Job Discussion Forums

[dlecorchick]

Hello and thanks for any information.

My wife and I both have our MBA’s and I am all but dissertation regarding an Education Doctorate. We are currently vacationing in Costa Rica and have wanted to teach in China for a while. Could someone pass along some information regarding:

Can we obtain our Z-visas here in Costa Rica without flying back to the USA (some kind of visa service etc…)?

There are so many posts saying that recruiters are not suggested but how do we start contacting schools with openings?

If one of us secures employment, will a Z visa be issued to the other one?

We have two sons, ages 6 and 3, what visas will be issued to them?

Thanks all!

Doug

[johntpartee]

There's a Chinese Embassy in Costa Rica. They'll be able to answer your visa questions.

[tangal]

[Toast]

Will you both be working?

If one is coming just as a dependent spouse you'll likely need to get your marriage certificate authenticated by the Chinese Embassy in the country you were married.

Someone (or the embassy) may be able to clarify better, but there may be similar requirements re: your children's birth certificates.

[doogsville]

Were I you, I would definitely be looking at Hong Kong. I think your kids will have a much, easier time in Hong Kong than on the mainland too.

[Toast]

^ .... +1

[dlecorchick]

Thanks. I'm looking into Hong Kong right now.

The embassy here says they cannot do anything with Americans wanting to go to China. Only CR, Nicas, and Hondurans can go through the embassy here.

[johntpartee]

So much the better. You can go to Hong Kong visa-less for 90 days.

[dlecorchick]

Not sure what advantages Hong Kong has in my/our situation.

I've received a few emails about teaching at Universities in China but the salary is around 5,500 RMB.

[johntpartee]

In the "rural" areas, that's pretty good (assuming it's in the 20 hours per week range plus standard perks [apartment, airfare reimbursement, travel allowance, etc]).

[dlecorchick]

This is the school. Yes, accommodations and air fair are included. No mention of travel allowance.

What do you think?

Shenyang Institute of Engineering

[johntpartee]

I'm not familiar with that area, so I don't know about the COL; from what I'm seeing on Google (just a quick glance at the general area), it looks like an out-of-the-way place. Probably a decent salary.

Travel allowance (or lack of same) is not a deal breaker (for me, anyway).

[dlecorchick]

Thanks!

Anyone working for a university with one or two opening feel free to pm me.

We are in Costa Rica for the time being and really don't want to fly back to the states to secure our visas. Can you guys recommend a service that handles that?

[johntpartee]

Perhaps you should be aware that when you accept an offer from a school, they will send you an invitation letter. The letter will state at which Embassy you will apply for the Z visa. Since you can't do it in Costa Rica, your desire not to return to the US may be moot, unless you want to go to Hong Kong (or Mexico City or.....) to apply.

[doogsville]

The main advantage of Hong Kong is that you will be living in the developed, rather than the developing world. Hong Kong to me is everything China could be, when it sorts itself out. Don't get me wrong, I live on the mainland and I'm quite happy here, but if I still had young children I would choose Hong Kong in a heartbeat given the choice. You'll still be in China, but you will have the advantage of a better education system, medical care, law and order and things like uncensored Internet access.

Your qualifications will also be recognised and rewarded in a way that is not as likely should you take a job on the mainland, unless you find a job in an international school or possibly a top tier university. You'll also have the option of travelling to the mainland as tourists during the holidays to check it out.