I completely agree with Andrew's post. Nick is a fine professional man who does whatever he can to help those around him. He may have made mistakes in the past, but he has learned from those mistakes and has changed for the better. The remarks about the town being unsafe--things must have changed because I am living here now and I don't fear for my safety at all. The people in this town are welcoming.

Straits-Newman is very different when compared to Western schools. There are changes that can be made to improve the school, but I think the overall program at SN is successful. I don't view the students I teach as "braindead." I have also never had a student ask me for money, especially since most of these students are the children of factory owners, most of them are NOT struggling for money. I leave the property on a daily basis and I have never once been robbed. Many Chinese teachers at the school speak English and are very willing to learn even more English.

Dongguan is not located an hour away. It is a 30 minute bus ride. The school provides housing at the school for those teachers who chose to live nearby. The food is by no means terrible. The classes do have air coditioning. You DO have to walk up 4 flights of stairs, but for anyone who moves off of the couch on a daily basis, the stairs aren't too hard to climb.

I was disappointed to read the review posted by the anonymous writer. I have really enjoyed working at Straits Newman. I do encounter challenges, but the rewards far outweight the trials. To me, the biggest help has been the willingness of those already working here to help me get familiar with life in China.

To anyone who is thinking about applying to Straits Newman, please don't hesistate. Please also do not believe the account of someone who was at the school 4 years ago. Believe the recent accounts, that show the improvements of Straits Newman. I think that if you visit for yourself, you will also agree with the most recent posts.