Job Discussion Forums

Exp_China · Joined: 11 May 2012 Posts: 18

From only being a 6 month break from my work in the UK it turned into two years of teaching in China, which has been an amazing experience, making many friends and travelled around to many parts of this country. I'll have many happy memories to take back Smile

The one downside has been contract issues with the headmaster. Maybe she knew I was not legal all along, that I have no case for following the contract. But i'm still quite young, and I've learnt quite a lot.

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

Exp_China · Joined: 11 May 2012 Posts: 18

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

Exp_China · Joined: 11 May 2012 Posts: 18

To the above post, for the 1st question, the contract is more simple and dosen't mention "pay is pro-rated at 1/30th of one month's salary." It just mentions that I should get paid for 11 months from start to the finish date. I did not mention this because I was more concerned about my flight reimbursement situation.

Going on to the second question of the reimbursement then, does anyone think this part of the contract is valid or not?

III. Other Terms

1. If Party A cancels the contract under the conditions stated in the Contract, Party A will not pay the round-way plane ticket reimbursement and traveling allowance for Party B.

If it is valid, all I can do is tell somebody higher up about what has happened. I've already told the government dealing with foreign affairs and they told the school to pay/solve it, but i've heard nothing since. But due to some circumstances I don't seem to have much stand on this now. Any, at least I've learnt a few things from the advice I got here. Thanks.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Since you've obviously accepted the situation, here's the best answer to your question "what can I do about it?"

Nothing. Foreigners have no rights here. SAFEA is an advertisement to make us THINK we've got some recourse if there is a contract dispute. We don't.

Exp_China · Joined: 11 May 2012 Posts: 18

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

1. I would name and shame them. If there is a record of them on the internet, and teachers check up on the school, it will be exceedingly harder for them to find new teachers in the future.

2. I'd have called the Beijing PSB and tell them that a school has illegally invited a foreigner to China then stranded him here by not paying for his flight home. Or at least tell your school that is what you intend to you. Not saying you're weak but... certainly not strong enough.

Exp_China · Joined: 11 May 2012 Posts: 18

It seems like I am ok to work in China now! They said at the start they applied for a VISA using my Chinese card (Wu Xiang Jing) I think thats how you pronounce it in Chinese (Its a different process). They never even mentioned this to me, until I asked the administrators about it!

The school itself is actually quite friendly, I've had no problems until I mentioned reimbursement. But as i've said before It's the management (1 person) thats bad not the people working there.

Considering this is the 1st problem I've had since teaching 2 years ago, it's not bad, but I've learnt a lesson if I ever go back to teaching again to either ask for ticket or to state in the contract more clearly of all unclear details.

I guess thats it, unless I don't get paid what I'm owed in 2 weeks time, but I'm pretty sure this has been settled now. Thanks for all the advice, this site has plenty of activity and it's been great Very Happy