Job Discussion Forums

[brsmith15]

Nathan,

Would you care to tell us the name of the school? This might help others at some point.

Understandable if you pass on this.

Good luck and ignore the nay-sayers.

[NathanRahl]

I can not, not because I do not want to, but because the head of the place who screwed me over to get here is likely gunning for me, and this is no joke. She has a lot of power in the province she recruits teachers in, and who knows what trouble she could cause were she to know what school I was at. And, since I found her on this forum, well, you understand. I told the truth about her and her horrible agency on here, which was something I wes told not to do or else by this fruitloop woman, so sorry, I can't. however it is not the school thats the problem, but the agency who recruited me. Some outfit out of Beijing caled The Joint Venture Schools, they are rather big, with offices all over, so if someone contacts you from Joint Venture schools, be wary.

[MITCH]

Nathan,

Everything you�re talking about is a normal phenomenon in China, which 10,000 other FT's have experienced. It's just how do we deal with it?

Sometimes it's easy for us to jump to conclusions, and think that things are worse than they really are, especially when people lie to us. But it is not a lost cause if you like it there, and you want to stay on. You have the ability to make it work there. Make good friends with the staff, like the head teacher, and get some new commitments from the boss, and head teachers. Not having a Z visa is not the end of the world. Not getting your pay on a certain day, that doesn't matter either, unless you think it does. What matters is whether you get paid or not.

My university didn't pay me for 6 weeks. If they don't pay you for that period of time, you are entitled to ask for a loan.

Your probably experiencing a bit of culture shock. If you want to stay there you can work through all those issues of visas, and etc. For example, you can submit a letter to the visa office which will allow you to get your visa change of status to F, or L extension or whatever. For as little as 160rmb.

You staying there is not a problem, because the school needs you. You are their asset. Of course they want you to be happy there and help them to make money.

Just don't rock the boat with them by being so outspoken. Keep some things close to your chest, and don't say what you think all the time. Be tactful.

1a. If you want to stay there and work things out.... make it work, then ask the owner to give you a committment about when the pay is coming... tell him it's really important.

What's your financial situation?

If your dead broke, ask the head teacher for a loan. Even if your not broke you can ask them for a loan. That way they will think you really need money now, and they are more likely to deliver it on time. Tell them you have 50rmb left in your pocket. Could i have an advance sir? Why not sir, i have already worked one week. You can give me half of that, as a loan.
Food is important sir. I hope i'm not patronising, it's just that some teachers in China live from pay packet to pay packet.

Just remember we are in China, we can play the game they are playing too. We can because in this country almost anything is ethical. I mean you can use deception, it's the Asian way. It's ethical for you to do many things you may be worrying about whether you are willing to cross that barrier. Just remember we are in China and the rules are different if you want them to be. * did i say that... i'm sure to get some flack from you readers.

1b. If you are financial and have definitely made up your mind you will not stay and want to leave now, then find your favorite teaching destination in a major city, and find a school with better credentials. I agree that you could cut your losses. Then #2.

2. You can seek work online now, and tee up some interviews in the city you want to go to. You can ask someone in a hotel who speaks English to give you directions to the major city, and to help you buy bus tickets.

Just one more thing, if you plan to leave, keep your passport on you. If they have it, get it back by deception because they have it by deception.

Any problems you'd like to discuss, send me a private message with your contact details, and i would be happy to go through them with you.

Finally don't argue with them, just discuss softly.

MITCH.

[Steppenwolf]

It's highly probable this Nathan guy has been calling his Chinese benefacotrs "idiots" and "fools" more often than he has called posters such names here.

I say he gets what he deserves! Some have said he is a troll, and there is no evidence that would suggest that could be wrong!

[Sinobear]

MITCH: nice post, well said!



Cheers!