Silverboy,

You and i agree on many points especially ( New Century, Dalian ) but not sure about some of your points mentioned here.....dont shoot me down in flames, just hear me out ok?

1.Working weekends......i work Saturday and sunday and wednesday afternoon....total hours 20. Why? i work for an English training school...as we all know, most students don't attend their own schools on these days so they come to schools like mine. Even here in Dalian, some teachers that work for the public schools may still have to cover classes on weekends as some middle and high schools do have classes....not usually english though.

2. Majority of schools do offer an apartment in the contract, albeit that you may have to share...most like the one i had at New Century are crap as pointed out....this said, if you choose to live in your own place they usually offer you an allowance this varies, mine was 1000 yuan, not good but not bad either....should i have said" I am not living in this shit hole " when i arrived.....knowing what i know now i should have given it a try they can only say no, have you beaten and cancel your visa....but its worth a go i guess! Just remember, this is China....if you want what is considered a luxury home here, but standard for us back home...then your probably not going to get it.....if you want that, rent it yourself.

3.Demo classes....there are for and against arguements with this, as you pointed out it does bring into question the case of intellectual property....but some of the Big chains ask for them...EF, Shane, Web etc etc...not just to steal your ideas, but to make sure you can do the job for the students. Most schools now are getting expensive and the competition is high...if a school has hired you without a demo class, but ask you to do one when you get here, do what i did, say ok, then embarrass the hell out of the boss infront of his staff....it works. They still get around it though by saying that they will observe your classes through the semester...my current company has watched me 7 times, and as i work for the government agency ...not sure they are stealing my plans.....althought this is China!!! ( gonna get shot for that remark )

I definately came here with my eyes wide shut...i have learned that keeping your speaking hole closed around your Chinese assistants is the best advice, most i have met need to prove their worth and would stab you in the back as soon as look at you...listen to people who have been in China for more than a year, anything under that you are considered a threat to other foreigners....especially if you have years of experience teaching in any subject in any country...people who have been here longer than a year are established, so they will not see you as a threat to their position and will offer you sound advice. And lastly, sites like these are a great source of information....read it, absorb it, put it into practice.....and Silverboy....keep up the good work!!