ESL Teaching - Jobs, lesson plans - View Single Post

sao paulo · Sat 29-Mar-08, 02:26 AM

School

How many schools do you have?
Santis Educational Services currently has 3 schools. We have plans to expand in 2008. Santis is also a member of the worldwide Inlingua schools of languages - we’re a truly global service.

Where are your schools based/situated?
All our schools are currently based in the modern, cosmopolitan capital City of Mongolia - UlaanBaatar.

'Mongolia is slowly developing Third World Country, Ulaanbaatar has only a few tarmaced roads and regularly has power shortages.' The water is also heavily polluted with heavy metal contamination from Cyanide and Mercury used in mining in the country.

Who and what levels will I have to teach?
You will have the opportunity to teach all ages at all levels from beginner through to advanced. You will also enjoy more specialist areas, such as the Santis Diploma or Business English and Teacher Training.

'Yes you will Teach all kinds of people, some you will have to travel for around 45 minutes to reach, This will not be included in your working hours.'

How many hours do I have to work?
On average you should only expect to give 28 classroom hours per week. We would then expect around 12 out-of-class hours for lesson preparation.

'So 40 hours not 28, this means, and this is what happened to me and all of the people on this site, when the school runs out of Teachers, that they'll say you now have to Teach this extra 12 hours in the class room. And probabaly not be paid for them. Unless Andrew's poor elderly mother comes on holiday again and he has her teaching with you, as he has in past years.'

(How often) will I have to work at the weekends?
As Santis offers weekend classes, on occasion Saturday hours will be required. You should not have to do any more than 26 per year. Once a month is typical.

'You'll be required to work most weekends due to the increase in classes through the summer and the drop off in teachers that WON'T be replaced at the same time. If you refuse Orgilmaa will hate you forever. and persecute you.'

Apartment

Is the apartment shared with another teacher?
It is very possible that you will have the pleasure of living with one of your colleges. For those solitary types, your own apartment can be arranged. Alternatively you are welcome to arrange your own residency. In this case Santis will pay an extra $200 per month, tax free, as rent allowance.

Is the apartment close enough to walk to school?
Yes – all our apartments are within walking distance. Of course taxis and buses run close to our apartments and schools too.

'Yes you need to be close because of all those hours and so the management can keep a close eye on you.'
...

How much should I expect to pay for the cost of the amenities each month?

It is unlikely that you’ll have to pay anymore than $50 dollars each month to cover the cost of the extras in your apartment. A small price to pay for your creature comforts.

'This should be around 10,000 - 15,000 Tugriks ($10 - 15 USD) PM. It's more because Santis collect the bill from the Landlords who are also members of Orgilmaa's family. There are no paper bills in Mongolia you have to collect them yourself from the Electricity company, heating and water are free. And Satellite TV is $4 USD PM.

Contract

Do I still get my bonus & flights if I leave within the first year?
To receive our very competitive bonus package you must work a full continuous year.

If I stay for a second year, do I loose my flight bonus?
The flight bonus is only available to those who have successfully completed a one year contract and now wish to travel to a new destination. If you renew your contract for a second year, Santis will roll this over and on completion of the new contract your flight bonus will be provided.

'Orgilmaa will say you did something wrong a few months before your contract ends and you will NOT get your free flight home.' What Orgilmaa says goes' so it's a waste of time arguing.'

Do I receive a health insurance?
There is no private health insurance scheme available in Mongolia. However ther is good provision for hospital treatment if it becomes neccessary.

Yes there is private health care available called the S.O.S Hospital, you should travel with private health insurance as the Mongolian Health Care system is archaic. And the Dr's are pretty poor at medical expertise and/or practice is concerned.

What happens if I am off work because I’m sick?
Like all of Mongolia there is no statutory “sick pay” provided to our employees, but if you are unavailable to work through illness your position is guaranteed once you are ready to return to work.

'You will not be paid for being sick, whatever the problem is, and they will not let you leave the country until they are happy with you, you will also have to get a Drs letter for everyday you're off sick. Even if it's only one.

Can I be paid in cash and can I be paid in Dollars?
You can be paid in cash and you can be paid in either dollars or the local currency. This can be arranged with your Director of Studies before your first pay-day. we will also open a bank account for you if necessary.

NO I was never paid in USD despite stipulating this when I signed my contract, they ONLY pay in Tugrik and will ignore any request to be paid in USD.

Visa

Do I Need a visa to work in Mongolia?
Yes you do without exception. Santis will apply for your visa, work permit and residential permit before you enter the country. You will need to present your passport to a Mongolian Embassy to be issued with your documents before you arrive in Mongolia. We will guide you through the process, which normally takes a few weeks, but the visa process once granted takes hours, so it can be issued whilst you wait. Please note the if you arrive with a tourist visa you will not be able to work legally in Mongolia.

