I can confirm that the horror stories about Xi'an kid castle are true.

My husband and I are fully qualified, hard working and dedicated ESL teachers. We were eager to start work at Kid Castle Xi'an and although it was immediately apparent that we had stepped into an unfavourable position, we were determined to perform our best and enjoy China.

Our story is LONG and I don't really want to go into it but here are a few of our biggest issues.

- Forced to work 6 days a week (signed up for 5)
- Pay cuts with no notification or reason
- Not paid for correct level of qualification. I was being paid as one of the lowest grades of teacher and I had a University degree, Post Graduate Educational studies Major in ESL, more than 12 months prior experience ESL teaching (adults and children).
- No full airfare reimbursment or bonuses (as in contract)
- staff members accessing apartment while no-one was home
- repairs not fixed (No gas for months, no curtains, no heating, toilet issues)
- No support for foreign teachers (No help with language barrier, to set up gas, heating, how to pay bills, medical issues)
- forced to work through holiday breaks
- Had to apply to owner for permission to travel during holiday breaks
- Contract different to what was originally signed in home country
- Threats and coersion used to deal with foreign teachers
- etc etc etc

Although we endured painful working conditions we always complied and acted respectibly. China and the city of Xi'an were a fantastic home for us while we were there. Knowing that there are a wide range of options for teachers we hope that foreign teachers will continue to choose to work in Xi'an.... But best to AVOID KID CASTLE!