put this to good use.

ESL Salaries -- Lucio -- 28 September 2009

Hello there, I work for a company that is lloking forward to open an ESL academy for university students, and I would like to know if you can let me know what it will be a regular salary for an ESL ...

Re: ESL Salaries -- Turnoi -- 28 September 2009

If you are in the US, why don't you phone and ask other companies how much they pay their teachers. No need to tell them that you are opening a school yourself as they might be then more ...

How much should I reasonably be looking to earn teaching in China? -- jiangsu -- 28 September 2009

Hello! (Nihao!) I am seriously contemplating teaching English (preferably business English to business people, but would consider posts in high schools or universities) in China. Slightly outgrown my ...

Re: How much should I reasonably be looking to earn teaching in China? -- cunning linguist -- 29 September 2009

Hello. I'll try to answer your questions and perhaps others will chip-in with more information from their experience. Unless you are one of the "fortunate ones" who speak with RP and come from ...

Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- Turnoi -- 29 September 2009

There is another reason why it is not an advantage to publish an entire CV on a website. Simply spoken, you will risk your privacy whenever another person is reading all the (sometimes sensitive) ...

Re: Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- cunning linguist -- 29 September 2009

This is good advice for anyone wanting to work abroad. There is a world of difference between paranoia and exercising common sense and caution. Perhaps your detractors just didn't see the ...

Re: Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- Anonymous Jobseeker -- 30 September 2009

How does applying direct to a public university at one time, later to receive an e-mail inviting another job application for a vacancy at said university, along with the e-mail addresses of around 50 ...

Re: Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- cunning linguist -- 30 September 2009

"How does ... sound to you?" In a word - deplorable! You are right in stating that some situations are difficult if not impossible to predict. How written information is used, once it is handed-over, ...

Re: Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- Florian -- 1 October 2009

Yes, deplorable is fitting. But China doesn't have the monopoly on deplorable deeds! I regard it as a minor violation of a person's rights compared to other more serious injustices that ...

Re: Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- cunning linguist -- 1 October 2009

I couldn't agree more with your comments on deplorable deeds not being restricted to China. Yes, the ‘offence’ of passing on information was minor but it doesn't stop it being unacceptable. ...

Re: Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- Florian -- 2 October 2009

Interesting post, Cunning linguist! And I agree with what you have written entirely. I take it you're on around a week's vacation at this time, just like many other FT's here in China. ...

Re: Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- cunning linguist -- 2 October 2009

Thanks. I just find it's easier to be informed than remain ignorant. And it's easier to try and be positive and have hope than to sink into despair. The problem is the more I read the more I ...

Re: Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- Monitor -- 30 September 2009

Turnoi's words: Years ago, I said a similar thing shortly after I came to post here for the first time. Then, the many grovelling weasels around here at this time called me "paranoid" and ...

Re: Publishing personal details for job application - think twice! -- Turnoi -- 30 September 2009

Quote from your text: If I were you, I wouldn't wait for any of them to repent their sins. My reply: Perhaps, these grovelling weasels were meanwhile eaten up by some very nice animals I am in ...

Re: Teaching in Guangzhou Worldy Cultral &Edcuational Service CO.LTD -- previous employee -- 27 September 2009

i was hired by thiis company in 2008 and only signed a 3 mos contract. upon arrival, they took my passport claiming that they will have to report itto the police that i have arrived. suppose it's ...

Re: Teaching in Guangzhou Worldy Cultral &Edcuational Service CO.LTD -- Turnoi -- 29 September 2009

I feel sorry to read about your problems. The things you describe is typical for a crappy training centre that has been run down by its incompetent bosses - incompetent both in education and business ...

Re: Teaching in Guangzhou Worldy Cultral &Edcuational Service CO.LTD -- Turnoi -- 29 September 2009

she is extremely rude too! If she is rude, it means it is not possible to sort out your problem with them in "friendly spirit of mutual consultation". Get your Embassy, the Bureau of Foreign Experts, ...

DD Dragon English Schools -- Alex -- 28 September 2009

Anyone know about them at all? I saw a few ads hiring @ DD Dragon English schools around China, so I'd like to find anyones experience or info on them. Thanks!

