Job Discussion Forums

Erutpar · Joined: 16 Apr 2012 Posts: 24

Still looking for a good school in Beijing. It's tough because I'll have to land a contract here at home before I go out there, so I'm trying to be really cautious.
I found a school run by a Canadian called Melody English. I have some comfort in believing it's run by an expat. Has anyone heard of this school, or can anyone share their thoughts about teaching at a school run by a fellow foreigner? Is it a better option?
Thanks

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

There are dishonest people everywhere; that type of behavior knows no cultural or demographic boundaries. I would consider it unwise to make a decision based on where the administrators come from.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Being "run" by an ex-pat means little.

It's a complete farce because the so-called "foreign manager" is basically executing orders from the true master.

Even Heidi's English in Dandong (which is allegedly owned by a foreigner) is controlled by local Chinese.

If the boss says "treat him how I tell you" bet your bottom dollar the manager will obey the boss.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

Gtomas · Joined: 03 Jun 2010 Posts: 100

There are no real foreign run schools in China that I know of. It's difficult or impossibel for a small langauge school to get a license to operate without a Chinese signing off it.

In affect, that means a Chinese owner and a Chinese owner calling the shots.

I worked six months in a School in Jining which was sold to be as an America run school--it quickly became obvious that the America wasn't running the school--his Chinese life was.

She wasn't that bad as far as getting class size, boosting profits, and getting every penny of work out of her employees. Just wan't the American way I expected.

And I moved on.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Rockies in Dalian and elsewhere was founded by Canadian Chinese and at least the negotiations would be on common ground.
No idea of how they are as an employer.
Surprised to hear about Heidi's in Dandong. Somewhere on the web there is a heartfelt exposition from herself about her commitment to providing a first class environment for FTs and Chinese students.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

Any reference to "western management" should be taken with the same weight that one would give to "compared to the average local salary" or "our first concern is the students/teachers/etc."

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

sainthood · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 5:07 am Post subject:

Hearsay, but....

I apparently met Heidi's brother a few years ago in Melbourne. He said she doesn't have a lot to do with the school anymore, and the Chinese have taken over.

So, in response to the OP, I'd say that there is a better % that a foreign owned and run school is a better bet - but as JohnT said - dishonest people come from everywhere!

I'd like to think there are good, honest teachers who have the idea of opening up a school here, but know that it's almost impossible without a local partner. Having that partner also have a good sense of integrity (and sense!) is hard to judge.

I've tried it (though not the full-blown doing the red-tape crap... just a small room with a few students). He trusts my judgement when it comes to teaching and how to keep things running. He is an honest guy (who I worry will keep getting walked on for it).

The problem is, if you do have a good honest person in charge, they're going to find it harder to deal with all the BS that the govt will throw up in the form of red-tape and all that... it's a cut-throat market... so you need to be a cut-throat person (most of the time).

Erutpar · Joined: 16 Apr 2012 Posts: 24

Wow, after reading some responses here (and responses to the thread I posted about Chinese women in Off-topic) I'm realizing what China really is. I'm beginning to think I should scrap my entire plans.

sainthood · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 2:33 am Post subject:

[quote=Erutpar]Wow, after reading some responses here (and responses to the thread I posted about Chinese women in Off-topic) I'm realizing what China really is. I'm beginning to think I should scrap my entire plans.[/quote]

Meh, it's probably not that bad... just depends on how you are with different cultures. There can be some serious culture shock, especially in regards to concepts such as basic manners, standards of politeness, honesty and integrity, etc. All comes down to your personal tolerance levels!

But, it sort of works here. And we can have a great life here.

If you're new to ESL, and don't have the qualifications, it might suck for a while (depending on what you're here for). But, if this is a career move, then just bide your time, get what you need, and the rest becomes a breeze!

And, of course, have some sort of sanity regaining options... whether it's expat hangouts, vent forums, friends, alcohol... or saving up to travel every few months.

Brian Hugh · Joined: 07 Jan 2012 Posts: 140 Location: China

Foreign owned businesses are leaving. The door is being shut for Chinese who want to go abroad and for those coming to China. Come here and see. Get a feeling for China.
Check out Hong Kong first where you can speak freely.
I agree people in Rome do as the Romans do. I do what I am told to do where ever I am.

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

I had a job in a private school managed by a fellow foreigner from North america. It was one of the WORST jobs I ever had in China! He was a puppet for chinese management. So, it makes no difference.