What a coincidence that I should find this post - I also used to work at St. John's English School in Zhoushan and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to write about my experiences. I could not agree with the previous post more: St. JOHNS ENGLISH SCHOOL IS A TERRIBLE SCHOOL. Jake (the owner of the school) is unequivocally the most unreasonable and nonsensical man I have ever met. Additionally, he constantly tells lies and half-truths, even about things that are irrelevant and unrelated to important issues. After working for him for only one month it became apparent that I could not trust anything he said. Jake would often show up at the teachers provided house uninvited and walk around the house, looking into rooms and even going through our rooms and our personal stuff like a policeman searches a house for contraband. The teachers are NEVER paid on time. In fact, while working for St. John's English School I was never paid sooner than 4 days after payday. Additionally, the amount of payment was extremely inconsistent. Different amounts would be deducted from my pay each month (sometimes up to 1000 RMB!). When I asked Jake why so much was taken from my pay he would say things like "Oh, this is cultural difference." or "This not important." When I would demand an answer he would often become angry. In my contract, it specified that I should receive 2 days off per week and work a certain number of hours each week. However, I only got 1 day off each week (sometimes not even that!) and I always worked many more hours each week than was specified in my contract. When I confronted Jake about these discrepancies in my contract, Jake became angry and stated "Never mention the contract! The contract doesn't matter. Chinese contracts not the same as in your country." I would finally like to mention that Jake's girlfriend, Cherry, is one of the coldest, most uncaring, and meanest people that I have ever met. She basically operates according to a 'rule by fear and an iron fist' principle. I would also like to mention that the schools are in poor condition - not the buildings, but rather the curriculum, etc. All of the toys are broken and the curriculum is a scam. Jake even said to me once that "We not care if children really learn English. We care if children happy because if children happy then parents pay." No joke. In conclusion: PLEASE STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM St. JOHN'S ENGLISH SCHOOL AS POSSIBLE! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!