Job Discussion Forums

[Drizzt]

Hello everyone. I'm posting this because my current contract is ending soon, and I'm in the process of finding a new job. I have upcoming interviews with these three companies and I was wanting to hear about some of your experiences for those who have worked at one or more of these places.

From what I've gathered on other posts, Wall Street is the highest pay, but you have to dress professionally (tie & no jeans) and I'm a little skeptical about the way the classes are organized (I'm not too clear, but from info on the website, it said students work at their own pace, finish "modules", THEN attend a class, which by my understanding means you have different students for each class!)

I really liked what I read about Kai En. Seems they offer lots of opportunity for teacher development and they have coursebooks specifically designed for Shanghaiese. Not too sure about the starting pay.

I don't really know much about Web International.

Anyways, I appreciate any info, pro & cons, ect. anyone can offer about these companies!

[Malsol]

[Midlothian Mapleheart]

Edited to remove offensive content.

Middy

[Yu]

I interviewed with Web International. Didn't like the hours it required. Got a uni job for about half the pay.

[Drizzt]

Thanks for the info everyone.

Middy--I'm currently teaching at a college, that's why I'm not sure what the dress code is for all these language institutes. I always wear a collared long sleeve button-up shirt tucked in, with jeans and nice shoes. I know this is casual wear, but I surely wouldn't call it looking like a beach bum either!

Anyways, a tie is no big deal, I just didn't know it was common for most language institutes.

I'm glad to know Kai En has good management however; that's the place I'm leaning towards right now.

I was also suspicious of Wall Streets "working formula", thanks for confirming that!

[InTime]

A few years back, Thats Shanghai Magazine had an issue focused upon Shanghai's English school business, with the cover photo showing hip Chinese dudes in T-shirts and shades looking at---apparently---English school Ads. The title of the Cover, and Cover Story, was "The Word on the Street."

I wrote an article focused upon:
*Wall Street
*Web
*alternative approaches, such as Role Play.

Later I met 2 Wall Street teachers who disagreed w/the WS approach, and left to develop their own in-person classes at a very high-priced office bldg. When I told them my name, they both started laughing. It turned out that when my story was published, they had just left WS to start their own school. The WS people were certain that it was they who had published the article, under a pseudonym...my name.

I taught at DOS in WuHan, based on the WS etc. model, but w/different software. I've visited WS in PuDong, gave English Corners at Web in Hangzhou and Shanghai. Before teachers (or students) sign any contracts, they should visit classes, and see if it fits their teaching/learning styles.

[kev7161]

[Spiderman Too]

[Malsol]

[Babala]

I have been working for Web International for over 2 1/2 years. The only downside to Web is that they require longer hours than your typical public school or uni and there is very little holiday time. Other than those two things, I think it's a great place to work. Good atmosphere, great students, they offer a high salary and I have never had a problem with pay, housing etc...

[halroach]

My girlfriend worked at Kai En, changed for a 'better' postion at Wall Street in beijing, but now wants to get back to Kai En. They really emphasize teacher training, it seems.

In fact, that's not saying much. None of the other schools pays the slightest attention to academic quality or teacher development.

I'd be curious to know if Web International do any teacher training. Somehow I doubt it.

[Babala]

All teachers at Web International are required to go to a 3 day training session at the head office in Shanghai.

[vikdk]

3 days

[Babala]

Well vikdk,
Exactly how much teacher training do most schools offer

[vikdk]