Job Discussion Forums

redrose8988 · Joined: 21 Mar 2013 Posts: 6 Location: USA

So I was just offered a position with English First in Shenzhen, China and I was hoping someone has some experience with the company in that city. Before I take the job I was hoping to see what the management was like. From other posts it looks like it is hit or miss depending on the location.

Also, does anyone have experience working in Shenzhen? What is the city like? Dangerous, dirty, fun, awesome...etc. Best areas to live in. I've been doing some research but any personal recommendations are always welcome.

Thanks!

fred13331 · Joined: 20 Feb 2012 Posts: 108 Location: Southern China

cedarstreetcowboy · Joined: 13 May 2012 Posts: 38

I worked for EF Shenzhen. I quit after 7 months. As the other poster pointed out, the salary looks good, until you take into account they don't provide housing, or even a housing allowance.

They will also expect you to remain at the school regardless of whether you have any teaching to do or not, so that prospective clients can gawk at you through the glass walls of your office (which you will share with about 20 other teachers). Expect to be at your office 45 hours a week, even if you only have about 20 hours of teaching.

I found the English Corners and Lounge Chats to be tedious at best and a bit of a time sink. Others may disagree.

I personally found many of the DOSs and other senior management figures to be self-righteous, irrational, despotic, and duplicitous. I am referring, by the way, to the Westerners in these positions. If you get a bad DOS, your time at EF will be very trying to say the least.

The lesson materials range from decent to abysmal. In fairness they may have improved some of the less-than-stellar lesson plans since I was there two years ago.

EF isn't entirely lacking in redeeming qualities. They pay on time, and in full. They are good about airport pick-up. They do put you up in a nice hotel while you look for an apartment. They are also very good about getting you a proper visa. Lesson preparation becomes pretty much non-existent once you've worked there for about 3 months, since they're a chain and you have to use their cookie-cutter lessons. For the most part, your students will be highly motivated adult professionals, so classroom management isn't an issue, and EF keeps the classes small. I also formed some lasting friendships working there.

EF isn't the worst place to work, but if you've got the experience and the qualifications, there are better jobs.

chinaroman · Joined: 30 Oct 2010 Posts: 61

As far as quality of life Shenzhen is a great Chinese city. Tons of great restaurants, cool bars, clean enough, big expat community, great location (near HK and Macau). I lived in a few other cities in China before landing here and it is by far the best.

redrose8988 · Joined: 21 Mar 2013 Posts: 6 Location: USA

Thanks for all of the input! I decided to turn down EF and try my hand at a University. I don't have a ton of experience, but I'm currently teaching ESL to adults and I've got a TESOL cert and my Bachelors.

So here's to hoping there's a better option out there. If not, then I still have it as something to fall back on.