Since entering this school I have had an unexplainable strange feeling and the headmaster appears to be more a part of the mafia than part of a school. I asked to switch school several times and he simply didn't allow me to. I didn't know exactely why. I realized afterwards that he just wanted to get my money-of course. I had been warned in advance, though, as it happened to another guy who was literaly ripped off, but I thought it was just a sporadic one off case. Therefore, guys please pay attention, Kunming is full of great schools. Just think twice before choosing this "school". I had to leave the Country and get back with a touristic Visa because of his authority. I definitely would not suggest this school to anyone, and furthermore, the environment is simply filthy
Yes, it's a for-profit operation, as is Keats and other language schools. Not 'allowing' you to switch schools - I assume you mean not being willing to transfer your student visa - doesn't strike me as strange for a businessman with a vested interest in beating the competition. When I studied there some years ago the teaching was pretty good - not great - and it was not filthy.
Not sure what you expected, or why.
Wait, you paid for a semester, then wanted to switch during it and they wouldn't let you, or you finished a semester and didn't want to continue? I don't really see what they would have done wrong in either case though.
Your last comment - "the environment is simply filthy" - is simply wrong. I've studied there for ages and found it to be quite clean. So this makes you seem like someone who maybe has unrealistic expectations, and so your claim that the boss is a gangster because he won't let you transfer schools doesn't come across as very reasonable. But, as mentioned, you do need to provide a few more details.
I studied at Dong Fang (KCEL) and enjoyed it. Teacher quality and skill varied but not unreasonably. I have suggested to the Head Master he pay better wages to teachers.
What is the problem KCEL, or any other school being for profit? Do you seriously expect good teaching and good facilities to be provided by not for profit businesses? Get your head out of Marx and join the real world. China has.
I have met and had dealings with the Head Master and, frankly, I don't much like him personally.
However, when I had a major stroke in Kunming last March, he act on my behalf, repeatedly visited me in the hospital and delegated two 'teachers' to assist me. His concern was both for my well being and economic. KCEL was on the hook for my medical expenses.
But he also met my sons at the airport and took them to my apartment and went out of his way to help.
KCEL did greatly help me get through my difficulty. I am grateful for the Head Master's help. I hope he continues to make a profit but he ought to pay teachers more.
It sounds like the OPs disappointment has turned into anger and he/she wants to flame KCEL.
If you leave the school the visa the school got you becomes invalid. If you want to change school your SS visa needs to be changed. This involves cost, time and effort, and a loss of face for the school with the authorities. Being able to switch school during the semester is the exception, rather than the rule.
The problem with KCEL is they flat out lie to students to get them to sign up. Like promising classes they can't deliver, or saying they can easily switch schools if they want. Then after they get their money they make it hell to switch. Like threatening other schools if they gave the student a new visa. Or coming up with excuses why they need to pay more money, but were never told of this before signing up.
They are also a huge source of grey market visas for schools that can't provide a work visa, but the teachers don't actually study Chinese as they're supposed to. That's where your "mafia" like feelings probably come from.
Yaeh exactly. Ouyang you got the point. I don't know what's wrong with you guyz, I just reported a personal experience, what happened to me what I felt and, frankly I don't want anybody to be stuck in the same situation I was, I mean I had to go out of the Country! Whatever, I just hope they won't cause any further problem to anybody, as I managed to switch school I found the Huayang more suitable and no problem at all.
Ouyang, i've never had any problems like that with KCEL in almost 4 years.
Sure some classes blew, but once i talked to the owner he'd switch me out for a more appropriate class. The owner is MORE than helpful, and is always involved with the students, and knows names and faces.
The teaching has its ups and downs, but the customer service is amazing. I got my transfer release form today and it took me 10 minutes.
Im sure Semens came in on a student visa, went to a few classes and never paid. Then wanted to switch without paying the tuition that he owed. All they do is ask why, what can they improve, and check the books and write down passport/visa info and you're good to go.
I recommend KCEL to anyone, the only reason why i left was to get my masters.
Masters in? Chinese literature? If so, buy that man a beer. Or brew that man a beer.
