Job Discussion Forums

tofuman · Joined: 02 Jul 2004 Posts: 937

Well, doughboy, some of these schools would be happy to turn you into toast real quick.

Without being overly negative, I'm suggesting that you be careful about what you are signing and what to you are agreeing.

If you have a friend who worked at the school previously and had a good experience, that is a big plus.

You need to be careful of friends of friends. I had a "friend" in the U.S.A. who hooked me up with some people here. One of them was my worst nightmare. The other guy was a person with whom I enjoyed dealing.

The difference between Chinese who have lived in the West and those native to China is vast. TW can give you some guidance about what to expect as a foreign Chinese sea turtling it.

You may have fewer options than a blue eyed devil, but no point in getting burned if you can avoid it.

ohmide · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 5

Thank you tofuman, I think I'm catching your drift. Yes my friend has had firsthand experience with this University and he had worked with the same lady that I am currently communicating with. I sent him the "contract" and both he and I did not see anything odd or fishy about it. I'm fairly certain it's legit but I understand how it's good to be cautious about it.

And yes, on a recent family trip to mainland, I experienced how being Chinese can backfire on you the second I open my mouth and all the locals know that I'm a foreigner.

malu · Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 1344 Location: Sunny Java

A former colleague of mine, UK citizen of mixed Brit/Chinese parentage, has asked me to post this question which is related to the thread (and urgent!):

I have had similar trouble finding a good university position even though I am well qualified. As an insurance - and I know it's naughty - I have applied to two employers in case one falls through. Problem is, if they BOTH send in the z-visa paperwork could that cause me serious problems?

dialogger · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 419 Location: China

The hiring season (for end August starts) may be a little slow this year but universities only go on the market once they have worked out which of the current teachers want to renew.

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

The schools that are are well organised and on top of things will be looking for teachers now. So now is a good time to apply. The disorganised schools, they will start looking for teachers in about the first week of September when the school term is in full swing.