AMERICAN'S do NOT need a tourist visa to come to Mongolia, they get a three month Visa waiver. British people DO need a tourist Visa, this can be processed the same day at the London Embassy. If you go to Mongolia and find a job your employer CAN convert your visa for you, ALSO you can have work visa's transfered from one employer to another. BUT SANTIS WILL INSIST YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY, rather than agree to a transfer. Fees apply as per nationality for visa transfers and conversations.

Mongolia & UB

Are the locals nice?

The local Mongolian people are indeed very nice. You might expect from their history - Genghis Chan - that the culture, like some other Asian countries, contains a violent nature but this is certainly not the case. Think Sumo not KungFu!

THERE IS A PROBLEM IN MONGOLIA WITH RACISM and brutality towards westerners and women, including numerous rapes in Mongolia during 2006 - 2008. I personally know of 4 sexual attacks on British and American women. You van buy mace in the city.

Do they like us Westerners in their country?

On the whole the people are very welcoming. They are aware that English is a global language and for the countries future English teachers must come here to teach. There is certainly never any xenophobia from your colleagues or students.

BULLSHIT!

Is the City safe for a foreigner?

Of course like all large cities UlaanBaatar contains its unsavory elements but these are few and far between and easily avoided.

You can walk across UB in 30 minutes, these "unsavoury" elements include Mongolian Police Officers and Soldiers, who will ask for your passport, which, they will say you have to carry on your person. THIS IS NOT TRUE. If you hand it over, it'll cost you about $250 to get it back through various bribes.

What do they do in their spare time/out of work?
UlaanBaatar is a large city and nearly all walks of life are provided for. You will find a rich and diverse a range of things to do outside of work as you would in any Capital. Whatever your “Thing” I’m sure Mongolia has it to offer.

'You can drink and use the internet in UB, Mongolia is too big to visit on a few days off and the nearest place of interest in 2 -3 hours outside the city. Other places are days away.

What’s Mongolia like outside of the Capital City?

Wow - breathtaking country. Green lands, Clear Rivers and Blue Skies. Mountains and Valleys unrivaled anywhere else and a traditional Nomadic lifestyle that still thrives - You have to see this place to believe it. Untouched by the modern world and Mongolia is proud to boast the cleanest air on the planet.

Will I have an opportunity to explore the countryside?
Yes – Trips into the heart of the countryside are always available. Follow this link to mongolianation.com and see for yourself.

Unfortunately you will not get the time off you need to visit these beautiful places.

