Is Thailand the hub of rude recruiters?

[cgphuket]

As i posted before. Now is the time when all the schools who pissed around the last 3 months realize they don't have enough teachers to cover the school year. I, and many teachers I know are being called and e-mailed daily with desperate messages. However, the behavior they normally exhibit confirms my suspicion that they are crap schools / agencies to work for. Typical behaviors i have seen are:

- We want you to interview tomorrow morning and need to travel 600km at your own expense for the privilege.

-They send a barely readable emails with no details and when responding with any questions, they never reply (guess they don;t want any "trouble makers".

- They make aggressive statements in their offers "Don't disappoint us" "If we decide your good enough to work for us" "you must" "you will have to" and I even had one e-mail that the salutation was simply "You".

- They claim it is urgent, but they don't increase the wage offer.

- Almost none of the current jobs offer accommodation as they used to.

I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic.

[stubuzz]

However, the behavior they normally exhibit confirms my suspicion that they are crap schools / agencies to work for.

Yes, that's why they can't get anyone to fill the positions.

Only the desperate would bow down to their silly demands, and they know it. That is why they offer low salaries or 10 month contracts.

[Water Buffalo]

"You"......hilarious.

[masuk]

Their spelling is not too good either....

As far as I can tell, Thailand is the only country which expects new staff to pay all expenses, non-refundable.

Other countries are offering visa fees, travel costs, accommodation and if it's on campus, meals as well.

Possibly the reason is that if the new staff member is not up to their expectations, he can be shown the door and the recruiters/schools lose nothing.

[Loaded]

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

[slipperylobster]

Hey You....

You will be paid the minimum. Lucky you.

and hurry up.

Get a real job....that's my advice

[angsta]

As far as I can tell, Thailand is the only country which expects new staff to pay all expenses, non-refundable.

Other countries are offering visa fees, travel costs, accommodation and if it's on campus, meals as well.

Is this more of a reflection of the general attitude that Thai's have towards foreign teachers?

Of course there are exceptions but if a school is still looking for staff now then there is probably a very good reason for that.

[Scott]

There are all kinds of reasons why vacancies have not been filled. At our school, they decided to add several additional classes to a special program, due to pressure from parents. That meant a last minute push to find new teachers.

The visa regulations seem to have bitten as well. There are fewer people around than before. I know of 4 applicants who were interested in work, but for a variety of reason including the Visa situation and the TL, they decided to leave Thailand.

And yes, some schools are offering more money. On Friday, I had a teacher announce that she would be leaving that day. Another school was offering more money.

[sirchai]

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

Can't agree more.-

[thequietman]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

Can't agree more.- alt=thumbsup.gif>

I feel both of you are being very naïve in the extreme. Sirchai, you know better than most with your past experiences in this system. In the 'teaching game' in Thailand (and that's exactly what it is, a game) the school nor the system cares about their foreign teachers. You are simply a white face who is tolerated at best. They continually offer 1 year contracts when they are allowed to offer up to 3. The reason........... maybe we can get another whitey next year for cheaper. The fact that consistency is better for the students is neither here nor there. 'To be Number 1', we all know this expression in the 'teaching game' and this is exactly what the OP should be doing. Looking after number1, himself and his family. The school will show no loyalty to him and he in turn should do likewise. If the schools and the posters want professionalism then it is a two way street. If it isn't forthcoming from the school or the system then why the hell should he adopt a professional attitude to an English department who will drop him like a hat, should they find someone cheaper to do the job.

So, my question to both of you......... lets say you get an offer of 100,000 baht at a different school. Will you adapt this fictional 'professional attitude' and say 'NO'. Or will you do like all ESL teachers will do .............. and walk.

Professionalism...............the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well. Show me a professional English Department in a Thai school and a Thai teacher who exudes it and then you will get professionalism from me also.

[Eddy B]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

Can't agree more.- alt=thumbsup.gif>

I feel both of you are being very naïve in the extreme. Sirchai, you know better than most with your past experiences in this system. In the 'teaching game' in Thailand (and that's exactly what it is, a game) the school nor the system cares about their foreign teachers. You are simply a white face who is tolerated at best. They continually offer 1 year contracts when they are allowed to offer up to 3. The reason........... maybe we can get another whitey next year for cheaper. The fact that consistency is better for the students is neither here nor there. 'To be Number 1', we all know this expression in the 'teaching game' and this is exactly what the OP should be doing. Looking after number1, himself and his family. The school will show no loyalty to him and he in turn should do likewise. If the schools and the posters want professionalism then it is a two way street. If it isn't forthcoming from the school or the system then why the hell should he adopt a professional attitude to an English department who will drop him like a hat, should they find someone cheaper to do the job.

