Yep, Choatle! I'm with you! When I read the post from MICHAEL MOFFA my feelings were the same... A perfect example of "the lady doth protest too much!"

I have no direct evidence that the recruiter being discussed ("Vicki Ruan") is truly good or bad. All I know is that her name will appear constantly in job postings for positions all over the place in the good ol' PRC. She seems to "represent" hundreds of employers.

Because I am American, have lots of experience (at home and in China), and hold two masters degrees, recruiters/schools reps usually jump and respond quickly when I show interest in an open position. The two times I have sent letters of inquiry, documents, etc., to "Vicki Ruan," there was never a response.

Because of the huge range of employers to appears to represent, she couldn't possibly know the true realities of the job (work and living conditions, etc.), and probably could care less. After all, for her, it's all about commissions, not the welfare of the FT. She has no real reputation to uphold because she's not using her real name.

Bottom line (as so many others before have said)... AVOID RECRUITERS. At the very least, they "gum up the works," but more often they will say/promise whatever is necessary to get you signed up, so they can collect their fee and move on to the next sucker.

In defense of Vicki Ruan, I have to say that the service she gave me in securing my position here in China was first-rate. As a Canadian university lecturer and former Tokyo magazine editor, I specified my requirements and she met them all. Moreover, she was prompt and thorough in providing me the information and support required throughout the recruitment process.

As for the allegation in one of these messages that she was rude and unprofessional, I can attest that she was, with me, very polite, helpful and proactive----indeed, on several occasions phoning me in Vancouver from China to organize my employment and assisting me after it commenced.

As for any suspicion you may have that I am her alter-ego, a family member, etc., I would reply that one has to decide for oneself where to draw the line between healthy skepticism and over-the-top paranoia.

MM

FYI, it's March 19, and I recieved this:

"I am glad to receive your curriculum vitae. Because we, through our company have established excellent relationships with different public schools within China, which we will introduce you to. Please tell me when you can start, would you like to sign one year contract or half a year? What about your requirements with regards to the students level and your salary expectations? Please elucidate with reference to this. I am able to introduce and offer a suitable school to you according to your requests. So you can enjoy your life in China to the utmost. By the way please send me your passport copy and your degree."

From Cathy at her yahoo.com.cn address. Thanks for the heads up and the warning, but at the same time, the yahoo address from a respected recruiter is a dead giveway.

Thanks again

Dear Ned,

My name is Julia and I am a Canadian who is working in Zhejiang province in a city called Jiangshan (Quzhou). I noticed that you said you are looking for a middle school. I need to find a teacher here to replace me by the end of January. This is a really good school, and the students are very sweet. They are 14-15 years of age. I have never had a problem here with getting paid and the flat is immaculate. School starts on March the first but if you can arrive by the end of January you will get February's pay even though you don't work!! The school gives 4 weeks holiday for Chinese New Year........

I know what your next question is going to be and that is why am I leaving??? LOL!! I am leaving because my husband and I have just opening up a clothing boutique in Shanghai and being apart from him is just too much for me. I want to be living with him in the same house.......hee hee!!

If you are interested please send me a message and I can send you pics of the school and flat......
I hope to hear from you soon......

Jules