RE: How necessary is a BA for getting ESL work in South Korea, Taiwan or Japan? -- Lauren -- 28 September 2009

Hi all My question is getting many varied and conflicting responses - hopefully someone on this forum can help. I am a South African interested in teaching in South Korea, Taiwan or Japan. I have ...

Re: RE: How necessary is a BA for getting ESL work in South Korea, Taiwan or Japan? -- ANET -- 29 September 2009

Hi, CELTA, like TESOL and TEFL certificates are an asset, but in South Korea, the Department of Immigration requires a 4 year BA minimum. Universities and Colleges generally require a Master's ...

Re: RE: How necessary is a BA for getting ESL work in South Korea, Taiwan or Japan? -- Turnoi -- 29 September 2009

As far as I know you need a fully recognised uni degree to get a working visa for Japan and Korea, I do not know about Taiwan. In the case of Korea and Taiwan, take great care about your future ...

ESL JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER IN UAE/KSA -- Haseeb -- 27 September 2009

Dears all, I am a lecturer in English in Pakistan and I want to teach in the Middle East. Can anybody in the real know please let me know what the job opportunity is for an experienced non-native ESL ...

Re: ESL JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER IN UAE/KSA -- Turnoi -- 27 September 2009

According to what I know English teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are given to native speakers only. Competition is normally very high because of the high pay. And you are ...

Re: warning new dynamic institute NDI stay away -- mini_me -- 26 September 2009

Hello I have been offered work at the NDI in Wuhan but would rather be in Shanghai. Can anyone at NDI let me know if there is any work in Shanghai with NDI?

Re: warning new dynamic institute NDI stay away -- Winston -- 26 September 2009

Why don't you google NDI (Shanghai)? I expect you'll be able to discover the e-mail address of that branch of NDI by doing so. Then you can contact the DOS there with ease. Undoubtedly, ...

Screenshot -- Turnoi -- 23 September 2009

This is a screenshot from my computer; the wallpaper shows some elephants in the area near to Mount Kilimanjaro; mount Kilimanjaro can be seen in the back. It is an nice pic, I think, which I wanted ...

LLC MALDIVES -- LEYSAN Gazizova -- 23 September 2009

My dear friends, who try to apply for the LLC Maldives. I worked in here 1year before and came back for 3 months to teach French, English and Russian, as I`m a teacher with a diploma. Hoping for ...

(Message Deleted by Poster) -- Spartan -- 23 September 2009

Re: Aston English Review -- Turnoi -- 23 September 2009

At least in China, Aston is a crappy place to work for! Stay away from that pretend school, you won't be happy there!

Z-visa and Employment Permit Expenses. -- Renz -- 23 September 2009

Hi Everybody! I am just curious about the Z-Visa and Employment Permit expenses. Who should shoulder the corresponding expenses? Is there any mandate from the Department of Foreign Experts about this ...

Re: Z-visa and Employment Permit Expenses. -- Monitor -- 23 September 2009

I am just curious about the Z-Visa and Employment Permit expenses. Who should shoulder the corresponding expenses? Is there any mandate from the Department of Foreign Experts about this matter? The ...

Re: Z-visa and Employment Permit Expenses. -- Turnoi -- 23 September 2009

As far as I know, all expenses for medical, residence permit and Foreign Expert Certificate are to be borne by the employer. This is common practice, if not even a rule. On the hand, you are expected ...

Clarification on this sites phonetics -- Sridhar Ramasami -- 22 September 2009

Hi, I am looking at this site http://upodn.com/phun.asp to get the phonetics for many words. I have a basic question: What is the difference between the IPA and the American options? Also, I am ...

Re: Clarification on this sites phonetics -- Sridhar Ramasami -- 24 September 2009

Hi Tornoi and cunning linguist, Thanks for your help. Appreciate it. Sridhar

Re: Clarification on this sites phonetics -- cunning linguist -- 24 September 2009

Thanks. For further clarification the online Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English no longer shows the phonetics. In their attempt to boost sales of both print and CD ROM versions they have ...

