Job Discussion Forums

[dan]

Im sure some of you have seen job postings for these opportunities here on Dave's and elsewhere....

Im thinking of giving it a go. Anyone ever work there, in any capacity?

Thanks, Dan

[NathanRahl]

No, but I know folks who have, it's a language mill. Don't get me wrong, its not the worst, and the folks I know who have worked there and still do do not think it's all bad. However, you will have to work a lot of hours, and for very low pay. However it's not the worst, or the best, runs somewhere in the middle, depending on who you ask of course.

[voodikon]

i worked as a very part-time (no contract) teacher for aston chengdu for a few months last year.

it wasn't bad--they seem to have their act together, relative to the surrounding environment, at least. we both lived up to our ends of the bargain with no complaints (at least that i know of).

i am still in touch with the manager there (foreign), however, and he reports that he's pretty stressed out due to his job. i've also recently come into a quasi-management position and can understand his stress; on the other hand, compared to the organization i'm working for, it sounds like aston has a major advantage in that they have existing facilities with corresponding experience (meaning they have a precedent to which to turn--they're not just making things up as they go along), from upper management on down to part-time teachers (standardized contracts, textbooks, etc.)

organizations here, particularly those that are owned by non-mainlanders (read: hong kongers, westerners, etc.), often seek to fill management positions with westerners because there is a belief that western education systems are more oriented toward managing, critical thinking, proactivity, etc. the downsides of this is that western employees are relatively expensive and oftentimes unfamiliar with the market and local procedures (which oftentimes spells trouble when dealing with both customers and internal local staff). but if you're open to attempting to "bridge" these worlds (and there's a long bridge to be built if that's your thing, let me testify) and not simply out to be an iron-fisted westerner whose way is always the right way, it can be a rewarding experience. sometimes. it can also be extremely stressful and depressing when obstacles block the path to what you've been enculturated to view is the "right" or "productive" way, and you resultingly feel inadequate in your position.

in the end, my final analysis is: i'd say apply, and if you're offered a position and are looking for something with more responsibility (and stress) than the average teaching job, why not consider it?