LanguageCorps Rips people off who want to teach "overseas". Atlanta Georgia

Jan Stow, 

its funny. I complained that there was nothing itemized. In response, you pat yourself and your program on the back and talk about how good it is! What surprise! Furthermore, you still refuse to itemize either by real amounts of by percentages. It's a travesty how you talk around the original complaint with all the skill of a crooked politician. Better you actually address with honesty, but I guess that's simply not possible.

-Alex

I participated in the Flagship Program, because I was a young woman moving across the globe alone and felt that the certainty of having a job placement was worth the extra couple of grand. However, none of the things advertised as part of that program actually happened. I was in Pattaya. I'm sure the staff's competency and facilities vary greatly from one location to the next, so other placements may be lovely. The facilities in Pattaya are not.

The rooms are disgusting. I've stayed in a lot of hostels. My acceptable standards of cleanliness aren't high by any stretch, but those rooms were nasty. I never at any point received any help in finding a job, not so much as glancing over my resume. They certainly never gave me lists of schools or set up interviews as they advertise. They also did not provide free accomodation during my job search as is advertised as part of the Flagship Program. I was evicted as soon as the student teaching component of the program finished.

So, at least in so far as the Pattaya location is concerned, if you purchase the Flagship Program, you're just giving them a few thousand dollars in exchange for absolutely nothing. That being said, now that I know Thailand and how easy it is to find a teaching position here, I realize that those additional services wouldn't have been worth the money even if they had been provided. Your best bet is to skip languagecorps entirely, go to ajarn.com or another site that advertises teaching positions and apply directly to the schools.

I am glad to see Jan found this 'report' and responded to it, how many will believe her is depatable. However, I am a happy graduate of the program, still working and teaching in rural Viet Nam, satisfied for the money I spent.

I have read some similar scam reports in other areas and can only say that:

Yes it's a little pricy but you do get what you pay for, IF you use the program and all it gives you.
They are very accurate about telling you about the country and what you must do, step by step, to get you going and certified. However, if you are a real dummy and don't follow the 'check list' you WILL have problems down the road.

Yes, they do give you a free cell phone. A good normal one, if you want a GPS, internet etc you better get your own. Yes, they do provide very good, friendly, clean and secure housing for a month. You stay in a 3 star guest house and are treated like a king/queen by the staff. I still try to book a room there when I have to go to Saigon, it's a very good place.
Yes, the LC staff in Saigon is top notch, they see to all of your needs and make sure you are well cared for, happy and try to help you succeed. They will bend over backward to assist you however, they will not hold your hand, wipe your nose or change your diaper...they also can't read minds...you have to tell them if there is a problem.
Yes, they provide a year of (renewable) medical insurance with emergency evacuation for serious things. Price that on your own sometime and get a shock!

They will work very hard to find you housing and job placement. You must still do a little on your own, this is life.

I'm not a 'troll' for LC, simply someone who got his moneys worth. They could have helped me even more but I wanted to teach in the country and not a big city. Actually one of the employees helped get me the job I have now so, I guess in a way they did do the whole job.

Bob Johnston
Duy Tan Language Center
Tuy Hoa, Phu Yen Province, Viet Nam

We just came across this report on LanguageCorps, and as one of the owners of LanguageCorps, I wanted to respond, as it is quite misleading. LanguageCorps offers a variety of programs for talented people interested in travel, internationalism, and teaching abroad. Our goal is to empower our Teachers to thrive as professionals while living in, working in, and learning about a different culture.

Our programs are available in several countries in Latin America, Asia, and Europe. Programs vary by country, and program fees range from US$1,695-US$4,395. All LanguageCorps programs include an intensive, four-week TESOL training and certification program, pre-departure support, and assistance finding a paid teaching position. Some programs also include local language and cultural training, guaranteed job placement, accommodations, comprehensive medical insurance for a full year, excursions, and other support services. Our web site is www.languagecorps.com, and specifics on costs and what each program includes are outlined on the Program page for each individual country.

Salaries and living expenses vary by country, and in some locations, participants are able to live very comfortably, recoup the program fee, and still set aside some savings. But no one does this type of thing just to make money; LanguageCorps teachers are true global citizens! They are comfortable with, and excited about, genuine intercultural exchange. They embrace opportunities to share their own cultural identity with others, and to immerse themselves in new and different worlds.

For more information, please visit the website at www.languagecorps.com, or send an email to info@languagecorps.com.

Jan
Stow, MA

For Ripoff Report staff, if you need to reach me:
Jan Patton
Admissions Director
jan.patton@languagecorps.com
Toll Free: 1-877-216-3267
Direct: 1-978-562-2100
Fax: 1-978-562-7721