Re: Clarification on this sites phonetics -- cunning linguist -- 23 September 2009

Once again Turnoi has provided a detailed response to your question. If I can add anything it would be to say that the fundamental differences between American and British English are not just in ...

Re: Clarification on this sites phonetics -- cunning linguist -- 23 September 2009

I forgot to post this link. The material on this BBC site I have found to be very useful. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/sounds

Re: Clarification on this sites phonetics -- Turnoi -- 22 September 2009

IPA means "International Phonetic Association". In the last century, IPA had developed a transcription system that is meant to cover all the sounds in the (ideally) all the languages of the world in ...

Re: Clarification on this sites phonetics -- Turnoi -- 23 September 2009

I went to the site you mentioned in your original post and played around a bit with it for fun. I made some input and got the following: Sentence example input: I love my pets, the crocodiles. IPA ...

FULL TIME TEACHING POSITION BUT SALARY IS PAID BASED ON ACTUAL TEACHING HOURS -- Renz Daguplo -- 22 September 2009

I was offered a teaching position in a private University from Xi'an City, China. The school looks great but I keep wondering if it is fair enough that my salary will be based on my actual ...

Re: FULL TIME TEACHING POSITION BUT SALARY IS PAID BASED ON ACTUAL TEACHING HOURS -- Victor -- 24 September 2009

You don't need an advice. Any sane person person can clearly think and decide that it is best not to entertain that job offer. Since you need an advice, it is clear that you are what the school ...

Re: FULL TIME TEACHING POSITION BUT SALARY IS PAID BASED ON ACTUAL TEACHING HOURS -- Monitor -- 25 September 2009

You don't need an advice. Any sane person person can clearly think and decide that it is best not to entertain that job offer. Since you need an advice, it is clear that you are what the school ...

Re: FULL TIME TEACHING POSITION BUT SALARY IS PAID BASED ON ACTUAL TEACHING HOURS -- Turnoi -- 25 September 2009

Neither would I be really happy about it......

Re: FULL TIME TEACHING POSITION BUT SALARY IS PAID BASED ON ACTUAL TEACHING HOURS -- Turnoi -- 22 September 2009

No, the terms and conditions look pretty unfair, and you should not take the job!!!! They are looking for someone they can fully exploit! DO NOT TAKE THIS JOB, and look somewhere else!

Re: FULL TIME TEACHING POSITION BUT SALARY IS PAID BASED ON ACTUAL TEACHING HOURS -- Monitor -- 22 September 2009

My advice is that you should compare and contrast the teaching contract you've been offered with the standard state contract below: ...

Re: FULL TIME TEACHING POSITION BUT SALARY IS PAID BASED ON ACTUAL TEACHING HOURS -- Renz -- 23 September 2009

Hi "Monitor", Thank you for your concern. The draft of the contract which was sent by the university to me is quite similar to the standard contract from the Foreign Experts Affairs. The only ...

Re: Anyone give information about IGiT group in Saudi Arabia -- ygebray -- 21 September 2009

Hi John, I have been contacted as well for a teaching position in Jeddah. I too am seeking information about the company and experience. I hope we can keep one another posted on updated information. ...

Re: Anyone give information about IGiT group in Saudi Arabia -- aero-plane -- 28 October 2009

----- I have just been contracted as well. Any info? -----

Phonemic symbols -- cunning linguist -- 21 September 2009

Can anyone recommend and provide a link to a free software program that will print the phonetic characters (pronuncation)? for each or most of the words I type. I've been using the BBC Learning ...

Re: Phonemic symbols -- Turnoi -- 21 September 2009

Hi, CL - I think you could try Speech Tools from the software section at www.sil.org. It is a free application to download from there. You might perhaps also need script font that contains this ...

Re: Phonemic symbols//Software links for you -- Turnoi -- 21 September 2009

Hi, CL - I am off work now, it's quite late in the evening here, and I have found now the time to supply the exact links to the tools I mentioned in my previous reply; here they are: IPA program: ...

