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weshh1
Joined: 20 Oct 2013
Posts: 87
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 Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:48 pm Post subject: Disney China..... really that bad? |
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| Im sort of considering applying to teach through Disney China. I have read quite a few negative reviews for such a "Well established" company. Is it really that bad? I must admit I;m not a fan of the work schedule they have. |
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zactherat
Joined: 24 Aug 2011
Posts: 295
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| Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 12:33 am Post subject: |
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I think that the issue that people have with Disney English is that it's much like a real job back home - wear a uniform, work a lot of hours, toe the company line at all times. You do get paid a full-time salary of course, but it doesn't quite tally with the travel+teach adventure mentality that drew many of us into this line of work in the first place.
If you just want to toil away in the city, it's not a bad option. Save up some money and get familiar with the urban sprawl. But don't expect your experience to offer much in the way of exotic cultural revelation (as per a uni gig in Yunnan or Gansu province) - you will hardly have time for that. |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 3:59 am Post subject: |
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A younger person wanting to make a career in ESL might see opportunities.
Disney's expansion plans are ambitious, although like other chains the school management will vary depending on whether they are company-owned outlets or franchises. |
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thechangling
Joined: 11 Apr 2013
Posts: 276
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| Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 10:16 am Post subject: |
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| zactherat wrote: |
I think that the issue that people have with Disney English is that it's much like a real job back home - wear a uniform, work a lot of hours, toe the company line at all times. You do get paid a full-time salary of course, but it doesn't quite tally with the travel+teach adventure mentality that drew many of us into this line of work in the first place.
If you just want to toil away in the city, it's not a bad option. Save up some money and get familiar with the urban sprawl. But don't expect your experience to offer much in the way of exotic cultural revelation (as per a uni gig in Yunnan or Gansu province) - you will hardly have time for that. |
What is neglected here is that you are likely to be exploited by Disney by being over worked and underpaid and given hellish accommodation and timetables by them. Avoid all training centres for these reasons. |
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Denim-Maniac
Joined: 31 Jan 2012
Posts: 1238
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| Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 10:40 am Post subject: |
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I agree with zactherat - my feeling is that many of the people who start in China with companies like Disney are on their first EFL job, first job abroad, and have ridiculous expectations of what life in China will be like, and how work in China should be conducted. If you have ever worked with a fresh graduate in your own country you may know how hard work they can be, how much support and training they need and how often you may have to hear 'When I studied business in university we were always taught to do things THIS way ...'. Put those people in China and it gets worse to the Nth degree.
I disagree with thechangling though. I dont feel overworked or underpaid and Im very happy in my training centre. I would find it very very hard to consider the average university position as discussed here and would generally recommend the training school route for people new to China. |
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NoBillyNO
Joined: 11 Jun 2012
Posts: 1762
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| Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 12:27 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| What is neglected here is that you are likely to be exploited by Disney by being over worked and underpaid and given hellish accommodation and timetables by them. |
Just like the work farm in Florida....don't trust the mouse! |
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urbanadventurer
Joined: 09 Aug 2013
Posts: 22
Location: China
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| Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 2:37 pm Post subject: |
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weshh1
Joined: 20 Oct 2013
Posts: 87
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| Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 9:49 pm Post subject: |
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Denim- why would you find it hard to work at a uni position?
Zac I would venture a guess that you hit the nail on the head. I am looking for more of a laid back, travel, experience the culture, free time sort of deal.
So a Uni positon is what I should go for huh? What type of qualifications should I have?
I know this is off topic to china but.... JET application just opened, any feelings towards that? |
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Non Sequitur
Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 4724
Location: China
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| Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 11:04 pm Post subject: |
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| weshh1 wrote: |
Denim- why would you find it hard to work at a uni position?
Zac I would venture a guess that you hit the nail on the head. I am looking for more of a laid back, travel, experience the culture, free time sort of deal.
So a Uni positon is what I should go for huh? What type of qualifications should I have?
I know this is off topic to china but.... JET application just opened, any feelings towards that? |
Uni or vocational life is for you as much as anything is 'laid back' in China. |
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Denim-Maniac
Joined: 31 Jan 2012
Posts: 1238
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| Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 11:22 pm Post subject: |
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For some people I think university / vocational work could be anything but laid back. Large classes of unmotivated students that lack ability, with an adminstration that offer little in the way of support and instead just offer a sink or swim attitude. But yeah, the holidays are good.
weshh1 - I worked in a vocational, and I find such work unstatisfying. And I read enough on the forums to know my vocational experience is similar to many standard uni jobs. Too many students in a class, ability levels are too mixed with young adults that act like kids. Nope ... not for me Im afraid.
