Job Discussion Forums

FlyingBobby · Joined: 02 Jun 2016 Posts: 7

I have been trying to get a teaching job in Lishui China. It will be my first teaching position. The school really wants me to work for them. My background check did not come back with "no record found". The stuff on it is 8 to 15 years old, and very minor. Dumb choices while in college. They suggested that I come and work on a tourist visa. The school said that they will have more time to deal with it once I am there. Everything i have read warns against this. Does anyone have any experience or input for me about this.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

Do you have enough funds to fly back home or stay in a third country for a while if things go south, and until you are able to secure a new income stream? Of course they really want you- with your lack of experience and minor criminal (?) record. What employer wouldn't? Think of it from that point of view - that should be a giant red flag. If you don't have permission to work, it will be difficult to hold an employer to their promise to employ you if someone better comes along or they just don't like something about you. (difficult = best case scenario here)

Remember this: if you are caught teaching on the wrong visa, you don't get any points for the fact that your school told you it was ok. They may also get into trouble or they might not. Separate issues to the authorities. If you are caught, you may be asked to leave within 10 days. If you don't have funds ready to return home, you may be held until those funds appear from your family or friends.

There are people working without papers in China now. You may not be caught or you may be caught and your employer may have some pull somewhere and may use that pull to keep you there for some hard to fathom reason. Or it could be another 'dumb choice'.

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

Give up. If your criminal record came back with bad news, you won't find a better life in China.

Beware of prospective employers who advise you to come on a tourist visa. They won't be able to change it to a Z visa if you were refused a visa by your local consulate.

The reason for the tightening of visa rules is to keep out the criminal element and to attract qualified teachers.

Sorry for the bad news.

How's the employment at home?

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

It's an all round bad deal as commented on by the above two vets. One could add going to jail and paying a large fine etc.

A few options for you.

You could look for a jurisdiction in China that does not require a background check. Though you still will not meet the likely requirement for two years experience.

You could look at another country where the current requirements are not so strict.

You could move to a county with adequate Internet and a low cost of living and teach online.

Just food for thought. But to go on a tourist visa is an absolute non-option these days.

Safe travels!

FlyingBobby · Joined: 02 Jun 2016 Posts: 7

Well I thank you all for the input.
I will not go to China with anything but a valid z visa.
Do any of you know which provinces do not require the background check.
I am also considering teaching in Japan. What do you think my chances are there?
I can easily get a job back here in the states. I voluntarily left my job despite them begging me to stay. I want to grow as a person and really would love to do that with an experience like living and teaching abroad.

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

If everything on your record is minor and old you could contact someone about getting it cleared and try the check again.