Job Discussion Forums

donb2222 · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 134

I have spent months contacting schools and recruiters and I just can't decide among the many options in China.
Have received many job offers, but I am hesitant to accept a job when I have not even seen the school, or met the potential co-workers first.

So, if I just arrive in China seeking a teaching job, where should I start first ? What city would hold the most opportunites ?

Beijing and Shanghai just seem to be too big, but most of the other cities seem fine.

I have visited Shenzhen before, and I lived for 5 years in the Philippines, so I am not a newbie to living and working in Asia.

Also, I am not too happy dealing mostly with recruiters. Any advice on dealing more directly with the schools ?

Sonnibarger · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 320 Location: Wuhan

work can be found easily in most cities in china... it all comes down to personal taste.. research some different cities... find one you think fits the bill.. take a look for xpat forums for that city.. talk to people in country they can tell you which schools to avoid.. you need to be more specific with your question... check some old posts you will see 101 cities recommended... those same cities will be listed as places to avoid at all cost. If your not short on cash i would suggest taking a month or 2 to travel china and decide for yourself...

bradley · Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 235 Location: China

As they say it's not so much the place but the people. I think there is really no way to know how it is teaching or working at a school until you actually do it. Of course the more you research the better and try to contact any of the current teachers if possible. When I started here in Shenzhen I had real reservations. I don't think I even unpacked for the first two weeks in preparation of a fast getaway!

suanlatudousi · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 384

For the sake of everyone, please enter China legally for the option of this sort of employment. The law is pretty clear and research"able" on the internet. In order to teach legally, you must first obtain your Z visa prior to arriving in China.

Sonnibarger · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 320 Location: Wuhan

you could come on a tourist visa.. locate a job get the paperwork then make a hongkong run.. would give you a chance to check out the school/city prior to making a commitment.. Its a bit unnerving to come to China without your job secured but if you have the cash flow it might save you a world of hurt.

Zorak03 · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 3:20 pm Post subject:

Are you kidding, there is no law in China. The rule of law simply does not apply here. The law also says all citizens have the freedom of speech and the right to badmouth the government.
In some places, like Henan and Jiangsu, coming on a Z visa may be a great idea. However, in other places, like here in Guangdong, coming on a Z visa can be a bad thing.
I personally know two teachers (including one who has a BA in English and is a certified teacher in his home country) who came to China on a Z visa. Their employer broke every line in their contracts. The teachers rightfully resigned and came over to my school. However, their old employer refused to give them a release letter so the're unable to obtain a legal working visa.
The FEB refuses to listen to the teachers because the employer has "gangxi." One teacher even hired a lawyer and that was still not enough to help. Both teachers are currently working on an F visa (which the PSB also does not seem to mind).