Job Discussion Forums

metodd1 · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 10 Location: here and there

I apologize if this is redundant, I couldn't find any posts on here about it ---

Lynch Language School in Suzhou. Suzhou looks awesome, in a different way than Xi'an, but I don't have much info on this school. Anyone in Suzhou and/or familiar with it?

Thanks

gengrant · Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 6:48 pm Post subject:

This ad was posted on another forum. Gives info and some websites to look at.

metodd1 · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 10 Location: here and there

does that workload seem like a lot, or is that "normal"?

gengrant · Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 7:39 pm Post subject:

it seems to be becoming the "norm." many schools are now listing 40 hour work weeks along with teaching hours...it's their way of keeping you from moonlighting for others...

what it means is you'll be teaching 23 hours, but you'll have to stay on campus (usually with no other duties...make sure there are computers with internet and that you have lots to keep you busy...it will lead to boredom and eventually burnout)

they will say the other hours are for planning, etc...but you won't need that many hours to plan (hopefully).

it is becoming increasingly harder to find jobs without this "on campus" time being worked in. They still exist, but they're harder to find.

so, it's up to you...I don't like it personally...I'd rather "work" 40 hours and get paid than work 20 and sit on my duff for 20...with nothing else to do. IMHO.

metodd1 · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 10 Location: here and there

yeah, i hear ya.

the offer i got in xi'an is 16 hours a week. It's 4 50 minute periods per day (one class = 2 periods), 4 days a week. Friday, Saturday, Sunday off. Seems pretty good to me as long as it holds up. I have it in writing from the FAO, so...

Still, I am attracted to Suzhou because it just looks like a nicer and more picturesque place than Xi'an with water canals, different environment, it's more green, seems cleaner. Plus the private Chinese tutor I have now is from Nanjing, which is nearby, and she says Suzhou is very nice. But, the more important thing is I know less about Lynch Language Center. Their website makes it look/sound good, but you know how that goes...they offer better pay than Xi'an Intl (almost twice as much), but the accommodations are shared...which I'm not really into. Perhaps I could still get my own place if I made up the difference out of pocket?

I've asked them a bunch of questions and for contact info for a couple of current teachers. I'll make up my mind after I hear from them I suppose...if I hear from them. And if not, well, nevermind!

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

metodd1 · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 10 Location: here and there

ah well, they withdrew the offer anyway because i don't have 3 years teaching experience.

or maybe in reality i just asked too many questions...

voodikon · Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1363 Location: chengdu

i knew of a couple who worked at that school for about six months. they didn't seem to have any complaints except that their two days off a week were never consecutive.

if you're still interested in working in suzhou, my former company might be a venue. but it would be a 40-hour workweek; on the other hand, there is a potential for much higher pay and possibly more interesting career options (corporate, if that's your bag). and before you ask, i left because i decided the 40-hour-week, corporate lifestyle was not for me. and i didn't dig suzhou all that much, though i know many other people love it. anyway, if you're interested for further info, pm me.