Re: Phonemic symbols//Software links for you -- cunning linguist -- 21 September 2009

Thanks very much Turnoi. You have saved me several hours of guesswork and searching for what works in this situation. Regards CL

Re: BSK shanghai -- teachngo -- 19 September 2009

Ron Reading your post, I have to say that this is one of the strangest complaints against BSK I've seen. And it also doesn't really add up. Looking around the internet, BSK has a few ...

Help with funding -- Mike Aguilar -- 19 September 2009

I'm wondering if anyone knows of any scholarships, grants or financial aid for TEFL/TESOL certification classes available? If you do, but need qualifying info, email me ...

Re: Help with funding -- cunning linguist -- 20 September 2009

I can understand your need for privacy in an open forum, hence the 'e-mail me for qualifying information'. My response is in general terms and from a UK perspective. There are hundreds of ...

Which Certification ? -- Tom Crosby -- 19 September 2009

I would like to know wether to run the gamit of an expensive school, take an on-line course, or just test out for a TOSEL degree ?

Re: Which Certification ? -- Turnoi -- 19 September 2009

Some kind of certification, at least in this world, is always better than none. That's the only thing I could tell you so far. If you decided to tell a bit more - what your previous educational ...

Holiday 'Adjustments' -- Dave -- 18 September 2009

This may interest Turnoi, who has commented on an earlier issue I raised in this forum. The subject herein is: Expecting teachers to work ‘Making up’ days on rest days and weekends to repay the ...

Re: Holiday 'Adjustments' (aka manipulations) -- Turnoi -- 18 September 2009

From a legal point of view, the matter is quite easy: If it is stated in your contract that all official holidays are covered by your employer, then the employer can't make you work extra time to ...

Re: Holiday 'Adjustments' (aka manipulations) -- Dave -- 20 September 2009

Thank you again, Turnoi. The matter was dealt with in the 'spirit of friendly co-operation' with the only man in the place who is prepared to display a similar attitude, and I leave the ...

Re: Holiday 'Adjustments' (aka manipulations) -- Turnoi -- 21 September 2009

Anyway, good luck to you! Turnoi

Re: Holiday 'Adjustments' (aka manipulations) -- Monitor -- 20 September 2009

Yes, Dave, move on. It's the best way! I'm glad that you have proved yourself not to be a groveling weasel. Though you were in the right, your Chinese employer won't ever accept that. In ...

Grovelling weasels and the power of teeth -- Turnoi -- 21 September 2009

Monitor, it may take some time for other board readers to realise that at this moment I may be the only grovelling weasel around. My "targets" are not poorly paid FTs in China but those who pay them ...

Re: Holiday 'Adjustments' (aka manipulations) -- Turnoi -- 20 September 2009

I fully agree, Monitor, with you. Unless FTs and Chinese colleagues as well have the courage to speak up against their bosses in such cases, nothing will change. There is definitely a need for change ...

health insurance -- cider fairy -- 16 September 2009

Hi, this is my third year teaching in China. Hitherto I have taken out travel(health) insurance in UK while on leave in the summer. Now I find that the insurance (which previously cost about 150 GBP) ...

Re: health insurance -- cunning linguist -- 17 September 2009

You have a number of choices. Does your employer have an optional scheme that you can buy into? Some employers offer free medical insurance but read the small print as this will only cover you for a ...

Re: health insurance -- cider fairy -- 19 September 2009

Many thanks for your response. If you get more information about the SOS (Malaysian) policy I would be grateful if you would let me know. In the meantime I promise to walk on the pavements, although ...

Re: health insurance -- cunning linguist -- 20 September 2009

Thanks. Interesting that you will walk on the pavements. In some places these are as dangerous for the unsuspecting pedestrian as the roads. Ha Ha Riddle: Why did the FT cross the Chinese road? ...

Re: health insurance -- cider fairy -- 23 September 2009

Thanks. I looked it up: tell me, do you know if one has to be - how shall I say - a 'member' in order to apply for their insurance. By the way, in Suzhou it's safer to walk in the road ...

