Job Discussion Forums

[Kai6854]

Decisions, decisions. I've received offers from both schools. Might my esteemed colleagues out there offer any useful information so I may make an informed decision? It's not about the money, of course but rather, the best experience for this newbie. I am leaving corporate America to teach and travel so I'm in it for the long haul. Also, I am a 49 yrs young, African American female from New York City and a US Navy veteran world traveler. This information may help you with your feedback. Thanks

[Roger]

"Bodi" sounds to me like one of those ill-named Chinese outfits ("Double-Happy Mooncrakes" or "body language massage parlour") - no doubt a total newcomer and an upstart!
The other option is from a veteran school, but in all fairness it has to be said they used to have an image problem two years back.
Maybe they have learnt from their mistakes...
Anyway, for you there might be many ups, and many more downs in the near future with either employer!

[Kai6854]

Thanks, Roger. Since my post, I received another offer from Shandong Jiaotong University in Jinan City...any opinions on this one? I might go for this one since it is in a medium sized city along the northeast coastal line. I've received some informative feedback on Delter but am now rethinking the big city scene. It was the attraction initially but, I'm still riding the fence on Delter. Other than what I have read on the web, I have not seen any useful information from actual knowledgable folk on the school in Jinan. What's your opinion, if any?

[Roger]

Well, a university or any public school is an entirely different prospect. FIrst thing, your job might be more stable, and there might be something bordering on a timeframe for you in terms of how long they will need you, and in what capacity. At private outfits, you are used as they deem fit, and that changes depending on their clientele. Currently, it seems to me private training centres are still reeling from after-effects from last spring's SARS problem - lower-than-expected enrollments being one of them.
Also, you stand to benefit from a contract that gives you more holidays, maybe not paid, but at least some time to explore the country.
Ji'nan is not a major tourist destination, but it has its charms, one being nice, German-inspired architecture, and good beer (and the social life beer is-drinking is fostering). The town is somewhat laid-back but not in a Western sense - call it benign negligence under a socialist system. It means that the authorities can be scrupulous, yet intent on giving you the best impression (protecting your legitimate rights while at the same time upholding visa regulations that may be unknown to you).
There are a good many interesting tourist places around Ji'nan, though Ji'nan is not one of them.
I do not know if McDonald's has in the meantime come to Ji'nan - when I was there it was simply too poor. It still is relatively poor, no doubt about that.
What I disliked about the town the most was its dustiness. Every day, I had to sweep the floor, window sills etc.
And, the houses I saw had no bath or shower - people told me "it's too cold here for us to take a shower..."! In fact, the climate is quite pleasant - similar to that in Italy or Vancouver.

[Kai6854]

Thanks, that was helpful. I am still getting a lot of offers and the latest to come in are Guan Ya Educational Group in Shenyang and the Wancheng International Education Center in Chongqing. Of these two I like Guan Ya. I've done the research and of course their websites are enticing but I'd really like some personal knowledge. Any takers:?: