Ellen,

*Usually* state schools have the proper paperwork go to employ foreigners, wheras private schools may not. Also private schools have a tendancy to let greed influence their descisions and that can sometimes compromise teaching quality. Generally state schools are all about money, so the hours are less, with more holidays and no weekend work. Mind you, the pay is also less.
The contract honouring varies wildly. Before you accept a job at a school try and contact the teachers who work, or have worked there before.
Good luck, if you have any other questions please e-mail me!

> Hi - I'm thinking of going to china on my first teaching job, and
> would appreciate any advice on places recommended/avoid. Someone
> suggested that working direct for state school is best option. Does
> this mean that they honour the contract, which it seems some
> schools/agents dont?

> Thanks in advance for help