Re: health insurance -- cunning linguist -- 23 September 2009

The two colleagues are practising Christians so it is possible that the insurance from the company in Malaysia is specific to those "members". I have signed up for the university health plan as ...

Book critique request -- Sridhar Ramasami -- 16 September 2009

Hello all, I am in the process of publishing a book for Oral and Listening English aimed at Chinese children about 11-12 years old. The book title is Young Speaker. I would appreciate your feedback ...

Further info -- Sridhar Ramasami -- 17 September 2009

The book is a children's textbook focusing on oral and listening skills. The target age is Chinese children between the ages of 11 and 12 years. Ability to read and write simple English sentences ...

Re: Book critique request -- cunning linguist -- 16 September 2009

Hi, when you say you are publishing a book does this mean you have a deal with a publisher? If so the publishing house editor will critique the book for you. If this is something you are having ...

Re: Book critique request -- Sridhar Ramasami -- 17 September 2009

Hi cunning, I dont have your email address, so am not able to email a copy. Thanks, Sridhar

Re: Book critique request -- cunning linguist -- 18 September 2009

Thanks I was having a bad "computer day" when I tried to access your stuff. It's sorted now and I think Turnoi has adequately covered the points I probably would have made.

Re: Book critique request -- Sridhar Ramasami -- 17 September 2009

Hello Mr. Linguist, I need the book in the school that I am running. So it will be published either way. Hopefully, I will get a legit publishing firm to print it for me. If not, its DIY. Like I ...

Re: Book critique request -- Turnoi -- 17 September 2009

If you want, you can send a complete copy to me as well. I will review it in detail then and send you my input on that in a personal email to you. Before you send out copies of your book, I would ...

Re: Book critique request -- Sridhar Ramasami -- 17 September 2009

Hi Tornoi, I have emailed you a pdf. Please check. Sridhar

Re: Book critique request -- Turnoi -- 17 September 2009

I have received the PDF file you had sent, thank you! As I have to review a Doctoral dissertation with which I must be through until Monday, I can't send any feedback before that. But I will, it ...

Re: Book critique request//A first feedback -- Turnoi -- 18 September 2009

Hi, Sridhar, one of my lectures was cancelled today, so I am taking the time to look at your lesson text and send some first comments on it. 1. First, you will need to add a preface and an ...

Re: Book critique request -- Turnoi -- 17 September 2009

The two sample lessons you have provided do not seem to be enough to provide a substantial review on the linguistic and methodological approaches you have taken. It would therefore be helpful if you ...

Re: Book critique request -- cunning linguist -- 17 September 2009

Hi Turnoi Extremely good advice for the budding author as you seem to have covered all bases in your reply. By the way, I am still waiting for news of Mr Pau's million copy publishing ...

Re: Book critique request -- Turnoi -- 17 September 2009

CL, it seems that the flying pigs you have seen outside passing by your window must have stolen the precious text Mr. Pau wanted to present. Maybe, his entire text has then disappeared somewhere in ...

Re: Book critique request -- cunning linguist -- 18 September 2009

Mr Pau's response when you asked to read his work was for you to wait until it was published. I was really interested in this, having worked briefly for two publishers as an adviser when I was ...

Re: Book critique request -- Turnoi -- 19 September 2009

Yes, I remember Mr. Pau's response when I asked him. But I guess that text (if it ever had been published) has somewhere disappeared....in the Cosmos, universe......???? Now, I am reading Karl ...

Re: Book critique request -- cunning linguist -- 19 September 2009

I gave up on reading a library copy of Das Capital after meeting some Young Marxists in London many years ago. One guy was wearing multi-coloured hand-made leather boots and at the time I thought " ...

Re: Book critique request -- Turnoi -- 20 September 2009

Interesting reply, CL. One of the problems with Marx is that he is partly wrong in some parts of his economical theory as far as regards the that part relating to surplus value..... Anyway, in my ...

TEFL in Amsterdam -- Noel Lackey -- 15 September 2009

Hi I am currently studying TEFL and upon completion of this I am hoping to live and gain employment in the lovely city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The only problem is upon searching google I am ...

