Job Discussion Forums

[Non Sequitur]

Here's a link to another current Dave's thread.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=95464
Reinforces the potential problems with the tourist visa route.

[Shroob]

My employer said I should have a medical done in the UK, which I did (I found a great GP who did everything for �25). Then when I got to China they said that my UK medical was all in order and I wouldn't need one in China. I've got my RP and FEC so as far as I know all is well.

[Non Sequitur]

If you take your home country chest X ray films with you, the Chinese may accept these. Means you don't get zapped twice and it can save your employer money - assuming they're picking up the tab, which is the normal situation in my exp.

[tommysand]

[tommysand]

Thank you all for your helpful responses. Good news, the uni is now ok with sending me a signed contract as soon as the letter of invitation is processed their end and I apply for my Z-VISA here. I realise this may not be worth the paper its printed on, but makes me feel much happier that I'm not flying over blind.

In case anyone is wondering, it seems some provinces insist on a medical being done in the country of origin before issuing a letter of invitation, Chongqing (where I am going) being one of them.

[GHammer]

Thanks for the information and GOOD LUCK Tommysand! I hope everything goes well for you.

As for the OP ... I have never used a recruiter in over two years of teaching in China. I have only had 3 different jobs and currently work for an International school in Guangdong which has been very good to me (this is the job I wish I had when I first came to China)!

The one time I came close to using a recruiter was when left my job in Guangxi at the end of my contract. I contacted a recruiter (Preston) at Angelina's and he was very reliable, cordial and professional. I didn't end up using him or Angelina's and I have since learned that Preston has left Angelina's and --I believe-- moved back to his home country.

IMO, recruiters aren't needed if you do your own homework thoroughly, but in a pinch, I would probably trust Angelina's (with the caveat that recruiters are like teachers AND bosses ... it ALL depends on the individual you get).

Just my $ .02

--G

[mnguy29]

I would never use recruiters again. I had nothing but bad experiences with them when I was new at all this about four years ago. They work on "commission" and are generally not trustworthy. As someone else has mentioned, do the searching yourself and find contact information to direct apply.

[amemorylost]

Recruiters are a tool. They put you in contact with universities. Beyond that, you're on your own, and expecting anything more than that is setting yourself for disaster. That said, Angelinas found me the job I've been with for the last three years, and it's great. Having said that, they keep terrible records and keep sending me emails asking if I'm looking for work in spite of my periodic updates.

I would also say that not being put in touch directly with the previous foreign teacher is a red flag for me. You mentioned an email, but presumably if it was his/hers then you'd be able to set this up yourself? Google has the video feature, or you could find him/her on a social network.

The rest is fine: I also had a medical check (my GP filled out a form, sent me for a chest x-ray the same day by recommending I experience sudden chest-pain etc), got the letter of invitation and came on a Z-Visa, then did the charade that is the medical exam in China.

[Gringo Greg]

I got my current position through Angelina's and I'm happy with it.

[tommysand]

Thanks all. Managed to speak via skype to a different and real foreign teacher, all seems good. My letter of invitation is being processed now.