Job Discussion Forums

[inchinanow]

I taught at Aston English in Shenyang from July 2007 to March 2008. I gave my notice and left. Here is why:

In their recruitment material, they make many promises, which they do not fulfill. I never received any health insurance. I never got my Chinese lessons. I was placed in a filthy apartment, with a crazy landlady who made threats against me and showed up at odd hours to "inspect" the dirty rat-hole I was living in.

I was also made to teach classes, with parents in attendance. Those who did not come into the room, gawked at me through the window while I was teaching.

The manager threatened me when I tried to give notice and leave. They were very rude to me, often yelling and even slamming doors in my face.

Just be aware of what you are getting into if you decide to teach at Aston.

[LongShiKong]

Sure you got the dates right? ...or did you decide to wait a year for some unexplicable reason to warn us?

I work at Aston but I'm not defending them as I've got my own grievances with. I've left 2 franchises in frustration at the Chinese management--not due to contract violations.

Since few incoming FTs take advantage of the free Chinese lessons, schools don't automatically schedule them. However, if you asked and were denied and you didn't file a grievance (as indicated in the employees handbook that you were issued in training (yes or no?)), then it couldn't have been important to you.

China's not like N.A. The first time I walked into a Chinese embassy visa office, I profoundly realized that this wasn't a service culture, but a 'servant culture'. I even took photos of the office due to the stark contrast with Canadian gov't offices. The point is, if you want something, you have to ask for it and sometimes forcibly.

As far as the landlord showing up at your 'dirty rat hole', I would've simply smiled and handed them a wet mop at the doorway as they entered (as if you were expecting them to help you clean it: "Xie-xie ni-de bang-mang!") or took them by the hand and walked them back out of the apartment arm-in-arm (this would really annoy them).

From my own experience, (and those of another poster on this forum), sticking to Aston's bigger schools: Dalian, Xi'an, Jinan is the safest bet. Otherwise, get current and previous FT contact information of the school your thinking of going to before making the decision.

[inchinanow]

I have posted about this before, but I wanted to post again, because I noticed several people asking questions about Aston. I speak the truth.

I also compare my experience at Aston with one that I had at another school. The experience at the other school was much, much better. So I know what I am talking about, since I have another school in Shenyang to compare it with.

After leaving Aston, I had a great experience in China. I can't agree with your statement that it is a "servant culture." I have a very high opinion of most Chinese. The majority of Chinese that I met were hard-working, family-oriented, honest and very friendly.

My overall experience in China was wonderful. I had to return to the USA, because my Grandmother was dying. Otherwise I would have stayed longer. But she needed me in her final days of life. So I left hastily. But I wish that I could return someday.

[ReeseDog]

Interesting to read this. I've been eyeballing Aston for a little while now. They seem like a pretty together outfit.

[vikuk]

I suppose any teaching franchise in China - is about as together - as the differences found within the differing schools owners and management groups. Any idea of a common head-office enforced standard in the individual franchise schools soon seems to get washed away in an individual owners drive for personal profit - Aston doesn't seem to be any different from other companies in this respect - with the FT being the poor cash-cow who is used to lure in the new customers - rather than being exploited for any special teaching qualities!!!!

[inchinanow]

My experience in Shenyang was not good, but I think it depends on your manager. But I didn't feel like the main office in Dalian was very helpful either. They tend to ignore problems with the other locations. Don't count on any help if you have a problem.