SCHOOLS AND RECRUITERS REVIEWS
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#1 Parent &em - 2018-09-14
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

But I guess you can at least expect them to do things by the books and respect what was agreed upon in the contract. Rockies does none of these. They put their employees in danger by registering under fake job titles and they steel money from them.
A lie is a lie, that's it. In China or elsewhere.

#2 Parent ddd - 2018-03-29
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

I regret to have to say that I also had the misfortune of working for this organisation. This is an organisation that sends teachers to work in schools which do not have a licence to have foreigners working there. What I found out from working for this organisation was that all salaries are paid under the table, this means that if you get sick or have to go to the hospital you are basically on your own as you have no insurance. Employers in China are obligated to pay pension and medical insurance for both their local Chinese staff and expatriate staff. This organisation does not pay its staff members during the vacation. Some other serious things which this organisation did which can cause trouble for the teachers is that they provide false information to the police about where the foreign teacher lives and about where the foreign teacher works every day, this can obviously cause major difficulties for the foreign teacher if the police become aware of this. I would also like to point out that when people who worked for this organisation helped me to open a bank account they decided to lie to the person in the bank about what country I am from. I think it is very important to warn everybody who may end up working for this organisation to avoid working here, there are perfectly legitimate jobs in China which you can do instead. Good luck everybody.

#3 Parent Andy - 2017-05-19
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Rockies English school in China does not abide by the contract. Beware!

I was hired by Rockies English in early 2017. They were very forthcoming during the interview process. However, as soon as I arrived in Dalian, China, I was left deserted, alone and abandoned, having to figure out everything on my own. The lack of assistance was disgustingly terrible. It's very difficult to get anything accomplished in a country where you do not know the language. They will provide you with an "assistant" who is more of a boss to you than anything else. He/she will stress and overwhelm you more than they will help.

They will not pay you properly, or on time, they will neglect any contract agreement they had with you. They will not provide Chinese lessons regardless of the contract agreement. In addition, they will not and do not provide adequate living conditions, expecting you to live in a filthy/dirty apartment with a lack of overall security. Lastly, they do not reimburse for any teaching materials/resources you paid for on your own to better your teaching methods. If you complain, they will either ignore you or try to find a way to fire you from your job iespecially if you go to the Vice President or CEO with your complaints.

They treat foreigners more as a threat than an employee/teacher. The lack of respect and overall dignity at this company is unprofessional and inhumane at best. They will take full advantage of you being out of your country. The working hours are completely ridiculous. Most of the time, they expect you to work like robots. By far, one of the worst experiences in my life. They held my passport as collateral so that I pay them for the hotel/visa expenses they incurred during my stay there. I couldn't leave the country without having to pay them 1500 RMB. I am considering taking the, to court for breach of contract and holding my passport as collateral.

Do not expect Rockies English to abide by any contract agreement. It is more of a formality for them and will try to use it against you, if anything. I would recommend all foreigners to stay away from this company. You've been warned.

Good Luck!

#4 Parent Edward - 2017-01-08
ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA-- To Hell w. Them

A good while ago I recall applying for a teaching post in N. Eastern China through these outfits & nothing positive came of it. What I did get was a sense of contempt on their side.

At the time I was leaning pretty hard for a decent post in Dalian or Harbin & actually believed, in the early going, this agency's contrived sincerity to make it happen. Having picked from among their offerings I waited in earnest for a reply that never came. It was I who had to troll them to inquire re. why they'd effectively ghosted me. One of the firm's resident chonkies responded with a msg citing my imperfect record of consecutive tourist visas. By their logic this pigeonholed me as an unemployable cad no longer worthy of their attention.

Once in a blue moon when I still bother to read some of the postings over @ Dave's, I spot this agency's propaganda. My fervent recommendation should you see the same is to look elsewhere. Wiser yet is to not sign a working EFL contract through an agency. Their raison d'etre is to make easy bucks on the uninitiated to China's EFL industry.

