> I really like the concept of an agency being on hand to help me out
> if things go pear shaped.

What exactly do you mean by "agency"?(I am not familiar with the organizations you mention.)

I can only speak to the situation in China, but if you are talking about RECRUITERS, it's by and large a situation of take the money and run. Once they've collected from the school, they (generally--there may be exceptions) do a Pontius Pilate.

If you're talking about organizations that YOU pay to find a job, including pseudo-volunteer organizations, then you are being set up. Jobs in China--particularly in the hinterlands--are abundant. No one needs to pay anyone to place him.

Details, please.