Job Discussion Forums

[isosceleswheel]

I am a college student, male, off for the past two semesters (one spent in SE Asia), currently getting a TEFL (Bridge Linguatec, online) and working in the US. I am learning Chinese with Rosetta Stone software. I am interested in heading to China for a 6-12 mo. job upon completion of the TEFL (start Aug-Oct) I have music teaching experience (piano) and have tutored in English composition and Mathematics through college. I understand that I am not up to most officially recognized work requirements, and also that there are hundreds (thousands?) of people working there with similar qualifications or fewer without a problem. Although it offends the finer taste of some of the career teachers here, I will undauntedly admit that I am primarily interested in an adventure, short term work, and continuing to work on my Chinese. I will settle for compromises (less flexibility in classroom, minimal perks like spacious living and healthcare -although I want internet- and a paycheck that leaves little room for savings). My questions:

1.) Would I have significantly better chances getting work if I first GO to China?

2.) If I go as a tourist/traveller and then land a job what do I do about residence permits/visas?

3.) On Beijing and Shanghai specifically: if I come with resources to stay 1-1.5 months what are my chances of getting work in the big cities?

4.) Considering my qualifications, what kind of salary and benefits will I be in the market for, considering I am willing to travel to China for up to 1.5 months prior to working and put some time into shopping around?

I realize that I have probably left out many important finer points, so please feel free to pull this post appart, share personal stories and of course offer advice. Thanks

[Bayden]

It's called the 'search' function.

[grwit]

1.) Would I have significantly better chances getting work if I first GO to China?

A. Look for a job on the ESL websites before you come to china. Try to land a contract that will answer some of your later questions.

2.) If I go as a tourist/traveller and then land a job what do I do about residence permits/visas?

A. As far as I know they will NOT give a res permit if you only have L (holiday) Visa. You need a Z (working) visa to get a res permit. The college/school may be able to change your visa from holiday to working once you arrive but this is not always the case. This is why you need to contact an employer before you come to find out if they can change visas for you.

3.) On Beijing and Shanghai specifically: if I come with resources to stay 1-1.5 months what are my chances of getting work in the big cities?

A. Chances of work are pretty good in the big cities. Plenty of schools = plenty of opportunities.

4.) Considering my qualifications, what kind of salary and benefits will I be in the market for, considering I am willing to travel to China for up to 1.5 months prior to working and put some time into shopping around?

A. Standard contract should include 4000RMB/month, free accomodation with computer and internet, and free medical.

[KES]

Get a job and invitation letter first. Get a Z visa first. Especially in big cities.

The days of strolling in on a tourist visa and having it converted to a work visa are pretty much gone.

[Calories]

I got a residence permit on an L visa. It's possible in Jiangsu.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

Yeah, jobs in Shanghai or Beijing won't be hard to find. I'd try to find something before going, there'd be less headache that way. Just be sure you do your homework first.

You're not going to finish your degree first? Do you plan to stay in China and study at a university there?

[prof]

[lollercauster]

Just because they're a common occurrence doesn't change the fact that it would still be a compromise for him.

[kerrilee]

To get a z visa I think you need a degree and 2 years experience in many places. Some people come on an L and change to F, which may be the only way you can come with no degree.

[prof]