So, my question to both of you......... lets say you get an offer of 100,000 baht at a different school. Will you adapt this fictional 'professional attitude' and say 'NO'. Or will you do like all ESL teachers will do .............. and walk.

Professionalism...............the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well. Show me a professional English Department in a Thai school and a Thai teacher who exudes it and then you will get professionalism from me also.

The quiet man, you make me laugh..............you so funny!

[HeavyDrinker]

Hey You....

You will be paid the minimum. Lucky you.

and hurry up.

Get a real job....that's my advice

Says the man who can't even afford a visa....

[somchaismith]

It'as no good being general about it. You must name names.

[Skywalker69]

Hey You....

You will be paid the minimum. Lucky you.

and hurry up.

Get a real job....that's my advice

What an arrogant reply!

[cgphuket]

Actually, my contract ends next month, which is why I am even reading the e-mails. Personally, I have never broken a contract. Thanks for the attention, but next time, think before you judge. Thank you.

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

[TerryLH]

"They continually offer 1 year contracts when they are allowed to offer up to 3. The reason........... maybe we can get another whitey next year for cheaper."

Or maybe they've had some bad foreign teachers, and are hoping for someone better.

"Show me a professional English Department in a Thai school and a Thai teacher who exudes it and then you will get professionalism from me

also."

Thank you for helping to make the case for my comment above.

Did you read what you wrote? Did you understand it?

[Scott]

I completely understand people breaking a contract for more money, but I don't understand people who break a contract for a slight raise in salary. I know people who break the contract and don't even make up the difference they would get by collecting the end of contract bonus.

I have had numerous teachers who have left and then asked to return a year later. It seems that some schools do offer a good salary, but they don't give you a work permit, they don't pay holidays, they don't provide housing or insurance. Some have expectations that include weekend work and after school work which is not paid.

[thequietman]

"They continually offer 1 year contracts when they are allowed to offer up to 3. The reason........... maybe we can get another whitey next year for cheaper."

Or maybe they've had some bad foreign teachers, and are hoping for someone better.

"Show me a professional English Department in a Thai school and a Thai teacher who exudes it and then you will get professionalism from me

also."

Thank you for helping to make the case for my comment above.

Did you read what you wrote? Did you understand it?

Yes, I understand completely what I wrote. I have been at the same school for 4 years. I do my job well and the students like me. However, I could be so much better and I know that. I want to win competitions, I want to do drama with my students. I want to start a new team sport that originates from my country. However, the continual lack of professionalism from the department prohibits me from doing so. It is this lack of professionalism that de-motivates me and in turn stops me from improving my worth. Trying your best here in Thailand and trying to affect change will only bring you woe. For having a 'professional' attitude, you will be labelled as a 'trouble maker' , a person who doesn't swim with the other fish, an outsider.

I have proven my worth at this school which is recognised by my continuous renewal of contracts.

Give me a 3 year contract, allow me to plan ahead for my family, which in turn allows me to make changes for the betterment of my students. I and my colleagues can then create a proper curriculum and a real plan that can only benefit the school and the students.

Will they adopt this professional attitude ? will they hell!

[Loaded]

Actually, my contract ends next month, which is why I am even reading the e-mails. Personally, I have never broken a contract. Thanks for the attention, but next time, think before you judge. Thank you.

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

A teaching contract that ends in June, just 1 month after the start of the academic year. I have never heard of that.

You said here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726242-yearly-dodgy-school-recrutiment-rush/#entry7824411

"Once again, as the new term begins..." so you are working at a formal school.

Edited June 2, 2014 by Loaded

[Suradit69]

Their spelling is not too good either....

As far as I can tell, Thailand is the only country which expects new staff to pay all expenses, non-refundable.

Other countries are offering visa fees, travel costs, accommodation and if it's on campus, meals as well.

Possibly the reason is that if the new staff member is not up to their expectations, he can be shown the door and the recruiters/schools lose nothing.

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

"If we decide your [sic] good enough..."

