Job Discussion Forums

turbolover · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 10

This is the school that I am currently looking at wether I decide to go to russia, china, thailand, or vietnam.

I would love to hear from anyone regarding their experiences with this school, both good or bad.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

It's a chain, so that means although they follow the same structure, management is different so some places are good and others bad.
Also, they will get you a visa, and you know that the place actually exists.

The pay is average, though after two years you can become a DOS and get more money.

I think it's one of those places that you hate or love.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

EF = the McDonald's of English teaching.

Good for a first job to get some experience on your resume and see another country, but nothing more.

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

Comments on my experience of EF in Mexico:

A lot of freedom to teach how you want, but following a curriculum - and little or no supervisions. Books terrible - but you can use your own materials. Ambience friendly. Lots of hours (they offered me 37 1/2 paid per hour, which is very good). Pay good, especially for company classes, on time - but their time, which is a couple of days after the normal date (here, 17 instead of 15 and a couple of days after the end of the month.

Overall, I felt the owners were in it just for the business, not the education, but as has been stated, in this kind of school this can vary from branch to branch.

kingmalka · Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

I am having an absolutely amazing time in EF Suzhou.

As previously mentioned, it is a chain and thus your enjoyment depends on the caliber of its management.

Take the job; it will be a good first.

DocWomet · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 2

Looks like I have to make a post in order to PM, so I'll just venture this newbie question - Can anyone speak as to the nature of an EF Summer program in China? I can't imagine a whole lot of deliberate curriculum is planned for such a short period... Good start for total newbies? Thanks

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I've worked with two or three folks who had experience with EF schools in China. Their comments were positive; on the other hand, you'll note the EFs in Indonesia receive many disparaging comments.

roset · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:13 am Post subject:

I had a bad experience with EF. When I arrived in China they didn't have any classes for me as the teacher I was replacing decided to stay at the last minute. But then there are loads of threads on EF on this website, and most of them are disparaging so I wont waffle on about my experience.
But although my experience wasn't great I know plenty of other people who really like it and become DOS's and stay a long time. I think it varies from school to school, so really take your time to find out as much info as you can about them before you go. This was my mistake, it was my first job and I didn't really spend time looking into it properly. You're in the right place to find out about it though, just take your time before you choose.

Thwartley · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 34

If you have done research on Thailand you have probably learned that there is simply no need to accept a job until you are in country. If EF in Thailand needs teachers, they will still need them once you get here and at least you can get a feel for the branch and manager.