Newcomer JW
Most of us (practically all of us) use aliases. If you're going to be working at Birmy, that may become useful.
Your topic was locked, maybe to move it to another section of the saloon, but to be honest, I think it's quite important to google employers in China before you accept a job. There are some very bad employers. Birmy has a lot of bad reviews, on many sites, albeit from 5 years ago and possibly from just one disgruntled teacher.
However, I think you should at least have a look at this thread and maybe
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=60414Stil who's still very much with us will no doubt have something to say.
Here are the things that people have raised that you should get clarification on before accepting the job, (or since it seems you have accepted the job taking things any further).
-Make sure you have your own room from night 1.
-Make sure they agree in the contract to pay for the medical in China. (it's not hugely expensive, but it's a principle).
-(Most importantly) Make sure that you're entering the country on a Z visa. if they try to get you to enter on a tourist visa and change it to a Z visa, flat out refuse.
If only a fraction of what is alleged here is still true, this school should be red-flagged.
I can't stress enough though that 5 years is a long time. They may very well have changed for the better.
A look at the contract may be helpful. There's a section on the forum for that.