#5 Parent Arthur - 2017-01-06
Re: Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

This wumao stuff is so annoying.
I wonder why the moderators allow this shit.

#6 Parent Janet - 2017-01-06
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

I have been extremely lucky to work at this company! It has given me opportunities to grow, learn, challenge myself and be surrounded by amazing people. If you are passionate about education and travel, it's a wonderful company to work for.

#7 Parent Marlon - 2017-01-05
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

I worked at Rockies full-time, about 2 years. Good wage for foreigners. The staff and students are very nice and always try to help you when you need to get things done especially in a place where you don't speak the language. You can have a great time if you're open minded and adapt to your surroundings.

I find that most foreign teachers have a problem when they try to compare China to there home country. The bottom line is YOU ARE NOT IN YOUR COUNTRY. Don't get mad that the Chinese people for doing the things they have always done and are brought up to do. Don't expect them to act, say and do the things you are used to. You either adapt to where you are or you go home. That's it. If you can't do that don't move to china. If a Chinese person came to your country you would want them to learn your language and do what the natives do. They should expect the same.

#8 Parent Gusz - 2017-01-05
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Easiest job you will ever have. Basically they want you to entertain the kids while using English. Games, games, games. You also have more days off than on.

#9 Parent The dog - 2017-01-05
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

No, all franchises operate according to the same business modell, which is crap.
Hence, all franchises of Rockies English are also crap - crappy language mills!
F...ck them all!

#10 Parent sovero - 2017-01-05
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Yea, different locations offer different experiences

#11 Parent JB140767 - 2017-01-04
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

When you read a bad post against a school, it may be true. There are also reasons why it may not be true. For example, it might be written by a competitor. It might also be written by a disgruntled teacher who has good reasons to be disgruntled. Or not really good reasons, like went overseas with the wrong expectations...

#12 Parent JohnnyBravo1989 - 2017-01-04
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

It depends.

Like EF, McDonald's, or Starbucks... franchises depend on who is managing that particular location.

#13 Parent Shroob - 2017-01-04
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

It really depends on what you are looking for in terms of working overseas experience. If you have worked in different schools in Asia in the past, you would know that you have to learn to adjust in many ways, from communication to cultural differences and standards of living. If you expect Western conditions and management practices, you have to stick to the really big international schools in Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong or Shanghai. I worked in Rockies English School 4 years ago, and moved from a southern city to a northern city within the Rockies English system. Overall, I found the experience to be positive. At that time, my biggest concern with a previous company was not following through on contract promises. I didn’t have the same problem with Rockies English. That was my expectation and I didn’t expect to be treated beyond what was stated in writing. I know that some of my Western colleagues wanted more, but at the end of the day, you end up meeting friends and Chinese colleagues who eventually solve many of the day to day problems living in China. I wasn’t looking for an international school experience – I had one before in Hong Kong – and I just wanted a place with a lesser work load and more time to experience the culture and travel.

#14 Parent Arthur - 2016-12-24
Re: Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Wumao posts?

#15 Parent Vince - 2016-12-24
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Hi,

I am looking Guangzhou area which I more prefer warm weather.

What you up to now?

#16 Parent Trump diplomacy - 2016-12-24
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

I don't think you are ok! they send me a Z visa.
for working not to escape or to be arrested!!

You seem perfectly prepared to teach English in China.
Benvenuto.

#17 Parent gioggia - 2016-12-24
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Hi! you work in Rockiest English yet?

#18 Parent gioggia - 2016-12-24
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Hi Steven! in which cities you have to stay in rockiest english!!??

#19 Parent gioggia - 2016-12-24
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

I don't think you are ok! they send me a Z visa.
for working not to escape or to be arrested!!

