Job Discussion Forums

Ozone · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 27 Location: Denmark

Hi,

I'm a American going to China for a month to teach at a summer school...everything is arranged (homestay, meals, salary etc) but I'm feeling a little wary now as the school just switched from needing 10 teachers to only needing three...luckily they still want me, but....

Say I land in China and I suddenly have no job or homestay? I have a non-refundable ticket (I could probably change the dates) AND I've sublet my apartment for the month. Is it easy/difficult/impossible to find work (I have two years experience and a TEFL certificate) and/or a place to stay? A place to stay is the most important--I can't afford to live in hotels, and I wouldn't mind teaching a few hours every day in exchange for lodgings. I could spend my days exploring (never been to Asia before).

Any encouraging words? Thanks.

davis · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2003 12:27 am Post subject:

You can probably find something depending on where you're at in China and when you plan on arriving. Many summer programs are beginning soon and you can always check out the ads in www.thatsmagazine.com

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

As long as you have a employer and visa pre-arranged before arrival, yes. If not, forget it and get out!

AKA · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 184 Location: China

...despite the fact that thousands are working here illegally, and everwhere else in the world, without the slightest problem.
In reality, trying to obey the law is more likely to cause you bother than ignoring the law.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Ozone,
since you are heading for Guangdong province, you can rest assured that you won't fall on hard times, although you must not expect to be working and be housed from day one.
In Shenzhen, there are a number of training centres; maybe Peter gives us the lowdown here.
A much better place is Guangzhou, 150 kms to the north. You can bed down in a dorm of the Youth Hostel on Shamian Island (around 60 kuai per night) initially.
As for employment, I have answered that on a different thread. In your case, however, I doubt you are going to be working legally; thus you must keep a low profile.
The employment situation is unpredictable. Schools hastily create some subject/programme, advertise it, and if they have the requisite number of enrollments, they start hiring. Most of the time they can't find an expat for the first day or first week! When they do spot a Westerner, they literally jump on him, not bothering about credentials. There are many mismatches.
Just last night at 10:30, an adult training centre called to confirm hiring me. We had only been in touch by phone, never been to that place, never seen the hiring person, nor the materials I am supposed to be using! Imagine how you are going to be prepared for your first class on a Tuesday evening? But this is the norm here!
Another school hired me for ten days! Initially, they wanted me to work afternoons. I agreed. Next day, I was handed a piece of paper with a Chinese instruction that said that my class begins on Wednesday, in the morning.
Make yourself available, and seize any opportunity - there are plenty that will drop you like a hot potato!

Ozone · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 27 Location: Denmark

Thanks for the info and the tips, everyone. I just talked to the school that hired me and I'm feeling more confident about them now, but if it still doesn't work out then I think I'll head up to Guangzhou like you suggest, Roger.

David Bowles · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 249

If all else fails, you probably can live in hotels...in the west (Yunnan especially), you get 10 yuan dorm beds- you could live on not much more than 2 or 3 US$ per day. I don't actually know how many yuan to the $, but hey...

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

AKA · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 184 Location: China

I see that Bertrand likes to talk about logic, yet uses weak analogies to illustrate his "arguments". Where did he major in philosophy?
I'm being pragmatic with my suggestions, as was Roger. Interestingly, you didn't take him on.
If you have really worked in China, have you never changed money "illegally", done a side job unofficially, or maybe bought some dope?

Were you a prefect at school Bertrand" [you'd HAVE to be English!]

Jestfully Yours.

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

...but I do second Bertrand RE legality issues here! While I never change my RMB into HK-dollars or euros at the BOC, I do not condone working illegally, getting housed illegally and so on. As for changing money, I simply take the bus to Shenzhen and cross the border into HK. And, working illegally in China, while being done 'by thousands' (probably true), is done at your own risk!
Just because your boss does not care about legal provisions does not mean he will be nice to you when it's time to collect your last pay and your bonus...before taking a flight to another country. Being complicit in crime exposes you to machinations of criminally-powerful entrepreneurs. If they get away with breaking their own laws, they also get away with breaking rules stipulated in your contract!
This is why I made a wry hint at Ozone's situation of being a homesteader! That too is not legal - the police need to be informed of where foreign nationals are being housed! ANd giving gifts to bosses just smacks of buying one's favours!
Be careful, Ozone!

AKA · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 184 Location: China

So it seems some legalities can be ignored because it's convenient, safe or whatever. I would never recommend someone come here with the express purpose of working illegally, though there are advantages if that person knows what they're doing. In the originator of this thread's case however, it was more the possibility of finding herself [?] marooned here for some time, and the question was, how could she house and support herself. So, I'm not advocating massive civil disobedience in this regard. You gents are sending mixed messages though.

Why were you only prefect for a short time, Bertrand? If you were a fish, you would have been on the dinner table long ago.
I'm glad you find me puerile. Annoying, with the potential to enrage too, I dare say.
What ho!

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

AKA · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 184 Location: China

Bertrand, have you always been pompous? If you want to correct grammar and spelling in your spare time, then this forum's the place for you. Of course, a glance through your catelog might find the odd solecism...you'd pass them off as "typos" though - I suspect that's your style. Most people are more interested in substance however, which is where you might fall down. Some even become quite aggressive when others nit pick in order to avoid the topic at hand.
Your contempt for those on this forum is obvious. I've only being attempting to draw it out. A very easy thing to do.
As for your personal insults, which seem to rely on how much one earns, I'm not really interested in your perception of success. However, 10,000 a month for 16 hours a week suits me fine.

"Prefect", with or without A determiner: touchy subject, hey? What did the other boys call you?