Job Discussion Forums

andreaj · Joined: 14 May 2009 Posts: 5

Hello,
I'm looking into DD Dragon and Pearson Longman - just wondering if anyone would like to comment on their experience with these schools....I found some comments, but very old now and would like current views.
I'm doing research into Intl schools on my own - I don't trust recruiting agencies - at least not the ones I've read about - but would like to hear from teachers with real life experience.
I have a Masters in primary/elementary Ed (K-6) and wondering if I should try another route that may pay better. I'm happy to work full time, but don't want to be slave-driven into working 6 days and long hours - would like to travel and see some of China while there. Don't want to end up in an unprofessional and/or shadey gig. Any advice / recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I like the idea of Shanghai, but open to other areas of interest (preferably not too rural). Thanks in advance.
Andrea

samhouston · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 418 Location: LA

I worked at DDFD a coupla years back. It is what it is. More suitable for someone just out of high school than for someone with a master's in primary education.

andreaj · Joined: 14 May 2009 Posts: 5

thanks for your info

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

Wow! If you have a Masters in elementary the door is wide open for jobs. But, you still have to be very careful and ask alot of questions before accepting. I agree, you don't want to work all the time and never have time to see and experience China. I made this mistake with my first job in China, but it was at a private English training school for adults. I don't know alot about Pearson Longman except for the fact that they are expanding like crazy right now and advertising alot. Any of the larger cities near Shanghai would be great such as Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou or Changzhou. I was in Changzhou and I loved it. Many foreigners and Chinese people who could speak English. I have also worked in a smaller city and I did not like it at all. Few foreigners and nobody speaks English. Some people like this, but not me. Ask many questions about the housing arrangement and ask for pictures such as, is it on campus? or off? I think off is better so you can have your own private life away from the job. I agree, don't use an agent. They work on commission. When they place you, they get paid. I had one and he continually lied to me to get me to accept jobs. Even after I met him in person. Good luck.

andreaj · Joined: 14 May 2009 Posts: 5

Thanks for the info - I'm looking into the cities you mentioned. I just briefly checked out Changzhuo which looks great! I'll see if I can find some schools there. You say you loved it there - if you don't mind my asking what school(s) were you at? any you would recommend?
I love the idea of Yanshuo (another poster recommended) - it looks so beautiful - but not loving the pay scales.
I'm currently investigating Buckland; although they are officially a recruitment agency, they also seem to offer cultural and language orientation, teacher training to familiarize one with Chinese teaching methods etc, and good postings...but we'll see.
It's not easy to go directly to the schools without getting recruiters - but my research is starting to pay off a bit as I acquire some school names.
I would prefer to teach elementary but have been finding classes of 30-50 students which is a bit much depending on assessment requirements and the like.
thanks again, much appreciated.

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

Andrea, Well, in Changzhou I was working at adult private training schools such as World English and Canilx English . It's where I had to teach 25 classes a week with very few holidays. I would NEVER do this again! Your friends are off and you have to work. I don't know alot about elementary or primary schools there. There is a big International school there but I would not recommend it. The students have very wealthy parents and tend to be VERY spoiled. I am sure you can find some good schools if you search. I think you mean Yangzhou? which is just to the north of Changzhou. I have never been there. One small negative is the train does not go through there like in Changzhou. When you want to travel, this is a factor. I think you will find that the bigger the city, the better the pay usually. I have never heard of this Buckland? They offer all that? Can you give me the website? Yes, it takes alot more time to do all this yourself and not use an agent. I guess there are some good ones out there, but......how to find? Yes, 40-50 students is the norm in public schools in China. I have taught at a high school too and its a challenge, but it was ok.
I am sure you are excited about teaching in China as I was. You should know that it is a very difficult adjustment for the first 6 weeks there. Even simple things are a real challenge! My advice is to make friends as soon as possible. Both Chinese friends and foreign friends. This will be VERY easy to do as the Chinese love to have foreign friends. Some of my best friends are Chinese! They will be very happy to help you with any problems you have. You will need them. I also have friends from Germany, France, Canada, Australia and this was in Changzhou. This city is really growing fast! One more thing about the school. Make sure you ask about the location in regard to the downtown area. You don't want to be too far out where there is nothing to do and you have to take a bus or taxi for 45 minutes to get to anything like shopping or restaurants. The driving in China can be described as "rude". Pedestrians have no right of way. Bart

mnguy29 · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 155 Location: USA

I found the website and yes, there is a Yangshuo.

andreaj · Joined: 14 May 2009 Posts: 5

Hey Bart the Buckland Group web address; http://www.bucklandgroup.org
I am interested in China, but haven't ruled out other countries either. To be honest I'm looking for an interesting foreign experience that will allow me to see some of that country while hopefully make a big dent in my student loans (much faster than I would here anyway), and maybe even come back with cash in my pocket to set up at home again.
I can understand it would be a big adjustment working and living in China - I have a lot of travel experience tho which should help - albeit mostly in Europe, NA and Caribbean, not in Asia - and I've been teaching Inuit students in arctic Quebec for 2 yrs, and some adult ESL teaching experience here in Toronto to Korean, Chinese and Japanese students. It was a college prep course to allow them to study full time at post sec levels in Canada. It was okay, they were nice and most worked hard - but I didn't love the curriculum and would prefer to go back to elementary grades.
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the schools in China and definitely don't want to end up working day and night for little pay or travel time.....yikes!