Job Discussion Forums

jaybet3 · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: Indonesia

I'm about to sign a contract for my 1st job in China. I'm okay with the salary and hours. I had a conversation with the teacher who is leaving the job and his input made me very comfortable with taking the job.

Then the contract came. I asked for some changes and was told that this was their standard contract. Sign it or not. I have no idea if the recruiter is legit or whether the school where they are sending me is registered to hire foreign teachers. There's also a section of the contract about how certain months are "paid by days."

The recruiter has told me in emails and chats that I will be paid for public holidays but not winter holiday. Is that common not to be paid for the winter holiday period.

They have also told me that they will arrange airport pickup, pay for hotel, pay for Z visa, etc. but this is not mentioned in the contract.

So, it comes down to a leap of faith. Do I trust that the recruiter will deliver on their promises even though I think the contract is a bit vague?

Do I wait for another job and then find myself in the same situation regarding another contract and recruiter.

Speaking with the present teacher gives me the most confidence, but I'm still a bit hesitant.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

adventious · Joined: 23 Nov 2015 Posts: 237 Location: In the wide

jaybet3 · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: Indonesia

The job is in a middle school in Chengdu. The hours of work and number of classes is stated in the contract. The contract also states the company will pay all the visa fees in China. Then lists visa fee include: L and F visa extension, resident permit fee. It doesn't mention the Z visa. Maybe because I get that before I get to China?

Also. I was told I am not paid during the winter break. Is this a normal part of working in a public school in China.

And yes, I do take risks but always do my research first.

Thanks, adventious.

SH_Panda · Joined: 31 May 2011 Posts: 455

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

adventious · Joined: 23 Nov 2015 Posts: 237 Location: In the wide

jaybet3 · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: Indonesia

Thanks for the input so far.

The recruiter has said they will send me the working permit and visa notice paper to where I live. Then I go to the Chinese embassy and get the Z visa. The company expects me to pay for the Z visa. The company will pay for any visa fees in China. Sound normal?

It's the non-paid holidays that are a deal breaker for me. I just confirmed with the current teacher and he is not paid for holidays. So, the recruiter isn't telling me the truth.

If I can get them to amend the Appendix and remove one sentence I would be happy. So, that's my plan today.

BTW: I agree with one comment that I should take the contract cuz of my age and then find a better job for the next contract since I will be in country.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

Medak1 · Joined: 23 Feb 2016 Posts: 5

Getting a job in China is relatively easy. You just need to be here for the interviews. Choose almost any tier 1 city and you are bound to land a job. The worst case scenario is that you will have to extend your tourist visa for additional month while your permits get sorted. No need for the recruiters at all. Do it all by yourself. There are so many job posts for China on a daily basis that is almost hard not to find a good job.

And, yes, some public schools DO NOT pay for your winter/summer holidays but you can easily find part-time jobs to fill up your schedule.

Good luck!

jaybet3 · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: Indonesia

Medak1,

Where do you find these job postings? I've filtered out about 10 scam websites and am left with only a few choices.

I thought about doing the rounds myself, but I'd feel more comfortable with a job first and then do that for my next contract.

adventious · Joined: 23 Nov 2015 Posts: 237 Location: In the wide

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

jaybet3 · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: Indonesia

The other FT said the company supplied a proper Z visa.

He's leaving for personal reasons and has to go back home. Unless he was a tremendous actor, he sounded like he really liked the job and didn't want to leave.

He also confirmed that he receives no holiday pay because he missed that part of the contract.

I started working with other recruiters who seem far more professional.

I'm giving this company a pass unless I'm desperate.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

"Unless he was a tremendous actor, he sounded like he really liked the job and didn't want to leave."
-It's a possibility. Schools and recruiters have been known to have a clown who will talk up a bad position.

-The statement to "sign it or not" is more than enough reason to pass these fools even in the event you become desperate, which with any effort, you will certainly not. China is desperate for teachers and such an attitude is simply not logical for a legitimate employer to take.