I’m trying to get an idea about this recruiter. I haven’t begun a search yet, but I’d like to get some opinions. Can any of you tell me if this is a good recruiter? I’m hearing plenty of horror stories.
There are some comments here
Believe the horror stories and steer clear.
Generally, just stay away from head-hunters (recruiters) and contact places yourself. Recruiters are always trying to unload their shittiest gigs on to their clients.
Thanks. I keep hearing this sort of thing. Probably true
Just say No
You have heard the horror stories, and still want some more? Morbid curiosity?
Is using a recruiter even necessary for English teaching jobs. It was fairly easy to find and I’m not even a white face.
Might be for peace of mind for those who aren’t comfortable/confident enough to land in Taiwan without knowing anything or anyone.
I was lucky on Tealit. Two people reached out to give me info and one opened her house. The second time I felt confident enough to do it on my own.
That’s true. I guess it would be nice to have someone on the ground if you didn’t know anyone.
Especially if you don’t know the language
There’s nothing wrong with using a recruiter, but check out the school well before signing anything. BW has access to some job listings you won’t find elsewhere especially with public schools that don’t advertise in the usual channels, so if he has something you’re interested in, there’s nothing wrong with inquiring. Many are outside the big cities, so that could be a plus and a minus. But once his job is done (intro) he’s done so don’t expect more than that. He’s not your advocate. Don’t be pressured into signing anything right away. Check out the school like you would any other after you know which it is. And always double check the English and especially the Chinese versions of the contract. Ask for the agent’s fees before anything else.
I’ve never used an agent for anything but a rental, but for some it works out ok.
I’d strongly disagree. There’s good recruiters out there, but the majority are pushy, looking out for themselves, and even deceitful. You’ll explain how you’re looking for a certain job fitting your qualifications or experience, and they’ll ignore all that and refer you to entry-level positions at budget cram schools, because they get higher commissions for unloading undesirable gigs. Only a sucker goes through a recruiter, straight up. Check out schools requesting applicants in FB groups and elsewhere, make a bunch of phone calls, hit the pavement and visit places in person. You don’t need any snake oil salespeople to help you in getting a job here.
I get what you’re saying but I think it’s a bit harsh.
If I were 21 today, and nothing was different from when I was actually 21 (like two yrs ago😛) I would use a recruiter because I dont know the language and the idea of a recruiter to the naive me would think that a TW one operates like an American one.
But the OP did right by doing their homework and asking on the forum. Many folks don’t even think to look for a forum or at least do their homework. They see the ad or have an idea but never really know how far/much they should search to understand about all that entails moving abroad.
@anon38216271 point taken. I guess my feelings stem from the fact (a) I got burned by a couple recruiters when I first started teaching way back when and before I became familiar with how shady some of them can be, and (b) plus in general, I’ve just heard some really bad stuff about this Wu guy over the years.
Are you an English teacher here?
I met Bryan once he comes across as a bit greasy, way too easy to take advantage of (young naive ) newbies.
As for recruiters, there are many better ones out there.
Oh well then 
on. I get it.
Recruiter or none, the important thing is the contract you sign with the school. I would only use one if they had a lead for a public school in a specific area I wanted.
As a few others have said, their really is no reason to use a recruiter unless you’re planning to work in a public school because some of them can only through recruiters. Most of the stories I’ve heard of were not positive. I’ve dealt with a few “middlemen” in other capacities and in each case their were looking to screw me and others over. That is how the game is played here especially if you’re a foreigner.
Around hiring time there are tons of schools looking for teachers. You’ll have your picking. Just come prepared and you’ll have something within no time. But, remember that many of the cram schools are also predatory and will try to screw you over in one way or another so you really have to be ready to put your foot down. Ask around. Go on a number of interviews and don’t let them pressure you to sign a contract. Let them know that you have 6 other interviews scheduled. You have to learn to play the game.
A few of my friends used him to get a job and get into Taiwan. I also tried to use him but the schools he offered wasn’t what I wanted or had the type of friendliness and freedom I was looking for. I felt that he tried to help me but didn’t really listen well to what I wanted. Again like someone mentioned previously, there are good recruiters. Just know what you are looking for (ask around if you don’t) and read the reviews of the schools (teacher’s reviews). Compare what they offer to other advertisements and of course you can get a feel of them also when having an interview.
Oh I don’t want to even start on he’sike something out the 80s