"Their spelling is not too good either..."

Certainly someone's spelling is not too good, whether it's the imaginary recruiters or ...

[belg]

why dont you start a union of farang teachers and off course charge them for the privilege...

than you all can go start making demands and wage increases

oh I just gave away a golden goose idea

edit ... edit....

[MrY]

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

Can't agree more.-

I can't agree more with the OP, but not with these hip-shot assumptions. I am also always on the lookout for a better contract [but in a different field]. The key word is 'contract', limited term employment. Not a word was said about breaking contract nor honoring them terms therein. You find a better contract (or better yet, the elusive permanent position), advise your new employer of you date of availability, give notice to the current employer and move on.

[poweratradio]

Lots of Philippine teachers willing to teach at lower rates. English not greatest and accent not best but cheap teachers all the same.

[smotherb]

Since when does having a skill over half a billion others have make you a needed entity? There are far too many English speakers willing to live and work in Thailand at substandard wages and benefits to ever receive a fair shake. Wake up!

[smotherb]

Lots of Philippine teachers willing to teach at lower rates. English not greatest and accent not best but cheap teachers all the same.

Very true. The Filipinos are willing and eager to work for half the pay and allowances Western foreigners get and many of the Filipinos hold degrees in English. The key point is that many of the Filipinos speak and write better English than their Western counterparts--rather than argue with me, just go over the TV forums about teaching English in Thailand and see how many times the moderators had to intervene because the current or prospective Western "English teacher" couldn't put together a simple sentence and was being ridiculed by other TV posters.

[Greg Nixon]

As I see it you have 2 choices. 1. Ignore their entreaties completely. 2. Respond in an equally rude fashion.

[tetleythedog]

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"You"......hilarious.

And the sad thing is it's quite commonly used. After nine years there, i have recently returned to the UK. I am 60 now so under the new rules, i am now unable to get a "new " contract. Yes, the way they treat you make you wonder why we bother. Their "we're better then you" attitude ,, they are inferior and they know it. The low self esteem factor that makes them trest all foreigners as servants. The lack of organisation, punctuality, intellect, etc etc . They couldn't orgaise a piss up in a brewery. I would love it if they were to try a MENSA test, or actually be aware of their low IQ.

It's the old story there, get backpackers or newbies at 30k a month, don't pay decent salaries to experienced teachers who can actually teach, and care if the kids learn. Pass everyone, even if they don't turn up for lessons, or are totally stupid. It's the Thai way......."we cannot fail, we are always right, because we are Thai".....................what a load of &lt;deleted&gt;, they muddle along in their "Walter Mitty" world.

It would really serve them right if all Farang teachers left to work in other countries. Treat them with the contempt they deserve, they are after all their propaganda a third world country and will stay that way.

[tetleythedog]

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Since when does having a skill over half a billion others have make you a needed entity? There are far too many English speakers willing to live and work in Thailand at substandard wages and benefits to ever receive a fair shake. Wake up!

True,,,,,, many speak English...................but many cannot teach and relay that to others. And ...............as i have read and seen on here, they are not capable of proper grammatical English, cannot spell, and are probably pissheads !

[schondie]

I'm really glad of this shortage of teachers as last Monday I handed in my notice as four other positions in town offered better money and benefits. The school owner begged me not to leave and the next day I agreed to stay after another 5000 baht a month pay rise was offered (35000 to 45000 within one month) . I won't have to come in during holidays unlike all the other teachers in the school.

Am I selfish or greedy? I really don't care what anyone thinks as for years I've been the "white monkey" who'll be trotted out in front of the parents, made to attend soul destroying English camps, told to organise an activity for 200 students at the drop of a hat and generally treated as a serf rather than part of a team.

Let's hope this teacher drought continues as we all may benefit from it. As I work for a renowned tight fisted school (the Thai B. Ed graduates start on 6000 baht a month for a six day week) the others may see the 30000 baht error of their ways and start increasing the teachers' salaries.

[ableguy]

From the OP: "I have a current job, but am always willing to consider a more rewarding or more professional school. However, the current batch of recruiters have been just pathetic."

You complain about a lack of professionalism, but you are prepared to break your current contract if you can get more money somewhere else. Don't you consider the damage you do to your school, students and fellow teachers when you break a contract? You signed your current contract, and you agreed to its terms and conditions.

He never said he would break his contract, get a life.