Your well written post caused me to shudder with disbelief even though I've read and heard many similar stories and I'm well aware of all the pitfalls associated with teaching in China. In a recent post I mentioned that things seem to be taking a turn for the worse here. I had hoped for the opposite, but it's just not panning out that way. The sad truth is that most schools will see no need to change their Neanderthal mentality as long as new teachers keep signing contracts. Despite the warnings that are becoming more and more prevalent on the web, it's hard to be optimistic about this problem.

Curiously, in your post, you stated that there have been warnings posted about this school for years; however, you ended up working there anyway. Is that because you didn't check them out until after you started having problems? I would guess that to be the case and, though I'm not faulting you for that, it clearly highlights that such warnings are either falling on deaf ears or that this method of relying on the web to make a difference is fairly inadequate.

Of course there are instances where FTs have resorted to other tactics, such as contacting authorities, writing articles for newspapers and etc. However, it would seem that more drastic measures need to be taken. Now I find myself wondering what those drastic measures should be. Obviously, it's going to have to be something in the way of a concerted effort. A few complaints here and there aren't going to accomplish much. One idea that's been slowing brewing is that one of these websites hosted by someone such as Raoul should step up to the plate and take some serious action such as asking for a petition or a form of some kind to be signed that would then be sent to major newspapers in America and elsewhere. Such a form that clearly outlines the dangers of teaching here could also be sent to colleges and universities - although, who would bear the expense of such a project is beyond me. Nevertheless, something along these lines seems to me to be a sound alternative or at least an adjunct to online postings.

I imagine that if a few major newspapers were to publish an article or a series of articles that bring a certain degree of focus to this problem, the leaders will ultimately have to address it seriously. Private training schools such as this one in Suzhou will have some quick explaining to do if that were the case. Moreover, PSBs and licensing bureaus will be under the magnifying class as well.

As we all are aware, the last thing that China wants is bad publicity - especially when it's true. It's not just bad for business, it's also about national pride. Moreover, the demand for English training is definitely not diminishing. If they were to find it more and more difficult to lure FTs here, especially qualified teachers, then, clearly, they'd have to start asking themselves why that is the case.

But the pressure can't stop there. Our own governments need to make more of an effort to warn their citizens of what could transpire if one were to make the leap to China. I've perused the US State Department website, for example, and found that there are warnings posted there about teaching in China, but few people will actually follow the links to such warnings. It seems that in this "internet age" there is a belief that everyone will utilize the web in terms of its maximum effectiveness, but that is simply not the case. However, if you are an American, you should follow these links from the State Department website:

First, click on "Country Specific Information," then, choose "China."
Second, scroll down to the heading "English Teachers/Secondary School Teachers."
Third, click on "Teaching in China Guide." (There is some interesting and informative information here; however, in my opinion, not enough in the way of warnings, nor enough of an expose as to how serious the problem really is.)

This information is also posted under the heading "English Teachers/Secondary School Teachers:"
To assist the Embassy in providing up-to-date information to prospective teachers, Americans experiencing problems should inform the Embassy by contacting the American Citizens Services Unit at telephone (86) (10) 8531-4000.

How much assistance they actually provide is open to debate. As an American, I'm ashamed to say that I've heard their help doesn't amount to much. I suspect they don't want to rock the economic boat.

Finally, it is important to remember, that many, perhaps most, private schools in China are not legally licensed. If that is the case, it is not legal for foreigners to work there. If you are working for an unlicensed school and have been given a "Z" visa to do so, it is probably because the school has an "under the table" relationship with the local authorities; obviously, that limits your options when you encounter problems.