Job Discussion Forums

Nic_Nak · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 10

Hi

Has anyone worked for these people? If so are they OK? Seen a job advertised for a school in Harbin, China and its seem interesting. Classes are weekday evenings and weekends for 6000RMB a month, it's 20 teaching hours a week and 4 office hours. They also pay overtime!

Also, I have a telephone interview with Reach to Teach coming up for a position in Taiwan, can anyone give me some tips as to what to expect from it, what i should prepare in advance.

Thanks

Nicola

LongShiKong · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 1082 Location: China

I don't know about your city's Joy but when I was working for Aston English last year in Hefei, the Chinese manager/teacher had previous teaching /managing (?) experience there and based upon her comparison, it's a much better run school than Aston (head office wise) . She's actually the most qualified Chinese manager I've worked with and the reason I'm returning to that Aston school in Sept. This begs the question though, why don't I check out Joy for myself. I'm guessing the pay is lower but fill me in on what you discover.

YankeeDoodleDandy · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 5:45 am Post subject: Joy School

I also worked for Joy School in Hefei. It was not too enjoyable Laughing

The ad for the Joy School in Harbin has been on Dave's for the last 4 or 5 years. I edited and corrected their advert about 6 month's ago, because I'm anal retentive sometimes. Lots of fun and games, however I don't see much learning going on. Super strict in Hefei, Chinese English have to sign a contract not to get pregnant for two years after they're hired. It's run like a Gulag in Hefei. Don't know about Joy in Harbin, buy overtime I believe was 80 RMB and you have your mornings off. Crying or Very sad

splotgem · Joined: 06 Jan 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Daqing

Hey, I'm currently working for Joy in Daqing. My employer is good friends with the owner of the Harbin Joy's. I've also met the owner from Harbin. He's really friendly - just as friendly as my employer. We work in the evenings and weekends plus office hours. Joy in Daqing also asks us to work at the number one highschool/middle school. This sucks but is not Joy's fault. Joy is a private school which is really well run whereas the middle/high school is a public school - enough said. We are earning 7000RMB per month plus overtime if we exceed 85 teaching hours a month.
I've been sick most of the trip as my immune system has been hit with just about everything and they've been really understanding, allowing me to catch up my classes.
I would highly recommend Joy in Daqing/Harbin and if you have any questions to send them through as I'd be happy to answer them and I'm sure the admin staff who work in Harbin will answer and Harbin related questions.

In saying all of this great stuff, I can't wait to get out of Daqing! It's so plain! Negotiating a good contract is the key to ensuring your stay is enjoyable and you don't feel ripped off. If you're really interested in a school give them some idea of what conditions you'll accept. If they won't change their offer then so be it, there are plenty of other employers out there.

mikethepizzadude · Joined: 14 Feb 2010 Posts: 6 Location: Melbourne, Australia

I saw an ad for Joy in Daqing online. It definitely sounds like a really good place to go. My fiancee and I are looking for work in China, but we don't have degrees. Ultimately, we are very hard working though, and super enthusiastic, and we're hoping that this will help us to kick-start our ESL career.
Would anyone else recommend this school?