Job Discussion Forums

[michalola83]

Hi,

I am considering a position with Aston English in China. I am interested in hearing peoples experience with the company. I am also debating between locations in Dandong, Yinchuan or Xian. Can anyone share their experiences or some suggestions regarding these locations either from working with Aston in those places or in general.

Thanks so much!

[emanresu]

Hi Michalola,

I work for Aston at the moment in Yinchuan, and have been here for around 16 months. I'm not going to tell you that the school is perfect, but it is a decent enough place to earn a living, and I really like the atmosphere and find all off the staff from the receptionists through cleaners to the assistant teachers friendly and helpful. Aston is the only school I've worked for so I can't give you comparisions, but you get very good idea resources for evry lesson through teachers books. Resources (toys/games/pictures) for use in the classroom can be lacking sometimes, but a few minutes spent looking at the internet can give you some pictures, or there are plenty of places to pick up cheap toys and games in the city.

The city itself is a growing city. When I arrived there were hardly any foreigners, and in the first 6 months I only met a couple form outside of Aston. Now I'd say there are roughly 150-200 in the city. There are a couple of good western restaurants, but the choice is limited. The only fast food p[lace to make it here has ben KFC - no McDonalds, Pizza Hut, etc.

I don't know anything about Dangdong, but Xi'an is a huge city with a lot of western conveinces if that's what you want. I've been there a few times and it's a nice place, but can be very polluted some days. One of the main resons I like Yinchuan is the lack of pollution in the city.

If you want to know more, feel free to ask, and I'll let you know what I can.

[DistantRelative]

I want to make it clear that I don't personally endorse working at "any" language mill. Having said that, and having worked in the Xi'an location on several occasions (part time on call kinda gig), I'd recommend it. It seems to be well run, and most of the teachers I've met seem satisfied with their experience there. As far as my opinion of Xian? Been here over 3 years now, I love the city! Hope this helps.

Zhuhao,

Shawn