Looking for some advice

IntHopeful
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2019 2:28 pm

Re: Looking for some advice

Post by IntHopeful »

Another update, my certification was finally approved on the 19th, but the physical copy possible won't be mailed until the 27th and arrive as late as April 12th.

Is anyone familiar with the agency "CanGoChina"? They have separate ads for ESL schools and international/bilingual schools, I sent my application into the latter. I mainly want to verify that they are legitimate/not a scam, but of course additional info is welcome/appreciated.

I'm also looking at QSI, but I need to wait for a copy of my license in order to even be able apply on their site. I know a lot has been written about QSI with mixed sentiments, but would I have a decent shot at landing one of their "less desirable" locations with just my license and 3 months practice teaching?

On a side note, I ordered one of the online Praxis 7-12 math practice tests to see how it went, and got what would be a comfortably-passing score, though I did go over the time limit by a decent amount. I wish I didn't work so many hours at my current job, otherwise I'd probably study/refresh for a couple weeks and go take the real thing. It will be a goal at least for the coming year, though I doubt I can get it done in time to take advantage of for the beginning of the 2019-20 school year with everything else going on.
PsyGuy
Posts: 10864
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:51 am
Location: Northern Europe

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Post by PsyGuy »

@IntHopeful

They are a service agency (such as Footprints, Compass, etc). They are either operating as an introduction service, meaning they collect resumes and profiles and when they get an IS client they "introduce" you or forward your application for what they perceive is a good match. The other type are the agencies that have large IS clients and they are just trying to fill classrooms as cheaply as possible with anyone who has a degree and a pulse.

Their curriculum approach requires some adaptation of most ITs as it is, and they really arent resourced to mentor and get you through your to years learning how to manage a classroom and form instruction.
What do you consider a decent shot? I think youd be in the pile, but youd be at the bottom of it, with a number of other candidates like you. If the bottom of the pile is a bunch of ETs without professional credentials (uploaded their CELTA or TESOL certificate) than yes you have a shot. They like to save coin, but at the level youre at there are already a lot of cheap applicants. The other side of the coin is whats it really cost you to apply, your not losing a whole lot if your application results in nothing.

Just go take the actual PRAXIS, until you pass it is a practice exam, the more you do it the better youll get at it, and the more efficient at taking it you will get to where your completing more of the exam in less time. There is no penalty and no indication of how many times you had to take it to get the endorsement.

In IE wishes mean nothing, be your own agent of change, the universe responds to action, hope is not a plan.
Illiane_Blues

Re: Looking for some advice

Post by Illiane_Blues »

Chengdu isn't too bad, but from the options in China you mentioned, Guangzhou is the best option by far imo.
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