Sat 29-Mar-08, 02:26 AM	#19 (permalink)
sao paulo Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Occupation: Teacher Location: Posts: 7	Re: Stay away from Santis, Ulaanbaatar School How many schools do you have? Santis Educational Services currently has 3 schools. We have plans to expand in 2008. Santis is also a member of the worldwide Inlingua schools of languages - we’re a truly global service. Where are your schools based/situated? All our schools are currently based in the modern, cosmopolitan capital City of Mongolia - UlaanBaatar. 'Mongolia is slowly developing Third World Country, Ulaanbaatar has only a few tarmaced roads and regularly has power shortages.' The water is also heavily polluted with heavy metal contamination from Cyanide and Mercury used in mining in the country. Who and what levels will I have to teach? You will have the opportunity to teach all ages at all levels from beginner through to advanced. You will also enjoy more specialist areas, such as the Santis Diploma or Business English and Teacher Training. 'Yes you will Teach all kinds of people, some you will have to travel for around 45 minutes to reach, This will not be included in your working hours.' How many hours do I have to work? On average you should only expect to give 28 classroom hours per week. We would then expect around 12 out-of-class hours for lesson preparation. 'So 40 hours not 28, this means, and this is what happened to me and all of the people on this site, when the school runs out of Teachers, that they'll say you now have to Teach this extra 12 hours in the class room. And probabaly not be paid for them. Unless Andrew's poor elderly mother comes on holiday again and he has her teaching with you, as he has in past years.' (How often) will I have to work at the weekends? As Santis offers weekend classes, on occasion Saturday hours will be required. You should not have to do any more than 26 per year. Once a month is typical. 'You'll be required to work most weekends due to the increase in classes through the summer and the drop off in teachers that WON'T be replaced at the same time. If you refuse Orgilmaa will hate you forever. and persecute you.' Apartment Is the apartment shared with another teacher? It is very possible that you will have the pleasure of living with one of your colleges. For those solitary types, your own apartment can be arranged. Alternatively you are welcome to arrange your own residency. In this case Santis will pay an extra $200 per month, tax free, as rent allowance. Is the apartment close enough to walk to school? Yes – all our apartments are within walking distance. Of course taxis and buses run close to our apartments and schools too. 'Yes you need to be close because of all those hours and so the management can keep a close eye on you.' ... How much should I expect to pay for the cost of the amenities each month? It is unlikely that you’ll have to pay anymore than $50 dollars each month to cover the cost of the extras in your apartment. A small price to pay for your creature comforts. 'This should be around 10,000 - 15,000 Tugriks ($10 - 15 USD) PM. It's more because Santis collect the bill from the Landlords who are also members of Orgilmaa's family. There are no paper bills in Mongolia you have to collect them yourself from the Electricity company, heating and water are free. And Satellite TV is $4 USD PM. Contract Do I still get my bonus & flights if I leave within the first year? To receive our very competitive bonus package you must work a full continuous year. If I stay for a second year, do I loose my flight bonus? The flight bonus is only available to those who have successfully completed a one year contract and now wish to travel to a new destination. If you renew your contract for a second year, Santis will roll this over and on completion of the new contract your flight bonus will be provided. 'Orgilmaa will say you did something wrong a few months before your contract ends and you will NOT get your free flight home.' What Orgilmaa says goes' so it's a waste of time arguing.' Do I receive a health insurance? There is no private health insurance scheme available in Mongolia. However ther is good provision for hospital treatment if it becomes neccessary. Yes there is private health care available called the S.O.S Hospital, you should travel with private health insurance as the Mongolian Health Care system is archaic. And the Dr's are pretty poor at medical expertise and/or practice is concerned. What happens if I am off work because I’m sick? Like all of Mongolia there is no statutory “sick pay” provided to our employees, but if you are unavailable to work through illness your position is guaranteed once you are ready to return to work. 'You will not be paid for being sick, whatever the problem is, and they will not let you leave the country until they are happy with you, you will also have to get a Drs letter for everyday you're off sick. Even if it's only one. Can I be paid in cash and can I be paid in Dollars? You can be paid in cash and you can be paid in either dollars or the local currency. This can be arranged with your Director of Studies before your first pay-day. we will also open a bank account for you if necessary. NO I was never paid in USD despite stipulating this when I signed my contract, they ONLY pay in Tugrik and will ignore any request to be paid in USD. Visa Do I Need a visa to work in Mongolia? Yes you do without exception. Santis will apply for your visa, work permit and residential permit before you enter the country. You will need to present your passport to a Mongolian Embassy to be issued with your documents before you arrive in Mongolia. We will guide you through the process, which normally takes a few weeks, but the visa process once granted takes hours, so it can be issued whilst you wait. Please note the if you arrive with a tourist visa you will not be able to work legally in Mongolia. AMERICAN'S do NOT need a tourist visa to come to Mongolia, they get a three month Visa waiver. British people DO need a tourist Visa, this can be processed the same day at the London Embassy. If you go to Mongolia and find a job your employer CAN convert your visa for you, ALSO you can have work visa's transfered from one employer to another. BUT SANTIS WILL INSIST YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY, rather than agree to a transfer. Fees apply as per nationality for visa transfers and conversations. Mongolia & UB Are the locals nice? The local Mongolian people are indeed very nice. You might expect from their history - Genghis Chan - that the culture, like some other Asian countries, contains a violent nature but this is certainly not the case. Think Sumo not KungFu! THERE IS A PROBLEM IN MONGOLIA WITH RACISM and brutality towards westerners and women, including numerous rapes in Mongolia during 2006 - 2008. I personally know of 4 sexual attacks on British and American women. You van buy mace in the city. Do they like us Westerners in their country? On the whole the people are very welcoming. They are aware that English is a global language and for the countries future English teachers must come here to teach. There is certainly never any xenophobia from your colleagues or students. BULLSHIT! Is the City safe for a foreigner? Of course like all large cities UlaanBaatar contains its unsavory elements but these are few and far between and easily avoided. You can walk across UB in 30 minutes, these "unsavoury" elements include Mongolian Police Officers and Soldiers, who will ask for your passport, which, they will say you have to carry on your person. THIS IS NOT TRUE. If you hand it over, it'll cost you about $250 to get it back through various bribes. What do they do in their spare time/out of work? UlaanBaatar is a large city and nearly all walks of life are provided for. You will find a rich and diverse a range of things to do outside of work as you would in any Capital. Whatever your “Thing” I’m sure Mongolia has it to offer. 'You can drink and use the internet in UB, Mongolia is too big to visit on a few days off and the nearest place of interest in 2 -3 hours outside the city. Other places are days away. What’s Mongolia like outside of the Capital City? Wow - breathtaking country. Green lands, Clear Rivers and Blue Skies. Mountains and Valleys unrivaled anywhere else and a traditional Nomadic lifestyle that still thrives - You have to see this place to believe it. Untouched by the modern world and Mongolia is proud to boast the cleanest air on the planet. Will I have an opportunity to explore the countryside? Yes – Trips into the heart of the countryside are always available. Follow this link to mongolianation.com and see for yourself. Unfortunately you will not get the time off you need to visit these beautiful places.