#20 Parent Trump diplomacy - 2016-12-24
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Mariafranci,
As a citizen of Italy, wherever you teach English in China you will be working illegally.
You will have a better chance of escaping deportation if you stay away from the major cities.
Ask the good people at 'Rockies' in which schools have they lost the fewest foreign teachers to arrest, fines and deportation.
I'm sure they will give you an honest answer, despite the fact that it is precisely those schools where they need the FOB teachers.

#21 Parent gioggia - 2016-12-23
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Hi Vince, I want to know in which city you have to go in China?? I'm in contact with them. And I don't know it is ok or not! What do you think??

#22 Parent Vince - 2016-12-01
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Dear Sir,

I would like to reply to tour post.

I am in the process to proceed with rookies, I am maltese citizen and I haven't arrived in china yet.

What's your feedback? Which person did employed you and sorted out all of the paper work...

Please reply so we can talk better

#23 Parent Vince - 2016-12-01
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Hi,

Are you still working for rockies?

#24 Parent Vince - 2016-12-01
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Hi Sir,

Thanks for your post.

I am about to process with rookies, they explained the benefits, like accommodation included, Z VISA will be sorted before get there but fares isn't include...

Waiting from your Reply

#25 Parent The Young Jim - 2016-09-27
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

And they are advertising again. Like clockwork! Seems like every 30 days or so. Teachers don't stay at Rockies. Yes it is a big chain but ask anyone who has worked there: the turnover is unusually high. Thinking of applying? Or worse, if you have already accepted a job, I just feel the need to warn potential teachers. **A school that has the same ad up 12 times a year might not be worth flying halfway across the world to work at.**

#26 Parent Pat - 2016-07-25
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

I just got back from living a year in Jinan, and I really miss it.

#27 Parent Phelps - 2016-07-07
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

So how long have you been with Rockies, Pat? Good on you for choosing them if you are having a Nice experience.

#28 Parent Pat - 2016-07-07
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

I have always dreamt about teaching abroad and this school made my dream a reality. I was looking for an organization that I could bring my experiences in teaching and help grow the organization. Rockies had a school in Ji’nan that would be a perfect fit for me! When I arrived in Dalian for orientation training, teachers from Rockies met me at the airport, brought me to my hotel and invited me to dinner which to me was above and beyond! They even spent their evening showing me around Dalian and helping me get acclimated to my new surroundings. I would highly recommend this school for anyone interested in teaching abroad!

#29 Parent Odd Bob Job - 2016-07-05
Re Aston English looks mustard

Don't you worry about our baby. I am not allowed to comment further on your Chinese.
I almost know who ypu are now. And you aint no woman.

#30 Parent Odd Bob Job - 2016-07-05
Re Aston English looks mustard

Aston English look great to me.

Had a bad morning, was told that only a chinese name can go on a property book, and that my passport would need to be legaised in London to include a Chinese name.

We have convened for lunch to see if my name can go on 'give up right on property document' after lunch.

#31 Parent amused - 2016-07-05
Re Aston English looks mustard

Odd BJ shilling for a chain language mill? The horror.

And the pollutants in Jinan or Xian are bad for your mythical 混血儿.

#32 Parent Apple Pie - 2016-07-04
Re Aston English looks mustard

Rockies English, Aston?

They employ deechers, not teachers. Nothing that could impress any like-minded real professional nor myself.

Just another branch of crappy language mills!

I am no teacher but I do know a profession outfit when I see one.
#33 Parent Odd Bob Job - 2016-07-04
Re Aston English looks mustard

I am no teacher but I do know a profession outfit when I see one. I accidently found myself in one of the 4 or 5 Astons this city has got. They seem to be American, or do English the way they do it in USA. Maybe not up to quite the standard of Proper English English.But for all that I was impressed. And they have vacancies if anybody is interested.