Re: TEFL in Amsterdam -- Turnoi -- 16 September 2009

Normally, private training centres in the Netherlands do not advertise their freelance jobs (it's mostly these kind of jobs, not well paid and not enough to live on, especially in a place like ...

working in Costa del sol -- darren -- 15 September 2009

Hi all Briefly - I am looking to work in the Costa Del Sol. I do not have any formal quals in teaching English, however I have a degree in Engineering, a great command of English, I have taught many ...

BLACK LIST -- robert gordon -- 14 September 2009

STAY FAR AWAY FROM THE FOLLOWING : 1. New Dynamic Institute(NDI), Chengdu, Sichuan Province. 2. Star International Education, Changchun, Jilin Province. 3. Y.E.S English, Changchun, Jilin Province. ...

Re: BLACK LIST -- Turnoi -- 18 September 2009

Why not listing "EF" in any post to continue this blacklist? They really do seem to deserve it!

Re: BLACK LIST -- Theo -- 15 September 2009

Robert, Thanks for posting the information regarding schools/employers in China to avoid. Poster "Silverboy" has developed the China "Hall of Shame" blacklist posts (which inspired me to create one ...

I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Bob -- 14 September 2009

I had a pretty bad experience in Korea. I got royally shafted financially by both schools I worked for (as well as one in China) and lost a TON OF MONEY! I also wasn't too thrilled about the way ...

Re: I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Von -- 19 September 2009

Everything that happens is neutral. Just a situation. You feel good or bad because you attach meaning to that situation. When something seemingly bad happens, it's just a situation. Don't ...

Re: I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Turnoi -- 19 September 2009

Interesting advice. To me, it sounds a bit Buddhist-inspired.... However, I believe that a person in that sort of situation and not familiar with this kind of approach (due to lack of prior training) ...

Re: I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Von -- 19 September 2009

Thank You very much for Your challenging and interesting reply. I think we basically agree on this matter.

Re: I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Seoulman -- 18 September 2009

I suggest you seek professional help (a doctor). Your justify dislike for the Koreans that cause you so much pain could be only the last drop in a glass already full. Trying to get sympathy won't ...

Outsiders and "insiders" -- Turnoi -- 19 September 2009

When I was teaching and living in Korea in the 1980s, I was really impressed by the way Korean culture, way of life and social etiquette was still embedded in the Confucian traditions Korea once had ...

Re: I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Turnoi -- 19 September 2009

It's true that the power to heal the OP from bitterness comes from within. But this power does not come by itself; on the contrary, it must be made coming by trying to look at alternative ...

Re: I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Turnoi -- 18 September 2009

I am somewhat shocked.... With all the bad experiences you must have had in mind, I want to beg you not to blame all Koreans collectively as an ethnic group. I have also had my friends and cons (less ...

Re: I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Silverboy -- 18 September 2009

After reading your post I think that is sound advice. The anger should only be directed at the individuals concerned, that is sensible. The former FT should do whatever he can to expose and name and ...

Re: I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Turnoi -- 19 September 2009

After reading your post I think that is sound advice. Silverboy Thank you for your comment, Silverboy. But what do you think my "sound advice" consists of? Is it that advice on crocodiles giving ...

Re: I am becoming a bitter racist! Help! (bad Korea exp) -- Silverboy -- 15 September 2009

It sounds like you had a realy bad time in Korea, and I don't blame you one bit for being extremely angry and having very racist feelings. A few years ago I thought about living and working in ...

Re: Back in China! -- groucho -- 14 September 2009

need little help if you can. rich kids want to learn english by playing games? where in hell can find games to teach. thanks.

Re: Back in China! -- Silverboy -- 15 September 2009

Not sure if I can help you there, I never play "games" with my students, so I can't really be of any help. Anyway, how old are the spoilt rich kids? If they are young, 8-10 years old, I have a ...

for your perusal -- ft-me -- 13 September 2009

Yes, yes, I know this is a forum that should be about teaching in China; nevertheless, having recently viewed some of the archived posts, it seems as though we can wander around a little. Thus ...

