Actually, I've had some good experiences working for private schools. I put somewhere else about my experiences at EF Dalian, having arrived here a few months ago with my wife. I agree that a lot of private schools don't treat their teachers very well, but it's always down to the people in charge. Just like in the States or UK you have good and bad managers.

I can honestly say that I haven't had the same bad experiences that one or two others had a few years ago. Whatever it was like, it sounded like a dreadful place to work and I'm glad you got out in one piece. Why does everyone 'seem' happier now? Well I've heard last year they changed all the managers (perhaps the last lot got what they deserved...haha). Anyways, it's a job like any other, I'm pretty happy but it's hard work. I haven't been mistreated and although some of the other teachers have the occasional grumble, non of them have said they were absused or lied to. The worst they say is that it's tiring and some of us don't like doing demos (who does?!)

Anyway, I don't know if I'll stay a second year. A few of my friends will they've said but the wife wants to move back to Sichuan but I certainly won't leave because I wasn't treated fairly....I guess I'm one of the lucky ones...the right PEOPLE seem to be in charge (right now).

I don't want to start or carry on an argument or debate, but I wanted to make the point that we shouldn't make sweeping judgements based on a few (or one) experience