Job Discussion Forums

[william wallace]

nil

[Lobster]

Is it hearsay, or heresy?

What you say about canadian schools in China is unfortunately true. Their reputations are tanking fast. It's a pity, because there are still a few Canadian outfits trying to do a good job here, and the seedy ones are dragging them along down the drainpipe to hell.

RED

[Lobster]

I cannot comment on the current state of affairs at this school, and I understand why you'd be miffed if you felt that someone was using your name in a way that cast your reputation into doubt.

However, as one who did help to establish this school and worked hard to provide the foundation that now provides you with employment, I must reiterate that I was very poorly treated by the owners and the staff of NFLS. My complaints go far beyond the normal China experiences. A lot of good people got kicked around during this time, and the bitterness they feel will not be forgotten.

Now CGA is in its third of fourth incarnation, and I hope for the sake of the teachers and students there that they have learned from their mistakes. I know I'll never see the 50,000 RMB they owe me, and I hope you never have to suffer the way we did. I would still advise prospective teachers to avoid this school.

RED

[brsmith15]

Wow, this "Peter Simpson" must be related to Homer. I've seen many company goons in my day, but this is over the edge.

Hey, why not take this Xia character out some evening and "put a lean on him" as my buddies in South Boston used to say. There's nothing like the claw end of a hammer as a device to persuade and cause behavior modification. Or...take him to the lake in town and play bobbing for Xia.

[lf_aristotle69]

I know nothing about this particular school. But, will just give some observations based in my experiences in roughly similar type of programs and in China generally. I am not an apologist for any person or organisation mentioned in the OP's, nor in subsequent posters, posts.

these are my views, and feel free to oppose or criticise them where you think I'm mistaken.

For some reason some of these internationally licenced or franchised types of High School Bridging programs, and post High School Foundation Programs seem to be unable to give much support to teachers once they're in China.

My current experience is happily much better than any of my previous situations in most of the areas discussed in the OP. But, I've certainly had some of the down side in those other jobs in the past.

[adamsmith]

good post ari. I too have been working for foundation programs since coming to china. One was with an Aussie school - they are pulling out of the particular program as the chinese side is continuing to do things their way - without listening to any of the recomendations that are made/suggested.
Another was a with a british uni - they try to maintain some quality control but it is difficult with the administration saying ok - and then doing what they like anyway. Especially when it comes to the actual grade given to the student and the modified grade given by the admin section. Students who failed turn around and ask me for a recomendation letter for their masters programs - when asked what their mark is they tell me they were given B or higher - This kind of interference really reduces the credibility of the overseas institution yet it goes on all the time in China.
Another program I am familiar with is a Canadian uni and a chinese one - the canadian side wants to replace the dean as he does everything the chinese way (this one is not a foundation program but a dual degree program) - ie - all students pass all courses. The unfortunate part is the chinese partner refuses to replace the current dean as they are happy with him. Again - this situation only tarnishes the reputation of the partner schools and reduces the relevance/recognition of any degrees granted to real students.
In the long run these partnerships need to really be thought out and improved on as it is a great idea to have them in place but the problems with dealing with the chinese partners can sometimes be to over the top.

[Lobster]

One thing to keep in mind about "Canadian" schools. I don't know about schools with Australian or British affiliation, but these schools are almost exclusively owned and operated by Chinese Canadians with mainland connections. They still think and operate on the Chinese model and just use the Canadian veneer as a marketing tool. Their profit-oriented, low-quality approach to education is only revealed slowly as dissatisfaction grows. They also have Chinese management mentalities and over-ride the western DOS or principal whenever they can get away with it. At least when you're working for a Chinese outfit you know where you stand, instead of getting suckered into thinking you'll be working in a Canadian environment.

Just say no to unpaid overtime, late pay and airfare ripoffs.

RED

[lf_aristotle69]

[Lobster]

Thanks for the links! I see that the fallout from the Minister of Multiculturalism's actions hasn't disappeared, but the school itself has changed considerable from the place I remember; with better oversight, connections and programs. The ownership and management team have changed, although Dr. Xia and NFLS are still in the picture. I would have to honestly say that this school is not the same one that caused me such grief, and therefore I will offer no further critical comments on it.

RED

[myesl]

[ColinA]

In 2003, I worked for a school with Canadian in the title but the only claims to being western were the text book and a Canadian teacher who didnt stay long. The conditions were nothing like described above. Apart from spoilt students and very small apartments, things were OK. 5000rmb for 16 lessons, 5 day week with 3 day weekend every second week.

[Taidu]

http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/viewtopic.php?t=39946&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=


What if I told you the real owner of the school was a former Liberal Multiculturalism Minister Raymond Kwan who served in former Canadian PM Paul Martin's cabinet. Some people should raise shit with the Vancouver papers about the Canadian teachers that have been abused at the school for quite a long time Liberals aren't supposed to do that are they?

(old post also containing complaints about the school and Kwan's ownership)

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=12623&highlight=grand+Canadian+academy)

[Lobster]

It was Raymond Chan, not Raymond Kwan. And no, no Canadian politician would ever do anything that could be considered even remotely deceitful.

RED

[cj750]

[poopsicola]

For more detail, go to:

http://www.nfls-gca.com/en/application.php