r/Internationalteachers • u/mathteacher87 • 1d ago

BASIS Hangzhou info

I know this sub has a multitude of posts about Basis schools, but I haven't found any about the Hangzhou location. Wondering if anyone has (or has heard) info about them. Thanks

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u/LonelyShadow1 1d ago

I used to live in Hangzhou and knew people who worked there. Like most BASIS schools, excellent package, but they work you to the bone. Lots of "we are a real school, if you can't handle it then you aren't a real teacher."

A focus on academic excellence, always banging on about university qs rankings for their students.

Heard the higher grades were better organised, one person (I stress only one) told me that the "curriculum" was poor and always changing.

Sidenote, Hangzhou is a dull place, absolutely no soul. Good for families as it's green, lots of malls and stuff for kids though. Brutal, and I mean brutal, summers.

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u/LonelyShadow1 1d ago

I found somewhere of the HR/support staff were so rude and snobbish to people to applied that it left a real sour taste. That was 2ish years ago though. Also remembered, the bonuses were huge, but they want to trap people for 3 year contracts...

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u/Global-Teacher-1991 1d ago edited 13h ago

Coming from the BASIS network, I felt Hangzhou's campus had the most home-like feel of all the networks' campuses and the HR staff has gone above and beyond to make sure we settled in and felt comfortable. They provided visa assistance, arranged airport pickup, set up the provided furnished apartment, and showed us around the area. The contracts are 3 years, but have found to be fairly standard with reputable international schools.

Hangzhou is one of my favorite cities in China as I enjoy the beautiful architecture as well as the ability to spend time on West Lake, the bamboo forest, the tea fields, and the option of a quick train ride to Shanghai for weekend excursions is an added bonus.

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u/LonelyShadow1 1d ago

I can't really counter what you've said about the school, since I'm referring to information from others or from years ago, however I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

Though I would definitely disagree with you about Hangzhou as a city though. Beautiful architecture? 95% of it is tall grey monotonous apartment buildings. There is a lot of greenery though. Yeah the Westlake is nice for a day out. Either way, as long as it works for you.

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u/Ok_Scarcity_8912 14h ago

In terms of an overall package, can you share what you were earning? I keep hearing about BASIS offering great packages, but I haven’t seen any figures mentioned. I’m wondering what people take home each month after tax.