Topic: Assumption College

[hero]

Here's another couple of snippets from the old TSW board regarding another of Bangkok's more high-profile private schools.

Assumption College

Assumption College, St. Louis. Rung Rean Kwai. The director made a comment to parents at a meeting attended by 1000's of parents that they were lucky to have "boys" attend their school because if they had girls and could not attend the schools they will turn out to be hookers and prostitutes. I worked there years ago when they had a different idiot working there as the principal who now is the principal of the Assumption school in Thornburi. Like all Thai prestigious schools, "it sucks". Farang teachers were never told about days off, meetings, or anything that went on in the school. The Assumptions schools, all of them are living on their reputation from 100 years ago. They are only interested in taking the money and demand (under the table) kick backs. This is true for all of the so-called best schools in Thailand. I think the 'Stickman" once said, "The worst school in the slums of Liverpool are better than the best schools in Thailand.

And a bit more here from another post.

Assumption

The other poster's rant about BCC brought back memories of working at Assumption St Louis Prathom not long ago. Not as terrible sounding as BCC (and I do know folks who work there--some like it, others don't), but with its own inherent absurdities.

The Thai administration are terribly two-faced. No surprise, they have their status to attend to.

The students are all boys and thus, for the most part, absolutely horrible.

The Thai teachers are a mixed bag: some nice, some nice one day and ignore you the next; others never look at you. The first day of school I wai'd an older teacher. He walked up to me, took my hands and put them down--gently, at least. From observing the Thai teachers in class I'd say most of them have long ago given up real teaching. Some of the stuff I saw go on in the Thai classrooms was quite surprising.....

[pauleddy]

Any more views about Assumption?

They have 13 places incl. Ass.Uni in BKK and De Montfort in CMai.

I am particularly interested in finding out about all campuses/schools run by them (especially Sri Racha/Rayong/Coast) as I am considering sending in a CV. A friend has worked at the Sri Racha school. He describes it as relaxed, well-run, great campus and facilities, religion not pushed at you, etc. OK, it is private, but the rich kids seem OK and keen. The salary and conditions seem above average. He had no problems there.

Yet, on the old board, there was a lot of denigration......

??

Thanks

P

[hammered]

Teachers I know who have worked at Assumption Sri Racha (several) basically all left fairly quickly. They mentioned discipline problems of the kids, a teach the top ten and forget the other 40 in the class tendency and politics. Second hand info though.

[Due Diligence]

Has anyone else heard something really bad about Assumption Bangrak recently???
It is concerning how they are screwing the new teacher in what I would describe as a real shock and probably the worse treatment I've ever heard.

[pauleddy]

I only know about the SriRacha campus. A friend has worked there. He says that the grounds etc. are really nice (rural setting). The religious guys (Brothers) who run it do not bother you overmuch. OK, it is middle/rich kid land but he said that most are keen. The money is good,over 35k plus BUPA etc. My friend had to do a basic EFL course about 20 contact periods a week. He said that he wasn't rushed off of his feet. As with most of these places, you couldn't piss off at lunchtime, but there was cable internet etc. He had a good experience, it would seem. I was thinking of bunging a CV their way.........

Eddy

[hero]

Has anyone else heard something really bad about Assumption Bangrak recently???
It is concerning how they are screwing the new teacher in what I would describe as a real shock and probably the worse treatment I've ever heard.

Any more information on this?

[Due Diligence]

Well I heard from a teacher that works at Assumption Bangrak that:

The Brother was busy and then will be going to Chaing Mai for a while.

What problem is this you ask?

Well the teachers was called to the office and told.
1. They can't get a non-imm B from the school as the Brother is not avaliable to sign for it.
2. They will have to work on tourist visas for 3 months untill Brother comes back.
3. Untill they have non-imm B and workpermit the school will deduct *000 baht  a month from salary.
4. Also untill they pass probation they will not sign a contract with them.

They was told that Brother likes to do things right so thats why they have to wait for him to sign documents for non-imm B application.

So all in all the new teachers will be illegally working, have reduced salary and no contract. 
These teachers have also been working there for 3-4 weeks before this announcment on the summer camp classes so at what time can't  Brother have signed the documents etc.

Anyone else heard this shocking story??

[hero]

Not heard it before, sounds like the year's off to a good start there then Do they pay well?

[pauleddy]

I heard that the SriRacha place pays 35k and up to 40 or 42k with master's. Also Bupa and allegedly cover all Non-Imm costs. Also 8-10 weeks' paid hols. But, you have to clock in and hang around, which is the norm I guess

I remain bemused because of bad reputation on here, yet good reports conveyed by a friend. I have no axe to grind, and currently do not work for this school or any other. Maybe the SriRacha branch is better than the BKK one, or the CMai one, who knows?

I would particularly like to hear 1st.-hand from someone at SR or ex-SR

P Ed

[hero]

The majority of the reports here (and certainly on the old TSW board) concern the Assumption school(s) in Bangkok as far as I know.  As proven on all the bad school threads, there are always some people who disagree - very few schools get only negative reports.  How about getting some solid info from your friend? (You could even post it up here for us all to see )

[Due Diligence]

Just to clarify the comments I have made, are for the teachers who will start this school year the older teachers I think are fine.
So maybe its a once off cause the staff are to scared to have asked Brother for his signiture.  But something tells me that if a school can screw someone once and they except they will do it again the next year etc.

But even if it's a once off its still worth mentioning to just inform.

[pauleddy]

Yes, I agree, and thanks for that and all other snippets posted.

Further advice always welcomed.

PEd

[TexasDave]

I was employed at Assumption College Sriracha until November of 2005. I was a science teacher there in the secondary level. I have only positive things about Assumption College Sriracha. I now work in Bangkok at an internatiopnal school.
Assumption College Sriracha Payed for all of the expenses involved with the visa and work permit. I did not have to worry about anything, it was all taking care of.
The teaching staff that worked with us were very helpful and assisted us with copying and getting necessary teaching materials, it was like having your own secretary. During my free periods I was allowed to take care of personal business without question.
While I worked there I had a severe leg fracture and was hospitalized and had to spend a total of 30 days at home. All of my medical bills were covered under the BUPA policy that was provided by the school. The amazing thing was that they payed my salary. Most Thai schools I have worked at would not have paid me for the time spent at home.
The great thing is that the supervisors leave you alone and allow you to make decisions for yourself. The leader of the english program there is very kind and soft spoken but willing to help you in any way she can.
If you are thinking of working here it will be one of the easiset schools to teach at that you will find in Thailand.
 I would like to emphasize that I no longer work there but would recommend this school to anyone. If you would like to contact me about this school please feel free.
                                                              David Smith

[MrQ]

They have other schools under their wings as well such as St. Louis Chacheongsao

[pauleddy]

Yes it appears so.

If you google it, there are about 11 different parts including Assumption Uni, Ass. Rayong, De Montfort CMai, Ass. junior near St Louis etc.

Perhaps different parts have different reputations. I have heard generally good reports about the Sri Racha place. I have heard that the Catholics don't bother you too much, that the facilities and conditions are good, and that the kids are not bad considering that they are middle-to-rich kids....i.e. a bit lazy but not the worst. I am not sure whether it is a boarding school...and if that makes things worse or better??

P. Ed