More cons than pros, salary is based on nationality, and chaotic
Pros
Hi, I just want to do a review about Acadsoc based on my experience. I will be saying things in a raw and straightforward manner to give you freedom to judge for yourself. Here we go! First, I want to introduce myself... I'm a Filipino looking for another part time job which I can do at home while on semi-lockdown in the Netherlands which I'm legally staying permanently. I'm also certified in business writing by a multinational company I worked for and was a volunteer English teacher for public school students and children who can't afford education. I found their job post from Onlinejobsph ("Home based Online English Teacher, Salary: 30,000php-50,000php"), I applied, and was contacted immediately by their HR. Pros: 1. HR is very responsive and quick to hire. As long as you have a laptop/desktop with at least 2200 cpu benchmark and fast internet you will proceed to next step. I invested a Core i7-7600U Windows 10 laptop and my wifi speed is 160-212mbps. 2. They provided trainings which is enough to get my feet wet on teaching English online. They also provided free 2 units Acadsoc TESOL training with exams. However, it is not valid to be used somewhere else as per my TM. Especially not here abroad. 3. I was happy with my TM. He was nice but gave me wrong advice regarding my salary. 4. Flexible working hours. You can negotiate which time and day you will work. You can work part time.
Cons
Conssss: 1. The hiring process is VERY CHAOTIC. After endorsement to training, we were not given a clear guideline on what are the next steps. You need to search for it on Youtube or ask other Acadsoc tutors. The hiring process consisted of training #1, 1st demo, re-PT/re-training, 2nd demo, 2 units tesol training & exams. Overall, the hiring process took us 2 WEEKS. 2. False salary advice based on nationality. This one really made me quit. A day after I was endorsed to my TM, he clarified to me that my salary would be European hourly rate of €7/hr because I'm based in europe. Fair enough, I accepted because its okay~ish to pay for my tax which is minimum 36.65%, mandatory insurance, and groceries. Living here in Europe is very expensive. However, after I submitted my residence permit & Philippine passport for the 3rd time, mind you it's the 3rd time, he suddenly changed my rate to 90 PESOS/HOUR (€1.60). Of course I didn't agree. That's slavery! I live here in Europe, I pay european prices, european Paypal fees, European taxes, and they will be using the stable internet & electric infrastructure as well. He replied with a sorry because it's their rate for Filipinos, doesn't matter where we are. The bottom line, the SALARY IS BASED ON NATIONALITY. I think that's not right. It's violation of EU law to give salary based on nationality and lower than standard especially I'm a legal resident here and covered by these laws. 3. The 2 weeks hiring process brought me and other applicants pressure and stress. We have no idea of our status and we were asking each other if anyone knows the next step. Instructions are always given impromptu. For example, we were asked to speak basic Chinese a day before our 2nd demo. 4. As per my TM, the free tesol is not recognized to be used abroad and no certificate will be given. 5. Some applicants failed the demo then kicked out without further advice. Their TMs are not replying either. 6. Lastly, there are many grammar errors on their website. It's ironic for a company who teaches the English language. Also, they corrected my pronunciation of the word 'orange' as aw-reynj. By the way, its aw-ruhnj not aw-reynj.
