Job Discussion Forums

[newgrad]

I recently interviewed with the American Eagle School in Taiwan. The position sounded great, as well as the city. I just wanted some feedback on the school from people who have dealt with the school.

[clark.w.griswald]

American Eagle School is also known as AES, American Falcon English School and Falcon English School. They have all level of student from kindergaren up to adult, but it seems that most teachers work within the preschool area.

There are a number of comments about this school over at www.buxiban.com Some of the comments are pretty negative, but then there are some very positive ones also, which seem to balance the negative aspects. The negative comments largely relate to contract disputes and personal differences, which are problems that can be found at any school.

The package offered is reasonable, however accomodation is included. I always advise that teachers try to get an accomodation subsidy and rent their own accomodation as being in school owned accomodation can be a problem at times.

Overall, not a bad school, but you should make sure that you read the contract carefully to avoid any future problems.

[Pop Fly]

Sorry, haven't been around these boards for a few weeks or I would have replied earlier. AES is fine. You always get paid, clean, bright school and classrooms. You work hard but can earn over 65K a month. One big plus is the 2 week paid holiday for CNY. Not sure if that is still in effect.

GIven my nature, I didn't like having to teach with a foreign co-teacher. A too many cooks kinda thing, I guess. But if you teach above the kindy level, this is not a problem.

The rooms are small but clean. I would recommend living off-campus tho. Just so you can get a break from the place.

Hsin Chu is nice. They have really worked on the riverside area in downtown HC and lovely scooter rides into the mountains or along the coast are easily accesible.

The contract disputes that were mentioned are, from what I understand, ancient history. There was a particular flock of self-important teachers that took up roost there a few years back and dug a big hole for themselves.

If I was to criticize anything, I think they are too reliant on parental input. But there really isn't anyway around that. They are the clients. What are you gonna do? But this did result in the termination of two very good teachers because one spoiled little son couldn't get his way. The spoiled father made such a stink about it that his 2 teachers were fired and left out to dry. I didn't respect that too much and is the main reason why I am not still working there 4 years later. That and the ego of some middle mgmt types.

I'd recommend AES to any newbie for a great first year of hard work with big rewards. And you'll become a hell of a teacher to boot.