Im happy earning my equally crap salary working in a training centre with willing adults in small classes for 15 hours a week. |
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zactherat
Joined: 24 Aug 2011
Posts: 295
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| Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 2:59 am Post subject: |
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| weshh1 wrote: |
| So a Uni positon is what I should go for huh? What type of qualifications should I have? |
Basically you just need a BA to fulfill visa reqs. Some places might insist on SAFEA guidelines of a TEFL certificate and two years' teaching experience too, although this is less likely to be a problem in tier 2 and 3 cities. The main things that would impact your application though are your appearance and the university that you studied at, which says a lot about your role as a China uni teacher. It's largely cosmetic.
I'd try for JET. China uni teaching is sort of tricky. It can be addictive because the hours are low and the work can be easy (if you don't try to rock the boat) - a carefree, low-maintenance life. People get sucked right in. But you are unlikely to make up much ground in terms of professional progression as very little is offered in the way of guidance, evaluations, support or even materials and facilities.
Try taking on a full-time job after a few years of that and you'll find that a) people don't value your experience as a China uni teacher, and b) you won't want to work a 40 hour week anymore. Not an ideal career track.
JET will give you a legitimate role within the Japanese education system, which will give you a far deeper cultural insight than any idle time in China. You will be able to expect some support from your host school as well as thousands of other educators in very similar positions. This will give you far greater scope for professional development than a cruisey uni gig.
TL:DR - China uni teaching can be great, but for a newbie it can set you on the wrong path and close a lot of doors. You'll develop coping strategies, rather than transferable skills. Give JET a go while you have the chance, it will likely be a more fulfilling experience socially and professionally. |
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dean_a_jones
Joined: 03 Jul 2009
Posts: 1151
Location: Wuhan, China
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| Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 4:02 am Post subject: |
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Like most things in life, what you get out of things is in direct relation to what you put in. Transferable skills can be had from most experiences, but it is up to you to transfer and sell them, so to speak. Having said that, working in a more professional environment is like to be better respected when flogging your CV around town--much like a degree from Cambridge vs. the University of Where'sthat. But in the end it is up to you to demonstrate you have what it takes, as a piece of paper, wherever it is from, doesn't really do much.
As for what is more fulfilling--different strokes I suppose. If part of your motivation is living in China, the culture, the language etc., then going elsewhere would be an odd choice.
I do agree that if your motivation is just to live abroad, have a bit of adventure, make some money and teach, why not try applying to JET. It is certainly a more prestigious programme if you can get into it. You will work harder, but get more out of it in return--and as suggested, there is a more obvious career path that will emerge from this kind of work. If that then doesn't work out, there is always China... |
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choudoufu
Joined: 25 May 2010
Posts: 3325
Location: Mao-berry, PRC
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| Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 4:21 am Post subject: |
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| weshh1 wrote: |
| I am looking for more of a laid back, travel, experience the culture, free time sort of deal. |
OP, how auld be ye? what are your goals, if any?
for some, there IS career progression via chinese universities.
around 40-ish, head to china. learn the language, travel, experience
the culture, teach some english "workin" 12-14 hours a week, with
3 months paid vacation.
you will be well-prepared at 50 to move to thailand and apply for
the retirement visa. mai bpen rai! |
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fat_chris
Joined: 10 Sep 2003
Posts: 3198
Location: Beijing
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| Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 6:02 am Post subject: |
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| weshh1 wrote: |
| I know this is off topic to china but.... JET application just opened, any feelings towards that? |
Agree with the above posters. Go for it. I couldn't agree more with zactherat.
Spend the next three weeks or so putting together a solid application. I went into JET in 2007--did the full five years, became PA (Prefectural Advisor) in my fifth year--it was a great ride and I really dug it all--living in Japan, teaching in Japanese high schools, getting involved in JALT, learning Japanese, etc.
But! Have to keep this relevant to China...Japan was good but I just had to get back to China, so Chengdu is where I hang my hat for the time being. It's good to be back.
I think it's good to teach in a few Asian countries if one has the chance/desire to do so.
Warm regards,
fat_chris
JET Programme ALT, 2007-2011
JET Prefectural Advisor, 2011-2012 |
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weshh1
Joined: 20 Oct 2013
Posts: 87
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| Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 12:39 am Post subject: |
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Choudofu: I am 23! I graduated with my BS in Psychology. I was a Teaching Assistant at a school for Autistic kids last year and I am a substitute this year. Im kind of at a cross roads deciding if I want to spend some time teaching abroad or continue on with school first and get my masters.
Well, my goals.... to travel, gain world experience, live an exciting life I suppose. I like working with special ed. children. Im considering going ahead and getting my masters in special education. I dont know how much of a market there is abroad for a native english special education teacher but I like the idea of integrating the 2.
I much enjoy the prospect of spending time in Thailand, it seems like my kind of lifestyle 
Fat Chris: Thanks for the motivation, I will start working on my application just to have that option open. Japan seems like a pretty cool place to live.
I have some money saved up and I have a family that will support me some with whatever I do. Although they would prefer if I stayed as close to home as possible.
So many different paths. |
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