Job Discussion Forums

Pilot82 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 150

I was offered a position there. Anybody here have any experience with them. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Pilot82 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 150

LoL...A Physical Altercation for trying to leave!? WTH!?

Tsarevich3 · Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Posts: 13 Location: Tianjin

I work for Kid Castle in Tianjin, and it is pretty good: stable schedule and paid on time. However, the quality of a school is generally determined by the personality of the headmaster (center director) rather than the school's brand name. I would suggest getting the e-mails of current/former teachers there and ask them what they think. If the school won't give them to you, it should be a red flag.
Kid Castle has some pretty good materials, though their songs are horrid. I got good training when I arrived, and that made a big difference. I have been with them for almost 3 years now, so that ought to tell you something. Again, Kid Castle Tianjin and Kid Castle Xi'an could be wildly different.

Pilot82 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 150

Awww now thata what I'm talking about, some good honest feedback, thanks for the info. 3 years working there does tell me something but youre right it would depend on the head of the school and how it's run, Xian City could be different so I'll look inyo it more and try to ask other teachers, thanks again.

smutbagdisco · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 28

goldhair · Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 23

I never had any troubles with them when I worked for them on weekends. Do a search of Kid Castle and Xian on the China forum. You should find a lot of info about other ft's experiences.

natty1810 · Joined: 02 Nov 2007 Posts: 22

"don't complain and show up to class". This is pretty much true for Kid Castle (KC) Xian.

I was there recently and had a few things happen which were not in my favour, mostly caused by gossip and personality clashes.

I was accused of berating some of my students in class and swearing at them. This accusation came from one of my students who apparently didn't like me. All my other classes were fine and I got on great with the kids. So this one accusation smacked of slander and trying to get me fired or something.

Also one of the local teachers didn't like me either and this impacted on my rep as a teacher with the school. This particular teacher even TOLD her junior class students that she didn't like me!! What's up with that??!! Not very professional and what is she doing talking about me with her 10 and 11 year old students??!!!

If KC Xian like you and you nod your head and say yes at all times then you'll be fine otherwise it could all go pearshaped.

Pilot82 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 150

Ahhh, so theres a fair share of gossip queens there so to speak. Does any of this effect me being African American.

natty1810 · Joined: 02 Nov 2007 Posts: 22

Hmmm...... possibly but you don't know unless you try. I've got a few African American and African friends who have taught in China and they have said it can be difficult only because the Chinese think white caucasians are the only people who speak English.

Pilot82 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 150

Oh really now! Well I guess that I'll just have to prove them wrong.

natty1810 · Joined: 02 Nov 2007 Posts: 22

Good Luck!!! Wink

Pilot82 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 150

Thanks Natty...I dont think I'll have much trouble at all! Wink

Pilot82 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 150

I'm getting close to my departure date on Oct. 17th.