Aston 1 in Xi'an

Aston English School has by now I believe 5 locations in Xi'an. I taught at Aston 1 which is on East Street in the center of Xi'an inside the wall. I shared an apartment within walking distance of the school. There was a great mixture of western amenities (Walmart, McDonald's, Starbucks) within a very Chinese city. The city is beautiful but dirty and with poor air quality most of the time. However, once you venture beyond the main locale, it is a beautiful part of China, nestled in the Qing Ling mountains. The school itself could use an overhaul in terms of cleanliness and functionality but the staff are helpful and accommodating. I had no major issues with my apartment, one of the few with central heating. Aston pays on time and does not try to get teachers to work overtime or against their contract, a rarity in China or so I am told. Although I don't believe I'll go back to teaching children, if I do I would choose Aston again.