Reply: |
Cultural Embrace has been responding directly to the participant with the comments listed above, as well as through Better Business Bureau(which BBB dismissed this case), but I would like to take this opportunity to explain our Work in New Zealand program and services (for this participant and future candidates' sake).
Firstly, CE's Work in NZ program is a Job Placement Assistance that offers our participants up to 12 months of offers and access to job center's in New Zealand. We have other programs and destinations that 'guarantee' job, teach, work, or volunteer placements, but assistance for NZ. Our Kiwi partners will help organize job leads, interviews, and contacts through on-line job databanks, and local listings. Although most of the positions available on this program are hospitality or non-technical skilled jobs, you are still required to act professionally during the application and interview process, and during the job duration.
In regards to this "astronomical" cost for a local cell phone in NZ it is NZ$100 equivalent to US$60...which seems comparable or even cheaper to what US charges for a new mobile phone service. This participant mentioned in her BBB complaint that she did not receive the airport transfer service that CE offers, but it also the participant's responsibility to follow through with instructions. For example, this participant received the airport pick-up voucher in Cultural Embrace's pre-departure cultural kit. When our Coordinator, Katy, followed up before she left to see if she had any questions, this participant said she did not receive the voucher, so Katy sent her another one electronically (email). Right before her departure, she said she was having trouble and couldn't print the voucher, so Katy contacted CE's local partners to inform them that this participant would be arriving and to be prepared for her arrival without a voucher. Upon arrival to Auckland, New Zealand, this participant still misunderstood the airport pick-up procedures and contacted the emergency number that we gave to her in her pre-departure kit, and our local partners instructed her of where to find our airport shuttle “Airbus Express”.
While this participant claims we are just ‘fist clenching’ her program fee of US$665, (which does not meet up to the time and energy that we (CE and our local partners in New Zealand, have spent to consult her)), we have met our services of what the Work New Zealand program entails.
From our interpretation to the comments above, our partners in NZ offered her job leads and assistance (yes, that may include picking up the local paper and looking through the classified section!) but it is ultimately up to the employer to accept the applicant based on skills, experience, qualifications, attitude and interviews.
I admit, it is getting more competitive out there with a global recession, which supports another reason why you should use a program provider, like Cultural Embrace. Candidates will need to step up to the plate, be sharp, and ready to take the world on (no pun attended). My advice for those that are looking for a job abroad: write a resume/cv that will stand out, interview well and put yourself in the hiring manager's shoe (why would he/she hire you over a local--someone that knows the local culture, and can work long term?) and follow through after your interview with the employer. An old school thank you note or email does make a difference, especially in the customer service industry.
We hope our participants and future candidates understand that using a program provider, like Cultural Embrace, open doors and windows to make this world a smaller, friendlier, and more peaceful place. CE's goals are to alleviate the stress and anxieties before, during and after your time abroad. We want to pave a smoother road for you to explore your world and to guard your safety, health, and well-being. But you have to be realistic, because there will still be speedbumps and potholes throughout on your adventure...but isn't that the beauty of traveling? |
|
Review By: Anonymous
Reply
Flag