This experience is short indeed...as in, didn't make it past the initial phone call.
Was searching new jobs on AsiaXpat last night and came across a listing that looked idyllic. Company job. 4 afternoon hours office; 3 evening hours classroom. Good pay and benefits. I was amazingly well-qualified for the position. I sent a resume immediately.
Today I followed up by calling the phone number provided, in order to touch base and make sure my resume had been received. I was really excited about this job!
Turned out to be a recruiting agency. The company personnel was nice enough, and said she would make sure they got my resume OK. She then told me to be sure and visit their company website, and make sure that I understood about their agency fees.
"You require
teachers to pay a fee?", I asked.
"Oh, yes, we do" was the reply.
"Sorry," I said. "I don't pay agency fees. Never mind."
She said "OK" and hung up.
I did go in and visit the site afterwards. Sure enough, these weasels stick you for a 200 RMB "application fee" up front, and then take a substantial percentage of your pay. (I think it was 10% but I was too busy vomiting to look closely.)
Folks, there are lots of good jobs out there. Lots of places BADLY needing teachers that won't require YOU to pay THEM. Please...never, never pay an agency fee...even if you simply must use a recruiter at all.
Don't get played for a chump.