My experience at Sesame Street English in Changzhou was a very positive introduction to the world of ESL instruction in China. Having spent a lot of time reading and studying about the world of ESL instruction in China, I am well aware of the many horror stories and negative experiences of teachers in China. With this in mind, I am relieved to say I have not experienced a single one of these bad experiences or horror stories. It was an entirely positive experience to work at Sesame Street English in Changzhou.

1) My salary was 13,000 RMB/month and there was also an apt. accommodation included. When I arrived in Changzhou they showed me the apt. they had in mind, but had waited to sign any papers so that I could see the accommodation first. The senior management wanted me to feel happy and content with the accommodations before settling in. And if I wasn't happy with them, they were ready to keep searching for me. But they were fine and I was happy to live in those accommodations. 13,000 RMB also goes a long way in Changzhou. Furthermore, I was always paid on time and never once jacked around with regard to money.

2) The institute itself is very nice. It is about a one year old institute, and the interior has been refurbished so it looks brand new. All of the technology is brand new to include Smartboards, and new computer systems. There were always sufficient resources to create teaching supplies such as new flashcards and other lesson supplies.

3) The staff is all very friendly and as helpful as could be. Whenever I had a personal problem I was unable to address due to the language barrier (I know virtually zero Chinese), I always found quick assistance from the staff.

4) The curriculum is a ready made curriculum. Depending upon the lesson it took some clever thinking to make it work well, but the senior staff was always open to that and helpful with suggestions to make the classes work as well as possible.

I summary I think the most important thing I can say is the management at Sesame Street English in Changzhou understands that a happy teacher makes a productive teacher and they really went out of their way to help insure I felt contented and happy. And from what I hear, it can be a difficult to find quality English language institutes in China. There are a lot of very negative reviews of a lot of schools in China, so I hope quality teachers looking for work in a language institute can find their way to a quality school where they will be treated respectfully and fairly.