#34 Parent Steven - 2016-07-04
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Just thought I'd leave my experience on here as recently there has been several posts regarding peoples negative experiences working for Rockies English School.
I got an ESL job through RES last year in Dalian and despite the general teething problems that most people experience when first arriving in China my experience of working for RES has been very positive. I choose to take a higher salary and rent my own apartment with help from RES teachers. I did not like the first partnered school I was placed in, so within a few days I got a job at a new school which was perfect. My colleagues in Dalian are great, I have a great class in a kindergarten, I enjoy work and I get paid on time. This year I applied for a transfer program to work in Quanzhou. Most of my colleagues and foreign teachers at the school also work for RES and they have all had similar positive experiences.

#35 Parent Dan - 2016-05-28
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Horrible place, I worked at the main office in Dalian, I met and worked with the owners, Ernie and Gladys. They will send you to illegal schools, they will change your contract to suit them (even after everyone has signed it), they will withhold overtime pay. Many of the teachers and managers there either thick, or pretending to be so. There were 3 people there that were good people, and one of them has left.

I've left a more complete review of there shenanigans in the link below. But the general message is AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

#36 Parent Tom - 2015-07-29
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

I am a teacher working for Rockies English School currently.
1. Rockies will sign only one contract with froeign teahers.2. The pay is never late, I get paid on time every month.
3. There is no pay during the summer and winter holidays. I can travel or spend my holidays with the residence permit the school provided. If you do need money, why don't you try to get a part-time job or summer camp? 4. Rockies provide legal Z visa, well-paid salary. I am really satisfied. That's it. However, I want to point out that as a school that has hired so many teachers and has been in operation for over 10 years, it is normal to get some bad criticism from previous teachers. There are always two sides to every coin. I think if you check English First, Aston, or any of the big schools out there, there would be bad reviews some where from some whining teachers or grumblers. I think the only places without bad reviews would be an unknown school or an agent who does not run their own programs.

#37 Parent Nanana - 2015-03-13
Re ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Another rubbish agency pretending to be a school in China, how surprising is that.

Fortunately this forum is about revieving bad schools and not the good ones because it would be a dead board then.

JACK - 2015-03-12
ROCKIES ENGLISH CHINA

Rockies English school in Dalian, Guangzhou and Fujian, their Email is rockiescc@163.com , and their website is http://www.rockiesenglish.com/rockiesenglish.com/index.html .I worked for them last year and my experiences with them were not good at all. Rockies English school are agents in that they hire out foreign teachers to partner schools within their network, and the foreign teachers have a contract with this company directly, and not with the school.

First of all, they will make you sign one or several contracts but you will never see a properly counter-signed contract copy for yourself, and in such a case it is not a legally binding contract, right? Second, the pay is mostly late, some teachers had to wait one and half a month until they were paid. In that case, you have to pay the travel expenses yourself, although in China it's normally the employer who does or who will refund your expenses. They also basically refund your expense.

During the summer and winter holidays there is no pay, they pay you only for the days you have been actually teaching. Why do you need an agent for that, I can't see any sense in that! This tremendous bureaucracy causing delay in the salaries to be paid has a system as they seem to work with that money meanwhile in other areas while the teacher is waiting for his pay and has to phone the head office to ask for his money. This is causing unneccessary stress and takes too much of your time, so why should you work for them if there is always such a hassle to get your money? Only fools would do, right? The same with airfare reimbursement and other benefits promised to you in their so-called "contracts".

If you don't want unnecessary hassle, stay away from them - this is a well-meant advice.

There is hardly anything professional in this company. While they are not only agents, but also active in other business fields, it is all done with such a high degree of unprofessionalism and dilettantism that you can only wonder how they get away with it.

Terrible benefits ,starting pay and raises were both really bad, too low salary, long working hours, no breaks between the classes ( Unless it is lunch break ) . No one is held to a standard of accountability.Basically the management does not support others, they like to challenge their teachers .Lies all around .They can terminate the contract without even a discussion and without paying you a penny . President is a dummy, he lacks administrative and decision taking skills. Huge focus on profit, staff is neglected and poorly treated.Unfair salaries and benefits, not based on qualifications.My advice to you do not even work for Rockies English school in China .

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