Job Discussion Forums

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

I was told I can't even get housing on my own because I told them regardless of allowance or not, I want to live off campus because I have a family and cannot put all of us in a one room hotel room. So the option isn't being allowed, which gives me pause if they do this for housing what else will be adjusted as well.

The location is Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province. I have spoke with teachers who have served around that area and never have ran into this. The other issue is involves the lack of background on the school, some older posts from 2004 but nothing recent.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

You're bringing a family and they won't allow you to move into larger housing if you pay for it?

Run.

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

Well I told them the American Services Section of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing confirms this is false as well and have not heard of foreign teachers being confined to campus housing.

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

Dude, sooner or later you have to throw a bit of caution to the wind and either take the job or move on. Analyzing every word and clause in a contract with a microscope isn't going to get you far in this country and you'll just get bounced in favour of someone else. Since you've got a large family I think looking at other locations might be a better option for you but I fear you're going to be faced with the same kind of uncertainties and vagaries in contracts pretty much anywhere.

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

I haven't been being picky in the contracts but I am not going to get screwed before I even get there. They were the one's coming back to me and trying to tell me the police are making the decision and it's a lie. If you think someone should just sign these contracts without thinking them through, that's just plain stupid.

My general feeling is that all of the Chinese I have dealt with so far are willing to lie about pretty much everything just to get you there. That doesn't bode well for them or their schools and probably what will happen once I am there. I am not going to drag my family there just to be messed over.

I just gave updates so others who haven't any experience can see and learn.

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

No, I don't think he was telling you to just sign and get on with it. More like he was suggesting that you pass on that school, but keep in mind that with every school there will be some issues.

Some of those issues might make you crazy, like not knowing exactly when the holidays are, and the whole thing about holiday makeup classes is hard to follow, even after years in country. There will be last minute invitations, changes, and paperwork that could be frustrating. Issues of cleanliness and maintenance are viewed differently in China. You have a large family. You might have to take two cabs whenever you go anywhere.

The courses you teach might not have textbooks, or the texts might be lousy. You might not be told that a midterm exam is required until it's almost time for the final. Your contract might state that English Corner is required, without saying how often. Ah, the list goes on...

You really can't iron out every single detail beforehand, but the housing issue, that's a biggie, so I agree that you need to get that one settled for certain.

.

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

That was my point and I agree, there will be issues no different than even in the United States, but the major ones need to be ironed out first. It is just amazing on how they will double down on a lie when they get called out on it.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

GeminiTiger · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 8:16 am Post subject:

China 101:

In the city where the school is, where they are required to work with the local police (PSB) on everything, the local police may in fact require you to live at school, or at least some dude with rank said so. It does not have to be national policy. Nothing is a national policy here.

Lesson: Wake up and smell the green tea. The school told you the police wants you to live at the school. This means you either accept what they say or you move on. Don't argue with them about it, that is futile as hell.

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

I haven't changed my position, it is just the school and recruiter are repeatedly contacting me and say they want me, but won't budge on the issue.

Subsequently the recruiter did sort of give a hint of who is actually pushing this, because in an email the recruiter stated the university "prefers" their teachers to live on campus, but soon changed their tune to be more inline with the university after that conversation.

What I don't get is I stated to them my desires and if that isn't met then I am moving on. They are the ones that keep coming back. I am sorry but I am not putting my wife and four children in one or two room apartment. They know this and why it is ridiculous.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I've had 4 or five 2br uni apartments over the years and none would be suitable for the OP's situation.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Have a look at this if you haven't already.
None with your family size but a PM or 2 might be worthwhile.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=90518&highlight=family+children

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

kungfuman · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 4:28 am Post subject: Re: Housing in Contract