Well this is true, and there are many underlying realities, hidden layers, and nasty surprises in store in China, and its often much better in Beijing than in other parts of China, particularly backwater places.
I know that some people working with Expertise were often unhappy about being based in the West of the City, were activiities are limited and it takes longer to get to the main areas of activity, such as Wudaokou or Sanlitun.
I can't really comment on the stories recounted earlier, although some of my old friend's at Expertise tell me that they are only half the story, but I am unable to confirm.
Generally, living conditions in Beijing or the apartments provided by Expertise are much better than you are likely to find in backwater places, like where I am in the Northeast of China.
Never have I encountered any Expertise provided apartment that did not have a flush toilet or hot water, which my current accomodation lacks.
Also, if you enjoy Kindergarten, or can at least make something good out of it, its not a bad role of teaching. The kids are generally more innocent and more respectful, and Chinese teachers are quick to put them back in line.
Sadly, I have noticed both in Beijing, and in the backwater, rundown, and undeveloped part of the Northeast where I am based, that students in the 17-19 age range are incredibly lacking in discipline, talk over you whilst you are trying to teach, and only pay attention if you agree to their requests to sing a song for them, proving that ones purpose of a teacher is less an educator, and more a figure of ridicule.
There is much speculation, I daresay divination, given to China's rising status in the world, however if students like these are the future, then it aint much of a future.