Coffee, smile, my dream. I doubt it! If youre not careful, it could be your nightmare.

There is a recent job posting (July 2) seeking foreign teachers for Nasdaken International English (training school) in Nanjing. As someone who has worked there twice (as a part-time teacher), I suggest other foreign teachers should consider any FT contract with them very carefully. The foreign teacher's office is quite small, and just as of 3 weeks ago, it was being shared by 18 part-time and 3 full time foreign teachers! (Two of the FT's recently left). The office is glass and therefore offers NO privacy for the foreign teachers to prepare their classes peacefully (for FT's usually 5-6 classes a day). There are only three working computers in the office with unreliable internet service. All the Chinese staff have their own private work desk with individual computers, but the foreign teachers must share one very small, cramped area. Teaching materials are often missing, or never existed in the first place. Nasdaken offers several advanced levels of classes that have NO teaching materials.

The Nasdaken managers have little or no English ability and their understanding of how to work effectively with foreigners is also quite low. Foreign teachers are kept completely "out of the loop" by the school, and only told to do something on short notice and with minimal information. The head teacher is often used as a messenger by the managers to deliver bad news (salary reduction, special class, etc.) to the other foreign teachers.

They talk about salary bonuses in the contract (and the ad), but teachers usually tell me the school becomes very creative in finding ways to avoid such salary bonuses. The critieria for evaluating and rewarding the bonus changes monthly. I could go on and on about the various problems foreign teachers face on a daily basis as Nasdaken.

If you consider a contract with them, I advise you to ask LOTS of questions and get as much clarity as you can about any aspects of the job (and living arrangements) that concern you.

They are offering 6000-6500 RMB per month. As I understand it, this salary will be for about 25 (or more) classes per week. You will also be expected to do several "oral assessment" evaluations per week for students who are changing their course level. Demo classes for perspective students are also frequently requested.

It was standard when I came to Nanjing in 2003 for training schools here to automatically offer 8000RMB to teachers with or without teaching experience (plus 1000-1500RMB housing allowance).

I can also direct you to other FTs postings regarding their poor experience with Nasdaken.

Here is the ESL Teachers Board.com job posting from July 2:

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Smile, Coffee at School, Boating cross ancient building while enjoying very - English job offered

Posted By: Nanjing School <nicenanjing@yahoo.com.cn>
Date: 2 July 2006

Nanjing (meaning southern capital) is one of the six ancient capitals of China, situated at the south bank of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Today, Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province .

Various dynasties have made Nanjing their base. The most famous of these periods is when Nanjing was the capital of China; during the Ming Dynasty between 1368 and 1644 and the establishment of the People's Republic of China in the early 20th Century. Many of the city's historical sites are date back to these periods and Sun Yatsen's Mausoleum and the Ming Tombs are examples of the wealth of culture existing in this ancient city.
Nowadays, Nanjing is a major international commercial port in the Yangtse delta region,It is very modern too. Nanjing is well known at home and abroad. Nanjing is very rich in natural and artificial landscapes and one of the first 24 well-known historic and cultural cities announced by the state.

Nanjing is an very important economic, cultural, commercial modern center city in Yangtse Delta,It is a perfect combination of history and modern, commerce and culture,travel and live . It also is close to Suzhou, Shanghai, From Nanjing, you will easily travel to Suzhou, Shanghai and enjoy the Yangtse River secenery.

We are helping a school in Nanjing find foreign teachers.

you will teach for Adults,The school is in the downtown area with nice, modern facilities,Shool's culture: Coffee, Smile, My Dream

It pays you:
1. Basic salary of RMB6000/month( from first month to third month), RMB6500/month( after third month),in addition, you will get RMB1000/month Bonus so you total salary is about RMB7000/month(from the first month to the third month),RMB7500/month(after 3thd month)

2. RMB1500/month for house renting ( so you can live freely and the school can help you find the apartment)
3. transportation fees

If you want to join the school in the nice city NOW,and can come soon, please email your passport, Diploma, resume soon To: nicenanjing@yahoo.com.cn
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Approach Nasdaken with caution. (They will approach you with coffee and a smile!)