Job Discussion Forums

[Xanthos]

[kev7161]

I think the problem that this thread (and indeed, many threads) evolved into is that you didn't quite give us all the information in the original post for us to give more balanced feedback. I was one who said you shouldn't "niggle" (that's kind of a made up word - - thought I read it somewhere though) over the small stuff. However, you didn't say that the apartment you moved into was bare-boned and you had to cover ALL the daily living items. If I had known that, then I would have sided with you on this one. If it's in the contract that the basic living items are to be provided: a) next time ask for a list (or those reading this keep it in mind) and b) the school SHOULD provide you with reasonable basics. The apartment I have is, you know, fine, but when I moved in, there were very, VERY basic furnishings and none of the items you listed in your most recent post. However, I had just moved from Hangzhou and already had most of what I needed.

As for should you get reimbursed for two weeks off through no fault of your own (and perhaps no fault of your school)? Well, shouldn't that have been discussed BEFORE you left for Hong Kong? If I had to take a 2 week "vacation" with hotel and air paid for, I still would have negotiated for at least "X" amount to cover food and taxis and what-not. The Chinese are famous for many things and one of them is negotiations - - another is tight-fistedness. So, in my opinion only, trying to get water from a stone now is probably futile. Letting it anger you is probably futile also. Lesson learned for future reference and move on if you don't like the place where you're working. Same for living quarters and the necessities not provided you. Next time you take a job somewhere, you'll know to get a list of what will be provided and what you should ask for in addition based on that list.

I've had my fair share of posts here asking for advice and feedback and have been dismayed at some of the negative, accusatory responses I get (and then of course, the spiteful posters who have a point to prove in EVERY SINGLE THREAD!) in return. We all want assurances and pats on the back and instead we often get "it's your fault" kinds of responses, regardless that many (most?) of us have been in similar situations in the past. I've learned to (mostly) roll with the punches, but I rarely ask for advice here any longer.

And for those of you nit-picking posts for spelling errors, well, those in glass houses . . . etc.

[kev7161]

PS: I don't get this visa-run thing. Didn't you have a z-visa to begin with that then should've been changed to a residence permit for the length of your contract? Isn't that the standard procedure these days? Not accusing, just asking.

[arioch36]

[MGreen]

[quote]Since when do foreign teachers turn up by default at a new placement with a wad of cash[/quote]

I would think that most teachers in this field would bring a wad a cash just in case the shit hit the fan.

[Teatime of Soul]

The difficulty in answering your question is this,

IF, you knowingly went to work for a school illegally, THEN you should bear some of the risks.

The fact that you went to HK, rather than had a normal visa processing, tends to indicate this was not a fully legal arrangement.

So, until that issue is made clear, it will be difficult to make a determination of liability.

What your saying, is akin to saying, "I was in a car accident, I really don't know the details. Now the other party wants me to pay. Is this fair?"

You see?

[redpiston]

going to HK does not mean in itself that he was hired illegally....

and if a teacher is lead to believe that this is the way things are done in China ... he can not be held accountable for behaving in the normal manor..many of us came over on Ls and transferred them to Zs..even as we type they are still being done that way..

One thing is for sure though.. if you don't get the FAO to buy it before you spend your own cash..likely you'll never resolve this in your favor....once the money is spent .. you can't un-ring the bell...

[vikuk]

[arioch36]

Yes, it is our job to know the rules.