Re: for your perusal -- Silverboy -- 15 September 2009

I wonder if those phlegm bags are biodegradable, and also where many of them will end up ( in the local creek or nearest gutter perhaps? ) I am willing to bet that not many will find their way into a ...

Re: Scam jobs4teachers.org is up again. -- Ryan P -- 12 September 2009

Hi all, Thank you all for your informative posts. I submitted my application/resume etc to the sight and received a carbon copy, word for word (signed by the same Gloria Weinberg) Email about how ...

New Dynamic Institute NDI -- mike -- 11 September 2009

hey guys i just want to pass on my experience about this place. I work here for my entire contract from july to july, i started just before the olympics last year. I was working in shanghai but i ...

Re: New Dynamic Institute NDI -- Turnoi -- 12 September 2009

I imagine that at most (crappy) training centres it is like that. No wonder - pretend smart business(wo)men who are incompetent, know nothing about education, and who are even totally unable to ...

My Preferred Chinese Recruiters' Modus Operandi -- Monitor -- 10 September 2009

By 'recruiter', I mean someone who tries to find employment in the Chinese education sector for a foreigner. What about their modus operandi? (1) Some recruiters will demand a fee for their ...

Re: My Preferred Chinese Recruiters' Modus Operandi -- groucho -- 14 September 2009

i did not see any agent or recruiter, good yet, if you have ANY let me know. heheheheh

Re: My Preferred Chinese Recruiters' Modus Operandi -- Monitor -- 14 September 2009

i did not see any agent or recruiter, good yet, if you have ANY let me know. heheheheh Generally speaking, attractive educational establishments in China never employ their FT's through agents. ...

Re: My Preferred Chinese Recruiters' Modus Operandi -- Brigitte -- 11 September 2009

I am happy to read your post. In Shanghai I met a Chinese recruite in his office with my girlfreind. He was very willing to become the boyfriend of me or my girlfreind. He was small and fatty. We got ...

Re: My Preferred Chinese Recruiters' Modus Operandi -- Turnoi -- 11 September 2009

The description of that Shanghai recruiter you give fits very much the Frank Zhang I once came to know. If it is him, stay clear of him, he cannot be trusted!

Re: My Preferred Chinese Recruiters' Modus Operandi -- Monitor -- 11 September 2009

It's good that my post made you happy. Hopefully, what you wrote about what occurred when you and your friend met the 'old Chinese wolf' recruiter in Shanghai will make pretty young ...

Re: My Preferred Chinese Recruiters' Modus Operandi -- groucho -- 15 September 2009

Modus operandi. does he have an email i can contact him thanks.

Good old Frank? -- The Owl -- 11 September 2009

You just described Frank Zhang. That's his M.O. Was it him?

Re: HOW CAN I GET A FULL MEDICAL FOR THE UK IN CHINA? -- cunning linguist -- 10 September 2009

Dear Amy As always I can only relate to my own experience in this situation. In 2007 I saw my GP with the Chinese medical form that had been scanned and e-mailed by my agent in China, who by the way ...

Can i just show up and find a job? -- jason Macza -- 9 September 2009

Teaching ESL in Korea, Can i just show up and find a job? I had friends in 1998 ish that did it.....seemed okay I can speak a little Korean i know my way around Seoul I know the food. How long would ...

Re: Can i just show up and find a job? -- ANET -- 14 September 2009

You can show up and look for a job, but it is illegal for you to actually work without a Working Visa. If you are offered a job, you can take and overnight trip to Japan and get your Working Visa ...

China Z visa Requirements: TEFL needed for teaching in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen -- Jason -- 9 September 2009

I was told by one of the Recruiters that they won't be able to help me get a Z visa if I don't have TEFL certification for teaching in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen or Guangzhou. Is this true? ...

Re: China Z visa Requirements: TEFL needed for teaching in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen -- Silverboy -- 10 September 2009

Why don't you just work somwhere outside of the cities that you mentioned in your post? Shenzhen is crap, it is expensive, to much Western influence there, bad place to learn Putonghua, the women ...

