Job Discussion Forums

fred23 · Joined: 23 Nov 2010 Posts: 10 Location: IRL

Hi guys,

I'd appreciate a little help if possible.

I'm planning on going to SE Asia in a few months to do some travelling and hopefully some teaching. Later (or if it doesn't work out there), I would like to head to China. I would don't want to have to go back to my home country to gather documents etc, if possible.

So what do I need? Is it basically the same as in Korea? (where I've been for 2 years)

Degree (apostilled)
Transcripts
Criminal record check

Is there anything else? Should I apply for jobs while I'm in SE Asia or can I go in country and search?

I don't know if I was dreaming but I thought I heard something before about only being able to obtain a visa from the embassy in your home country, any truth in this?

Any input greatly appreciated.

doogsville · Joined: 17 Nov 2011 Posts: 924 Location: China

You don't, for the time being, need the criminal record check. You'll need the originals of your degree, and TEFL/CELTA/WHATEVER certificate and an up to date resume. I don't know what transcripts are, so I can't help you there.

The requirement to get your z visa in your home country is a bit misleading I sometimes think. It's not so much that you have to be in your home country, as much as it's not possible to get it on the mainland. Which makes sense really, since if your here already you don't need a visa. It's more a question of not being able to convert a tourist or other visa into a resident permit and or a work permit.

I know of at least one American who got his Z visa in the Philippines, because that's where he was when he applied for the job. I've read of other people who've got z visas while in S. Korea and Japan, because that's where they were. I think you can get it anywhere as long as there's a Chinese embassy or consulate there and you have the necessary documents from your school.

I could be wrong mind you. It wouldn't be the first time, so always double and triple check. Probably best to try and get the info from the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you right now.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

GeminiTiger · Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:28 am Post subject:

If you want to work in inner Mongolia you need a criminal record check and it certainly would not hurt to bring more documents than you think you might need. For example some provinces/schools ask for original degrees.
(Those things in frames back home)..

Burke · Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Posts: 42 Location: Beijing

First and foremost bring a large jar of Vaseline if you are using, or plan to use an agent. Here's 10 reasons you should avoid them like the plague! http://www.cleverchinacheaters.com/2012/09/10-reasons-why-you-should-never-use.html One really bad experience was enough for me (identity theft). Now I blocked their numbers and emails.

I have been here a few years and if you are white and from the U.S., Canada, or the U.K. most schools will not ask you for much more than a copy of your passport and visa. Only once in 3 years did anyone ever ask to see my diploma. Nobody ever asked me for my transcripts.

Universities are the least likely to cheat you, but they also pay the least - but usually give you free housing. I highly suggest you come here with a Z visa and also suggest you read the tips posted at www.ChinaScamBusters.org and hook up with some other foreign teachers as soon as you get here. But be advised the pay here really sucks compared to Dubai, Qatar, Sweden, etc. Here's an article I found way too late for me. http://www.zimbio.com/Beijing+China/articles/CWDbD8FdBB9/China+Foreign+Teachers+Say+Low+Salaries+Insulting

As soon as my Chinese fiancee graduates from graduate school, I plan to get the hell out of here.