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Post by Cusack on Dec 3, 2006 21:12:02 GMT 7
Hello, Bright pink international newbie here. Planning to take my teaching kit bag out of USA ASAP. I will be interviewing with a boarding school attached to Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Interviewing with a Mr. James Gordon. Anyone know of the school, or Mr. Gordon? Rauol's welcoming email suggested there is "mostly pooe out there." Am I about to step in it with this school? Many thanks, and hello!  |
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Post by Raoul Duke on Dec 4, 2006 0:22:04 GMT 7
Hello, bright pink international newbie, and welcome!
This school seems to be fairly well regarded. I can't find any teacher horror stories from there.
It does seem to be a foundation program, and I personally am not a big fan of foundation programs. But maybe this is one of the better ones. Foundation programs, allegedly, help prepare Chinese students to study in Western universities.
Be prepared for The Children of the Rich and Stupid. Most students in foundation programs didn't cut it in the rigorous and highly competitive exams needed for admission to a real Chinese university; these are the students whose families can afford to buy them into something else that can help get them into a university abroad. Unfortunately these students often tend to be very spoiled, very unmotivated, and howlingly ignorant of what they will be facing in a real university. Thankfully, there are always exceptions and you will see some good students, too.
Be prepared for a very crooked system. Even mainstream Chinese universities tend to pass everyone who pays the tuition, and foundation programs are often even worse then real unis.
I do hope I'm wrong. Maybe this place is better. Maybe they just HAVE a foundation program, but what you'll be teaching will be different. Do be open-minded!
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Post by Cusack on Dec 4, 2006 6:13:35 GMT 7
Outstanding advice! At last, a place where one can get a drink of info without bitters. (Christ, that's bad writing!) Other forums ARE frustrating. Anyway, thank you. I just signed up with the Saloon, and realized, duh, that it might be best not to use my first name as my screen name.  Thanks again for the clear information. I appreciate the advice to come with an open mind. I think if I wanted to stay closed I'd stay in US public schools. Best, Cusack |
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Ruth
SuperDuperMegaBarfly 
God's provisions are strategically placed along the path of your obedience.
Posts: 3,915
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Post by Ruth on Dec 4, 2006 6:22:06 GMT 7
Outstanding advice! At last, a place where one can get a drink of info without bitters. (Christ, that's bad writing!) Actually, I thought it was brilliant writing. Kinda sums this place up in a few concise words. And Raoul does give outstanding advice, as do many others here. Sorry, I don't know anything about your prospective new school. Just wanted to say welcome to the Saloon and glad you found us. I'll be heading to Guangdong myself in a few days. Assuming you sign with this school, when would you plan to arrive? |
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Post by Cusack on Dec 5, 2006 5:43:00 GMT 7
Should I take the post, I'm told I'd be due to begin February 25th.
If we're both there at the same time, coffee or a drink is in order.
Best,
Cusack
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Post by Dr. Gonzo on Dec 6, 2006 1:38:21 GMT 7
Largely what Raoul said.
However, bear in mind that the University Entrance Exam, like all exams in China, is Confucian in nature. It tests the ability to memorise above all else. A student with any weakness can't really pass, and will end up in a 3rd tier institution, or a foundation program such as yours. Original thinkers get stomped on by the Chinese system.
So what you DO find in these sorts of programs is a smattering of round pegs who don't fit square holes, of people who query the system, and some kids who speak great English, but whose Math or Political Correctness stank. It ain't all bad, its a foot in the door, and if pay and conditions are good, its a reasonable start.
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Post by Raoul Duke on Dec 6, 2006 12:26:19 GMT 7
Yeah. If you're happy with the conditions and compensation (and we'll be happy to kibitz if you want advice) then go for it. This school has a large web presence but hasn't garnered any complaints...a very good sign. Just go in with eyes open. I was thrilled to get my first university posting...I assumed it would be something like a Western uni experience and planned to be there a long time. I left very sadly disillusioned with all Chinese education...  The best student in my current collegoid job (which I'm enduring for a residence permit) is indeed a dynamite student, a natural leader with excellent English...who just happens to hate math. It ISN'T all bad. |
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