Doug Hoppens says his 5 day journey was a nightmare.
Doug says, "To be an American and want to come home and not be allowed to do so.."
Doug Hoppens thought he had done his homework... but was caught offguard when he landed in Shanghai, China.
After receiving a contract over the internet... he headed halfway around the world... to learn everything he had been promised was a lie.
Doug says, "The first thing that was spoken before we even shook hands was that the recruiter was a conman. They were there to rescue me... and they will give me a job... but it's far less."
Doug says he was promised he'd only teach 30 to 35 hours a week... and in exchange... he'd make about $1,300 a month, get free housing, and thousands in cash towards his airfare.
But the actual contract offered by school directors and managers was so different... he didn't feel comfortable signing it.
He also noticed other teachers looked scared and worn out.
Doug says, "The same look on his face of fear was the same look of fear on the face... when I talked to every American teacher over there. There are american teachers over there who want to come home but can't. They're held there by chinese law."
Doug's saving grace... he never signed a contract... but he also became frightened himself.
Doug says, "I started receiving threatening calls at my room... from people who refused to identify themselves. They stated that if I knew what was good for me... I was going to take the job or else."
Doug says he was followed to the airport... but made it home safely to Colorado.
He wants others to learn from his experience.
Before leaving the U.S. for an overseas teaching job... research the school and ask lots of specific questions.
Also talk to other teachers not managers... and check blacklists and grey lists, they're web boards that warn of disreputable schools in various countries.
Most importantly take your time. Doug says he learned... the English teaching industry is full of cheats, liars, and petty dictators.. so be careful.
Doug is now back home in Colorado Springs, trying to pay off the debt he incurred in China.
These are bills he was told would be covered by his recruiter.
We'll let you know how he makes out.