Job Discussion Forums

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

This often seems to be the question on this board. Right now, through some mistakes of my own (namely not talking to the previous teachers) I am at a school I would not recommend highly. But I do think there are a lot of schools I would consider good here in henan. But the schools that are good don't need to advertise. I left a good school last year, and I recomended it to several Foreigners I knew here in China, who quickly snapped it up.

If the school needed me to say something good about it on Dave's, I would. Most of these schools have word of mouth advertising. I like Helen'sTeflChina site because you can contact the school directly. But I checked on their site recently. Henan has a 100 schools that can legally hire foreigners. The Henan schools that advertise on the site are the bottom of the pit.

Kitegirl · Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Lugdunum Batavorum

Actually (major Chinese intonation), I'd love to plug my school. Great place. But we all see things in a different light anyway. As attested by a new teacher deciding to leave last week within a day of arrival. (Can't blame him, and good on him for knowing what he wants).
But I guess all we can do is respond to direct queries re particular schools.

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

right on Kitegirl,

there is no such thing as good school vs. bad school. most of us have different expectations in life and some places might be better, some might be worse.
My school is great to me despite our little problems that I have mentioned in other posts.... does it mean they are bad? I don't think so! I know some folks who would have left a long time ago given the conditions but I don't mind a bit of fightin around to get things done....

ilunga · Joined: 17 Oct 2003 Posts: 842 Location: China

I agree Nolefan. Different people have different expectations. I'm in Henan and while I definitely wouldn't describe where I'm at as a good school, I'm more than happy with everything on the whole.

It helps knowing plenty of other foreigners though if you are thinking of sticking around in the same place for a second year. I'm thinking of another city but if I was to stay here next year I wouldn't swap this place for anywhere else. I wouldn't be so bold as to say they're just in it for the money but they've got a very laid-back approach to teaching and especially discipline.
As a young guy just here for the experience I'm happy to let the school deal with their own shortcomings and take advantage of the easy life I've got here.
There's a big difference between a good school and a good job!

batman · Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 319 Location: china

i gave up on schools, and now teach english on a street corner to anyone who stops to listen. i took a wee pay cut, but now i make my own hours, and no one cares if i have a shower this week or not. i can even drink beer while i work, and insult people. its really great. the down side is that i have to speak very loudly because of all the traffic. i dont even need to worry about if i have a z-visa. the police have been very accomodating, even recommending various street corners for me to ply my trade. for example, today one police man told me i could not teach here, but that i should move on. i went a few blocks away, and there was no problem! i highly recommend this method to people who are tired of the schools always demanding this or that...telling you to improve your methods, generally treating you like some kind of employee.

Laughing

Guest · Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 8:17 pm Post subject: WHERE ARE THE GOOD SCHOOLS?

IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU MEAN BY "GOOD SCHOOL".

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BE TREATED VERY FAIRLY AND WITH RESPECT, YOU CANNOT BEAT MY SCHOOL. I EVEN GOT A SALARY INCREASE TWO MONTHS AFTER STARTING HERE, DESPITE SIGNING A 10 MONTH CONTRACT AT THE LOWER RATE.

THEY ARE ALL VERY SUPPORTIVE FROM THE HEADMASTER DOWN TO THE NINE CHINESE ENGLISH TEACHERS IN MY OFFICE.

I ONLY TEACH 10 HOURS PER WEEK AND THE REST OF THE TIME IS MINE TO DO WHAT I LIKE. THEY KNOW HOW MUCH TIME AND EFFORT I PUT IN ON THE ORPHANAGE AND THEY DO NOT OBJECT. THEY EVEN LET ME HAVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS STAY HERE AT THE SCHOOL WITH ME IN THE EMPTY APARTMENTS - I DO NOT THINK YOU CAN TOP THAT.

FINALLY, ALTHOUGH I SAID I DID NOT WISH TO BE PAID FOR THE NINE DAYS I WAS IN HOSPITAL - THEY PAID ME ANYWAY.

I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR 7 MONTHS NOW AND I AM COMING BACK FOR A SECOND YEAR AT LEAST.

I HAVE ALWAYS REALISED RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING THAT I GOT LUCKY.

THE WAGES HAVE ALWAYS GONE INTO THE BANK LIKE CLOCKWORK.

READING SOME OF THE THREADS ON DAVES HAS CONVINCED ME THAT MINE IS ONE OF THE BETTER SCHOOLS.

OF COURSE, IT WOULD NOT SUIT A LOT OF YOU AS THE MONEY IS LOW AND IT IS OUT IN THE STICKS. IT DOES HOWEVER SUIT ME DOWN TO THE GROUND.

Katzwyl · Joined: 19 Feb 2004 Posts: 54 Location: In Guangzhou

Which school do you speak of? And where is it? It sounds interesting.

For my first school, I think I'd rather have a good one (with lower pay) than a crappy high paying one.

Guest · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 4:24 am Post subject: WHERE ARE THE GOOD SCHOOLS/

It is the Zhangjiagang Foreign Language School and it is situated 3 hours (by crappy old bus) Northwest of Shanghai. It is not on most maps as it is considered small by Chinese standards - only 850,000 people.

I think they will be looking for a couple of teachers for the Semester commencing September, but it is too early to apply yet. You should only apply a couple of months beforehand - at any School.

Katzwyl · Joined: 19 Feb 2004 Posts: 54 Location: In Guangzhou

Lanza-Armonia · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 8:25 am Post subject:

fundimentally - non-exsistant

catweasle · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 53 Location: Australia

Hi, This college is OK. I've been here since August and no complaints. They are looking for more native speakers for September start. It's in Guangzhou. PM me for details.

woza17 · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 602 Location: china

Good schools, I think I have died and gone to esl heaven. I know you won't believe this but I teach at a junior middle school where the students are quiet, respectful, intelligent and loving to each other. The classrooms are state of the art, internet access on the biggest screens I have ever seen.
To me, a good school is the quality of the students. I have taught some real bastaads and I thought this is what Chinese students are like but no they can sit in class listen and answer questions.

This is the strictest and most expensive school in my city and it pays off their level of English is the best.

I have never enjoyed teaching so much.