Job Discussion Forums

[tin man]

Advice needed: I was in China a few years ago teaching and now back in the US. I recently got an above average HS teaching offer but my visa is getting lost in translation:

1. I was told my application for working permission was REJECTED! I asked for clarification and long story short the "agent" in China has now approved it and I am suppose to have the approval on 8.15 which I guess should be taken to the embassy for the Z. This is a relatively new organization but they did pay an agent in the US several hundred dollars to take care of the authentication.

2. Because the offer was well above average I didn't research the area all that well at first. Stupid me. Now I note that it has subpar air quality (Jinan). I am thinking I can handle a 10 month contract with possibly a mask and air cleaner but I have some concerns.

I have work options in the US so I really don't need to return to China. I enjoy teaching and have an interest in going expat. Perhaps relocating to a cleaner air city after my contract. However, are these red flags? Any idea how long it may take to get the Z once I visit the embassy?

Again, this is a new company affiliated with a HS. They offered to pay my plane ticket and provide a brand new apartment and money does not seem to be a big concern. They said they hired one other FT so I want to check with her when she arrives shortly and ask for her contact info. Any thoughts or advice appreciated.

[huoguojiggae2017]

It takes about a week at the consulate to get your Z visa. Then you can go.

As for the Jinan job, that's the gamble we all take. Unless you get lucky, you most likely will have to use the first school as a stepping stone to a better one.

When they say "new apartment", usually what they mean is the buildings have been renovated. They are not completely new.

[rogerwilco]

[tin man]

So many bad reports about working in China. I too had some bad experiences when I worked before ranging from dealing with misfit foreigners to bad air quality, crappy apartments, etc. However, I do enjoy the kids and the low cost of living plus the ability to save without too much financial stress or working hours.

I am worried about the AQI (air index) in Jinan and have another opportunity in the US. Plus at 58 I don't think that I can teach more than 2 years so then my options would be limited anyway.

For some crazy reason, I think these guys are different (better). I may ask to change the agreement to a short-term contract which would give the school time to find a replacement. I want to do the good karma thing.

[steph3k]

I worked in Jinan for a year. Aside from the air, the street noise level is pretty high. People honk at everything.

But the living is cheap. Newer apartments in tall buildings are cheap, there is a lot of street food, and markets are cheap. I kind of miss it.

Get a mask for the bad days. If the offer is good, you will be able to save up a lot of money living in Jinan.

[tin man]

[voyagerksa]

3M makes masks that are good.