Job Discussion Forums

[arioch36]

Well, I believe the school Seth worked outside of Luoyang for is now defunct. Even people in Zhengzhou knew how bad it was. But then again, such schools have a remarkable way of resurrecting.

I know Henan isn't everyone's cup of tea. I do like working there. If the moderators allow, I will post a site for a Henan teachers group when I come back from vacation later this month. Lots of schools in Henan.

On my hit list for the month... Zhengzhou foreign language school #2

Why? Besides the fact that they stiffed me on my last month and a half of pay, lied to me about being legally able to hire me, thus screwing up my paperwork, putting the Henan waiban office through aggravation?

Well the school says they are across the street from a park, in Zhengzhou. The only thing more decpetive then a lie, is a well placed truth. Technically it is incorporated under the jurisdiction of Zhengzhou. Really it takes over an hour on a crowded 5 yuan bus to get to the western most bus station in Zhengzhou, then of course, at least another half hour by city bus to get anywhere. Initial promises of being driven into the city disappear.

The park? Well it is there. Righ next to the aluminum factory that gives the town (Shangjie) lots of money and lots of bad pollution. For those of you who know Henan, I would rate it as much worse then Jiaozuo, which is a coal town. Inneffective electric heat in the winter (no radiator heat) that makes the air smell very bad. (Oh, the park is gray from the soot)

The Chinese teachers are actually warned not to speak to the foreign teacher without permission. Their living standard really sucks. Last year, the school (which won't give it's teachers more money) installed cameras in every classroom....either to watch over you every move, or to sell your classes to others. Probably the former, because the Chinese teachers classroom are also monitored by camera all day.

And yes, niave of me to complain about this, but the FAO lies as easily as she speaks.

Enough for one day?

[Anne-Marie Gregory]

Hiya Chris,

I'd love to be in on any Henan teachers' group. There are/were 4 of us here in Xinyang this year and may be more next year. I heard there were 20!!! FEs in Nanyang.