Hello Andy,

I started working for Enfly this fall and so far they have treated me very, very good. People do do business here in China very differently than the states. Enfly is one of many placement agencies and it is quite large. I have read the previous posts from other people and it seems there is a combination of experiences. If I were you, I would read them and also realize that the disatisfied ones only tell one side of the story. My personal experience here in Chengdu has been very positive. I have seen Enfly work with teachers who drink too much, party too much and were extremely disrespectful towards the staff and schools. Still Enfly will try to find a school for that teacher. I have previous personnel management experience and I have seen Enfly put up with things I never would have put up with.

Enfly tries very hard to meet the varying needs of the schools and the varying capabilities of the teachers. From what I've seen, they bend over backwards to accomodate the teachers. Enfly has to work with Landlords, taxis, police, government, schools, utility companies, airlines etc. Problems do arise. Be patient.

I would imagine they have thier limits on what they will tolerate.

Really, it's very simple. If you come to China to teach for Enfly, you will not know which school you be teaching for until the school meets you in person and accepts you. Then you will be given a place to live. There is a lot of variation in living accomodations so be flexible. There are some apartments that are better than others. If you get one that really isn't acceptable, ask for another one. If there is anyway they can move you they will. Be aware they have to deal with shady landlords and the like and sometimes there are problems getting repairs done in a timely manner. That isn't Enfly's fault.

Also, be sure you are coming to China to teach for the right reasons. Plan to learn Chinese. Know that the median income in Chengdu is about 3500 rmb. Negotiate a fair salary and don't worry about what other people are making. Depending on your experience, your salary will differ. Also, you may hear grumbling from teachers who seem to know what the schools are paying Enfly and how little of that amount the teacher actually makes. To that I would say, until you run your own placement agency, don't judge Enfly. Just do your job and be grateful for the opportunity to teach in a foreign country.

You will get back what you put into it....

Lee

Be honest and respectful to everyone you meet and you will find that most of the Chinese people are very kind and hardworking.