Hi Dana,

I've haven't had the chance to read the majority of responses to your post - so if I am repeating something that may have already been said, I apologise.

That said - I don't believe the experience that you had warrents you to warn all teachers away from Aston Xi'an. I'm not a teacher at this school (I am a teacher at a location just outside the city), nor do I really know any of the staff there but a problem with housing is the least of anyone's worries with the possiblities of problems teaching in China.

I don't mean to downplay what happened to you because I'm sure - for you - it was a horrible experience but this was an easily fixable problem. If you made a complaint to the school management and they did nothing - file a complaint with head office. If head office did nothing (they would have done what they could) then ask to be moved - ask for a housing allowance to move elsewhere on your own - etc.

Now - if you would like a recount of what COULD have happened to you during your stay in China....

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/forum/index.pl?read=11752
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=42643

Once again, I don't mean to downplay what happened to you - all I am saying is: problems with housing is a very common occurance. There are different standards within China regarding living conditions. For the future, you simply need to state what is acceptable and what isn't. Honestly, be glad you are safe and unscathed. It sounds like you were happy otherwise and enjoyed your job. That's the important thing. Don't let the minor circumstances ruin the whole experience for you.