I agree with some of the e mails sugesting people who are unhappy are more likely to write a negatiave reivew. So, why don't the rest of us encourage people we know who are not unhappy to write reviews as well? I have done this myself. I have written reviews for two schools. One was a well established European School which was easy to work for and not to difficut to steer clear of administration if you wanted. I tried to share the good first and temper it with the down side so people would have an accurate perception

Next, I wrote a review for an Asian school I am about to leave. Actually, I've written two one for last year, and one for this year. There was a change in the administration which deserved noting as the school is young and very much trying to become a premier International School some day. I tried not to discourage teachers from coming to the school, but laid out that it is a start up school and there will be challenges. It's also a place to build a carreer fast as you will have opportunities younger teahcers don't get in big well established schools. It is also important to note that different people have different goals; big city vs developing country; small vs big school. I think it is good to state facts about both the positive and negative. I find the narratives more helpful than the straight numbers.

There is so much for everyone to consider, but mostly you need to know yourself. Do you want a challenge? What type of cultural differences are you willing to learn to manage? How closely do you want to work with others (small school vs big), and what financial situation can you live with right now?

I think each of us needs to take responsibility for doing our own homework, and making a good choice for ourselves. Then, if you share that with the school in the interview and they are not forth coming, you should write a negative review. Honesty up front should come from both sides.

I got that in my first interview, but not at all in my second. I was lucky, my second year at the school where the administration was not honest, a new administrator came along and turned the school around entirely. I know not everyone is that fortunate. But, that is a part of this international thing. And that is something we all have to prepare for, we don't know what's coming next, and that's part of the excitement.

I currently work at Hong Kong Academy and can tell you that this year has been 100% different than last year. For the better! And Andy deserves a good deal of the creidt for that. The school is a new start up school (only 6 years old). It is growing fast and changes happen fast. I beleive a lot of change will continue.

Just so you know, I was not hired by Andy and am loyal to some of the old administrators. Regardless, credit should go where it is due. We have better health coverage, more transparent management, and soon an educaiton cohort for graduate studies will be starting and people can work towards there graduate degrees here at school.


As for Andy, He is an extorvert. What you see is what you get. IF you can give him good reasons for something and he knows your intentions are good, I'd say he'll listen most of the time. Sometimes, he will really want evidence and grill you a bit. If you know your stuff you should be fine. However, Depending on your own personality, he does take getting used to.

I think coming to Hong Kong Academy is a about good fit. Do you want to do something new and innovative? Are you a young teacher who wants opportunities you just wouldn't get somewhere else at your level of experince? do you want to live in a large vibrant Asian City? If the answer is yes, I think you will like it here. If you are worried about Working directly with Andy, don't. We will have a new primary Principal, and Merris Page- Smith is Middle school Coordinator. She is very easy to work with from what I hear. They will be your supervisors next year. Although, Andy is fine really.

Also, so you know. I'm not his biggest fan and don't mean that in a negatiave sense. I wouldn't just run around singing his praises, but I'm glad he's here to straighten out much of the adminisrtative confusion left after the change over last year. He really is putting things into good order, and I beleive the school is headed in the right direction.

I hope that helps you a bit.