Job Discussion Forums

[canadiangirl14]

I think I'm going to accept the one job offer I have received. The only problem is that the company will only cover up to 850$US for my flight. I've been looking around the internet and the cheapest fare I've found for a round trip flight to Beijing so far is 1500$. Plus thats from Vancouver,BC and I live in Saskatchewan, so its gonna cost me around another 300$CDN just to get to Vancouver. I sure hope someone knows of some cheaper flights to China. I'm thinking I'd be better off with a one way trip since I'll be in China for a year, am I right or not? I'd appreciate any help with this problem whatsoever.

[enigma]

Forgive me if this is wrong, but I don't think you're allowed to go to China with a one-way ticket from Canada. (Sorry, I don't remember who it is who cares...) But you should be able to get a ticket with open-ended return. Mine (from Vancouver) is costing about the same as yours.

[M3tt]

Try http://www.flychina.com, they usually have the best overall deals. They may be a LITTLE higher than some services but on average they're the best bet.

Also, look into the possibility of leaving from Chicago, Detroit, or one of the other US hubs closer to you.

[M3tt]

P.S.
The return ticket rule did change a while back for the US, not sure about Canada. I've flown back and forth about a dozen times so far and always get a one-way ticket. US travel agents may tell you that you must buy a RT but if they do they are still following the old rules China made when they were not as open to the west.

[MyTurnNow]

Try http://www.airbrokers.com
Look for a lady named Kristina Ketelson.

MT

[Bertrand]

If they don't pay the fare, don't play the game. There is no shortage of employers in the PRC. Just go to another one who will pay. Like I say, I know people who have arranged business class seats because the employers are so desperate for teachers. Ask for a nice little cherry on top, too.

[Roger]

850 US dollars refund is a fairly nice arrangement, especially if you stay for a short while. Many who work here for one year don't get mnore than 5000 RMB (in my case, always a lump sum).
Accept your job if pay and other conditions suit you; you might very well be promised much better compensation - but action speaks louder than promises!
I also suggest you discuss with your employer to prorate your ticket refund during your period of employment! If it is two months, get 50% of the ticket price with each salary!

[Klamm]

They'll pay your ticket! It's very typical for schools in China to play this game (we'll pay roundtrip airfare up to $500!). BS. Tell them you looked around and this is the best you could find. They have access to internet: if they can find a better rate, great, otherwise tell them the best price you could find. Say: "Ok, I looked around and 1100US or whatever is the best I could find. I'll need you to reimburse this to me if you'd like me to come. I'll have the receipt for you (and be sure to keep it!)" They'll feed you some lines and then after awhile they'll 9 out of 10 times come around and agree to pay it. If not, move on (and when you move on you might find they become interested in you later...). Many jobs available, especially now during the summer.

Roger's idea to get it prorated is a good one. Thinking if you agree to less now they might give you more later on is not a good idea. They won't 9.9 out of 10 times. Why should they? If they're sticking to a flight reimbursement that is obviously too low for this time of year, why would they turn around and suddenly, at some point -now that they have you there- decide to just give you more money? And then all the other foreign teachers? Come on, really, not in this world. Maybe in a far away socialist dream world but not now.

Good luck. Lots of opportunities. Take your time and push (be sure you do this nice and politely) while you're abroad. The market's yours. Most of these employers will take any breathing body that can speak english ever so slightly or at least look like they might be able to speak it. If you have more to offer, great; don't sell yourself short.

[kimo]

In the U.S., there are often Travel Agencies owned by Chinese. Look in your city or other big cities in Canada. They often can hook you up with lower fares than other agencies.

Also, I don't know what school you are looking at, but you said it was your only offer. I am not sure what to make of that. Does that mean you have not been accepted by your other choices? Some of the advice above might not be the best for your situation. You have the right to ask for more, but I suggest you take a business tact and do it explaining why it is in the employer's interest to pay more to get you there. But I guarantee you that not all employers here in China are wanting for teachers. Some receive hundreds of eager applicants for their positions. Look at your situation carefully. They have budgets and they will stick to their budgets. Your 7,000RMB plus (USD850) isn't unfair. Roger manages only 5,000. As he says prorated payments are more secure for both parties.

[arioch36]

As kimo said, there are some great (cheap, that is) Chinese run travel agencies. Easiest way is to ask some Chinese students at the biggest university near you. fly china is okay, but the NYCity Chinese travel agents gave even better deals. Ask this question a week from now, or PM me, and at the end of the week I will probably have some current companies.

[stevey]

anyone got any good place for cheapo tickets frm ENGLAND to China???

[dandan]

Just slip 'em a couple of melons, you'll be fine, mate.

[Klamm]

Just to keep things straight:

The employers in China receive hundreds of applications on the net: that's true. But a huge percentage of those applicants do not have degrees, are from non-native speaking countries and so forth. Huge. Like nearly all. So if you don't have a four year degree or are from a non-native English speaking country, then yes, you have competition. Otherwise, bargain hard. Make them aware of what you offer. When you ask for more, make them aware of your quals. You're native, have a degree, excellent. You're more qualified than fifty percent of the teachers in China (seriously). There were schools in Guangzhou that had alcoholic-no-degree holders -even nearly totally deaf teachers (in one case -and i feel bad on that account)!!! Offered 5,000 Rmb a month! Bargain hard. They are desperate here. They'll put on that they are not, but don't be a fool if you're worth your weight in salt to them at all! They're doing what they can to keep salary and conditions down for foreigners as the boom is here. Don't let them pull the wool over your eyes. Help yourself and everyone out.

Ok. Late enough now. Good luck. Sleepy, sleepy....Klamm.

[beerdang]