Job Discussion Forums

[buzzing]

I am thinking of just doing 7 months n Shanghai. i will need one day a week to fly to Japan, if I leave the day after payday and take the odd sickie to fly to Japan for the day would i get fired? And would it matter? How do they compare to Berlitz and the other companies?

[Jaime1]

See my previous post for reasons.

[darkcity]

As I understand it, there are multiple EF branches in Shanghai. And I get it that they're all controlled directly by the company, not franchises.

Can anyone actually working there now or who has worked there recently give specifics regarding the working conditions, rather than just recycling hearsay?

I'm considering taking a job there since they seem to be the most convenient company who can meet my demands (adults, block shifts, Shanghai), but it's been hard to find people here with actual, first-hand experience.

[krayola]

Everyone who works in my office has a different opinion of the company. Be aware that it's a business, first and foremost. You will be fed company promotions and jargon. If you have a DOS who values education, then I think your time should be fine. However, if you have a lackey who wants to climb the ladder, well, there are plenty of unpleasant stories about EF schools here in Guangzhou where the boss has lost sight of their academic focus. You can feel valued or you can feel like a robot who needs to teach 'this class' at 'this time' in 'this week' and make sure their feedback is always on time.

The majority of my colleagues like working for EF. At least in our centre anyway. As I have mentioned, it helps that we have a DOS who is able to filter the crap she gets from above, and generally doesn't let it slide down to us.

She is 60+ and I wouldn't say that she is a push-over. However, IMO 12 months of corporate brainwash from above are enough to wear anyone down. From what I gather, and particularly in a field like this, it is enough to make you miss teaching a great deal.

The comparison to McDonalds is relevant, to an extent. It can sell the company short a little bit. [b]In regards to EF, there are few , if any, of the adult franchises in China. Kids schools are different.

I have seen people describe EF and the like in a negative way. One even said they are 'not real schools'. This is not true. My students improve, sometimes quite noticeably. In centre, they have good resources at their disposal. Teachers in my centre care about their job. We have a strong, well-educated team. Those that don't care have ended up leaving. We get paid on time, and fairly well in relation to the amount of work we actually do. The centre is modern and well looked after.

I'm a qualified elementary school teacher, and what I have learnt from working in this industry, more than anything, is that education is idealistic. So it may not be for everyone, but at least in China, EF schools are a solid learning environment.

In some ways, being a teacher for EF makes you lazy. Most lessons are provided, and although I end up tailoring many of the lessons to how I see fit, I don't need to. I could easily teach what I'm given, so in some ways I don't feel as if I am really teaching ie. using my knowledge of the topic to create a productive learning environment. That said, there are a wide variety of classes for students to take, so it makes the job interesting when I have different styles of classes to prepare for.

We are overworked at times. Not content with letting us just teach, we are expected to coordinate school parties most months. Little things like this annoy me, as I didn't study or accept the job on the basis of being a party planner. Everyone is different though. Also, there are times like now, where I teach two lessons a day. Really chill. Unfortunately, I'm expected to be there for the entire nine hours that I'm rostered. This is one of the frustrating elements, and certainly reflects the business mentality, 9 - 5, of the job.

Finally, if someone was looking to teach at EF in China, Guangzhou is probably the best regarding pay to living expenses. Rent here is much cheaper than in Shanghai or Beijing! The city is fascinating. Huge, Westernised to a degree, yet very Chinese.

[darkcity]

THANK YOU for that. One of the more level-headed, and one of the few first-hand testimonies I've read in regards to EF. There are too many people here who just reiterate a school's purported reputation, and it just goes on and on like the whisper game until it's blown out of proportion and no longer relevant.

I was absolutely murdered during my time in Korea (I slept at work), so I'm confident I can take whatever EF has to throw at me. The class sizes seem a bit awkward, though (I was told up to 4 in one type, and up to 25 in another). That will take some adjusting.

[krayola]

Thanks for the kind words. I know what you mean; I nearly backed out of the contract after reading people's comments here. Glad I didn't, as I have worked for far worse schools.

The class sizes are something that I'm still trying to perfect. The different student numbers are also reflected by the amount of Teacher Talk. Some of the large class lessons are more of a discussion facilitated by the teacher, whereas the smaller classes are used to teach grammar points. You'll pick it up easy enough, and the only reason people sleep in our office is because they have nothing to do! Maybe this is the perfect job after Korea?

Good luck!

[Leila51360]

I have been offered a position in Nanjing about a month ago. It is with EF and I don't have the specific address of the school actually and their has been this little party there.
Any way I have been offered Senior Teacher, 8000RMB, housing (furnished), accomodations from airport,, etc..
I've taught in a private afterschool supplementary programs in the US pt/ft 4ys. BA in Science. TESL Certificate

So I have the physical (I'm in my 40's for the post refering to hires above 35) Now I am waiting for the letter... and getting a little concerned after reading some of these comments.
The contract says 58 mo. hours and other senior duties, clearly outlined,,, soo they were very specific contracts with hours, do they not adhere to them or what? Summertime seemed like long hours, no vaca etc.
What is up?
Is this a bad position for a first time ESL teacher? Or is it a poor position for an ExPerRienCed ESL teacher, or Nanjing good/other EF's bad, or all of the above.... yes kiddies this is multiple choice!
The students are school aged.
Seems like a fair contract
Just getting there, $, not enjoying it,,, priceless!

[Mister Al]