Re: China Z visa Requirements: TEFL needed for teaching in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen -- Turnoi -- 10 September 2009

Perhaps FTs are afraid of the two-legged "crocodiles" in more provincial places and therefore prefer metropolitan urban areas. But what if the "disease" of two-legged "crocodiles" also spreads there, ...

Re: China Z visa Requirements: TEFL needed for teaching in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen -- Monitor -- 9 September 2009

In China,one Chinese recruiter says 'black',while another says 'white' is a common scenario. I suggest you contact some other Chinese recruiters. If it is indeed true, you'll just ...

Re: China Z visa Requirements: TEFL needed for teaching in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen -- Jason -- 9 September 2009

This was a reply sent by Molly Leighton from English First. I'm including what she wrote below, Your application has been reviewed, and due to the current visa requirements in China , in order to ...

Re: new in the profession -- tatsuospirit -- 8 September 2009

Can you share your teaching qualifications or credentials, such as education degree, CELTA or another TEFL certificate? It sounds as if you have not had a teaching practicum and perhaps this is your ...

Re: Teaching in Guangzhou Worldy Cultral &Edcuational Service CO.LTD -- lacrispy -- 9 September 2009

"WORLDY" has just changed its name to "WORLDA". Still the same Mary Yuq (sometimes "Mary Yu") and the same dirty tactics prevail. Avoid this company when you come to Guangzhou City, Guangdong ...

Re: Teaching in Guangzhou Worldy Cultral &Edcuational Service CO.LTD -- The Owl -- 9 September 2009

Could you post here the email address(es) and phone number(s) of this agency, so that teachers can find your post better when they google the contact info of this "employer"?

Re: Teaching in Guangzhou Worldy Cultral &Edcuational Service CO.LTD -- previous employee -- 27 September 2009

i was hired by thiis company in 2008 and only signed a 3 mos contract. upon arrival, they took my passport claiming that they will have to report itto the police that i have arrived. suppose it's ...

Not Funny -- Migrant Worker -- 8 September 2009

Was this suppose to be funny? I found this post to be quite juvenile, absurd and I have a pretty good sense of humor. No I am not American, so obviously that has no relation to my opinion.

Re: HOW CAN I GET A FULL MEDICAL FOR THE UK IN CHINA? -- robert gordon -- 7 September 2009

Hi Amy, you will need to run same tests here in china before you get the working visa.They will not consider the ones you ran in the UK.So if I were you,I will head straight for China.I hope your ...

Re: HOW CAN I GET A FULL MEDICAL FOR THE UK IN CHINA? -- Amy Fowler -- 8 September 2009

That seems much more simple than trying to get them done here! i had read that i would need them again once i got there so it seems pointless to spend that much money getting the tests done private ...

Re: HOW CAN I GET A FULL MEDICAL FOR THE UK IN CHINA? -- Turnoi -- 8 September 2009

Well, the medical may be an issue.... According to my own experience, you will need two kind of medicals: 1. At the moment where you apply for a z visa at the Chinese Embassy in the UK with all the ...

Re: HOW CAN I GET A FULL MEDICAL FOR THE UK IN CHINA? -- Monitor -- 8 September 2009

In my experience you needn't undergo another medical exam after arriving in China if the medical from your homeland is satisfactory, provided that the date of that medical is within 90 days of ...

Subsidised Vacations -- The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River -- 7 September 2009

In the early 90's of the 20th century, the Department of Education of Shanxi province of China organized a week's subsidised vacation for its FT's and their School Waiban. It took place ...

Re: Subsidised Vacations -- tatsuospirit -- 7 September 2009

Hello, The last time I read anything about the Three Gorges, they were destined to be eliminated because of the huge dam being built. Supposedly the Chinese government moved over 250,000 people ...

Re: Subsidised Vacations -- The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River -- 8 September 2009

One of the subsidised vacations that was organized by Shanxi province way back in 1994 was a voyage by riverboat along the section of the Yangtze that included the three gorges. Sadly, they are now ...

Re: Subsidised Vacations -- tatsuospirit -- 8 September 2009

Thanks for the verification. I have seen photos of the Three Gorges and have unfortunately missed the opportunity to see this natural wonder in person.