Job Discussion Forums

[dru]

I have been offerd a position at Zhuhai Experimental School and and would like some feedback regarding them.This is my 1st time in China teaching so I don't want to make a mistake and be caught in a dump of a school.From what Ive seen on the net,it seems quite good.
Please, any information would be very helpful.
Also,is Zhuhai a good place to be in or should I look at more " chinese"locations such as Nanchang.

[Roger]

Don't iknow this particular school, but the term 'experimental' may bode well. Then again, it may be a mere moniker with absolutely no extra information. It is a gamble, but if you like the contract, why not take it?
Zhuhai is a nice place. Smallish town with lots of green expanses and bordering on the South China Sea. Downtown is within walking distance of Macau checkpoint. Good shopping, nice, clean place, and an escape to Macau is an interesting extra that many of us would love to get too.
From Zhuhai it is now just 3 hours to Guangzhou. From Macau, one hour by ferry to Hong Kong. Shenzhen is less than 2 hours away by ferry plus bus.

[Bertrand]

Don't know the school but I have seen them advertise for teachers on a daily basis for the last 2 years or so so that is most likely not a good sign. Zhuhai, especially near the docks, is quite.....interesting. Basically it is a good time resort for the rich Chinese and is well known as a centre for underage prostitution. The place was okay until the Chinese took it back. But, as with Edward Scissorhands, they rip to bits everything they touch.

[kimo]

Don't know if you have listed the whole name of this Zhuhai school. Is it a new school with a Beijing affiliation, or is it the one Bertrand was referring to? The new school, as I was told, is situated very near the water and will have all new facilities as its construction has been ongoing for these past two years. If it is this school, count on some confusion until the staff gets its act together. Also the school will not be able to get you a work visa. They will get you an F visa (ask for multiple entry so you can go to Macau and Hong Kong during your breaks). You probably would have a lot of freedom in your classes, basically shadowing and reinforcing the Chinese teachers who will teach grammar and that jazz separately. Again, if it is this school, don't be completely put off by visa. They have operated a successful school in another area. Just ask a lot of questions. See the contract and make sure you understand it, and try to negotiate a little more money than they offer. It might be a good place to get started in China. There are some old posts on Zhuhai around this board if you look for them.

One note, do not be awed by the term "Experimental". It has ABSOLUTELY no meaning other than to snare parents into forking over the cash.

[Bertrand]

Not quite true; some experimental schools actually experiment on their students.

[Roger]

"Experimental" can mean anything, the ominous as well as the promising. SOme experimental schools are experimenting with new teaching methodologies and materials, and they may have bilingual classes, with certain subjects taught in English. They are numerous in Guangdong on account of the many Hong Kong-based parents of local children.
And, Bertrand, Zhuhai has ALWAYS been in Chinese hands!

[Bertrand]

[Roger]

Yes, Bertrand, YOU meant THAT, but I thought it helpful to clarify what it could means apart from your somewhat biased interpretation!