Job Discussion Forums

[mnguy29]

Does anyone know anything about New Oriental Schools out of Beijing? There is one in Shanghai looking for teachers. I did a search and there was something about a legal problem recently. If you now work for, or have worked for, or know something about them, I appreciate any imput. Thanks!

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

May I be the first to suggest the search function?

[Halapo]

N.O.E
Just say the name, that will tell you a bit about them. But I bet there are a few hundred New Oriental Schools in Beijing and Shanghai, so finding reliable info is hard.

Ok, each branch of this school is run by an "owner" for lack of a better word. Its kinda like buying a McDonalds franchies, but nobody from corperate head queaters is ever going to make sure they are doing it right.

Most of the time the owner knows nothing about running a business, education or the legalities of employing foreigners. If you are lucky they might know 1 or 2 of these three area's. Most of the time you have a boss who only sees how much you cost him to keep you around, not that his business is nothing without you. IE, you are an expense to him, not an asset.

Next, most of the other foreigner teachers are first timers, so they are often overwhelmed with culture sock and the teaching system in China. I bet even seasoned teacher have a rough first year here. This means even your fellow foreign teachers cause you problems, when they bail out of a contract, or simply cause trouble when they need something fixed.

Lastly, N.O.E is one of the oldest names in English schools in China, so it is well known, and normally has a plenty of students. Unfortunately they are not all elite students, since the school brand is not the top brand, its is simply the biggest. I have been to class's where i have 15 year old students with adult businessmen, and no effort has been made to check their English level until I start asking questions. Imagine how hard it is to keep a grown man happy when i 15 year old girl knows more then him, and the only reason he is in the class is he is not willing to take "beginner class's".

Now, that sounds all bad... and I guess it is. If you think the pay is worth it, or you want somebody else to do all the worry-work, it might be bearable, it could even be great ( some branches are well run I am told ). But try to learn how the system works, so that you can make your own deal next time.

Also, most N.O.E. offer Chinese class's, take them.

And read your contract, and make sure you know what it all means, cause they will stick you for everything they can.

[mat chen]

I worked for them for a short time and got sick and couldn't continue. The have meeting after meeting talking about increasing business. They are into preparing students for exams. I was angry with them because when I was hospitalized a friend from Ghana visited me and I got a phone call asking me to come work even though I was sick. I asked them if my friend could replace me. After the person asked me if the person was black. I was livid. This was in Nanchang. They are well equiped but when you walk around and listen to the Chinese teachers give classes you realize everything is in Chinese. Basically the translation approach. Keep the students comfortable and the classes big is their moto. Chinese like the program because it is the way they are used to learning. Large classes and test preparation. Not very communicative. You will be asked to play games with the students and sing songs for them.

[mnguy29]

Thanks for the input. I did not come to China to sing and play games. I came to actually teach people english in a constructive way. I will not consider this school.