Job Discussion Forums

[oprah]

I have read some of the topics here on trips with your school, and how you did not enjoy the trips. My school has offered a fun vacation for two weeks to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. I am not too excited and really do not think I want to go..from the comments I have read here. I would give up my vacation bonus to take this trip, dollar wise it is a good deal, but do not know if I would enjoy with them.
Other option is doing summer camp, or doing physical things in a wonderful city that has clean swimming pool and hicking.
Your input and comments are appreciated. In general my school is very good to me.

[struelle]

It's hard to say, but my guess is that you'll have more freedom to do your own things if you're going outside China. In a sense, you'll all be foreigners. Maybe the Chinese won't feel as obligated to take care of you if you're not in their country.

Then again, from what I've seen about Asian tour groups, they tend to be the same regardless of the country. If you're a hard-core independent travler like I am, this may be stifling.

Steve

[Roger]

In ten years of working here, I got this bonus o n e t i m e ! Normally, this is reserved for domestic teachers; note also that your salary will only be paid during ten months a year...

When I accepted it I was feeling they were treating me well. And the trip was a pleasure.
But, the new term after the school holidays stood under a different set of stars. I can only surmise, but I have no reason to see things differently: my participation in that locals-only event aroused envy and jealousy. Bad feelings get fuelled a lot by Chinese teachers realising that we earn more and spend less time on school premises. To throw an extra bonus our way - that tops it off, and you may very well end up being cold-shouldered.