Job Discussion Forums

colonel · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 89 Location: Nanyang and Cha-Am

I'm starting a Uni job next week and wondered if there are any possible problems in my wife and daughter joining me later. My plan is for them to join me in a couple of month's time when I've "settled in". My wife is Thai and has been to Europe and our daughter has an English and a Thai passport. I know I could ask when I get to China but any advice from someone who's done it would be welcome.

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

And what would your wife and daughter be doing in China? Your daughter especially...
And what kind of visas do you want them to have?

Had you thought about this constellation earlier your employer could have issued you with an invitation for the 3-some of you.

diana83709 · Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 11:15 pm Post subject:

My husband and I took a couples teaching position. Our youngest daughter came with us. You do need to consider the education factor concerning your child. Here in Nanchong, there are NO international schools. Our daughter is home schooled via books and internet (and by us). She is shy, but has made a few friends and is enjoying the Chinese culture.

This is a situation in which you really need to weigh the pros and cons. Ultimately, you will make the decision that is right for you. Best of luck!

colonel · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 89 Location: Nanyang and Cha-Am

Many thanks for your replies. My daughter is 3 years old and I thought she could learn Mandarin by the time she's 5, when we'll return to Thailand for her full time schooling. The reason I didn't ask my employer earlier is because my wife wishes to spend Songkran (Thai New Year) with her family. They would join me after that, sometime towards the end of April. Giving me time to work things out - there is no urgency.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

probably would have been better to follow what steppenwolf said..... get your family here first, then if you wife decides to head back for songkran (which isnt for another month) she could get a cheap flight back to thailand and easily return to china when the thai festivities are over.

talk to your school about it now (visas for wife/kid), or else come april/may they wont bother doing anything for you since your contract may well be up come summertime (just guessing you're on a one term contract at the moment, as you didnt specify), and it wont be worth the effort.

colonel · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 89 Location: Nanyang and Cha-Am

Thanks, I'm on a year's contract so they could spend 10 months in China. Hauling a 3 year old around anywhere is hard work so I'd rather be familiar with the place before they come over.