Job Discussion Forums

tpyeon · Joined: 02 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

Hey everybody,

I'm a british chemistry teacher and have applied to a combination of international schools and a level centres. I had very positive feedback from WHBC in wuhan, was sent a sample contract, talked through everything, references sent. Then I heard nothing for 2 weeks, sent them a copy of my passport as requsted then the job offer was suddenly withdrawn, I've asked for a reason but none has been given. Is this usual practice, they were so keen?!

Next up is Dipont/Hayes education. They've offered me a job teaching at one of there centres and have sent me a contract, answered my questions quickly and offered what i think is a generous salary (280 000rmb) and the usual accomodation/healthcare/flights package. BUT they can't tell me where in China the position is for yet! Again, is this normal for the Chinese market? Are there any science teachers working for dipont/hayes who can share their experiences?

Thanks!

suanlatudousi · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 384

Being sent a sample contract and you sending references are not a job offer. A job offer truly consists of you having your Z visa in hand with Foreign Expert Certificate. If you're a licensed teacher why come to China ? No jobs in Britain ?

tpyeon · Joined: 02 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

Plenty of jobs. i'm in a good school right now, and as a science teacher there is always a shortage in the uk.

In the UK, if my references have been accepted and they give me a verbal offer, then the deal is pretty much done... Not the case on the international market? Well, I'll heed your advice.

I'm looking to move abroad for a few years, just have had enough in the UK. I've had some experience in China and would like to try it out.

suanlatudousi · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 384

No such process exists here in China. You have no comfort that the job is actually yours until a contract is signed/countersigned, you have a work visa in hand, you foreign expert credentials, and you're on site.

Don't buy a plane ticket until you have the visa in hand (after having received the letter of invitation) at the very least.

Getting an answer of why you've been rejected (after seemingly accepted) is often impossible to get. They simply may have found someone to work for less or there could have been issues (even the slimmest) with your references. Even one word in the reference the seems negative will blow your plan with them.

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

suanlatudousi · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 384

Prove me wrong. Feel free.

"god" has nothing to do with anything.

tpyeon · Joined: 02 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

I do feel very cautious, if not simply for the fact that relocating to China is a big step, but especially when I'm not told exactly where it is I'm supposed to go!

I have used the search function prior to starting this thread, there aren't that many threads. There is one that just derails into 63 posts of bickering though.... It seems a couple of people have heard from other people that it is not a great place to work. I was hoping that there would be some people with first hand knowledge to share here.

Certainly the people I have spoke to on the phone have seemed genuine and willing to answer questions. But there is no harm doing research and there is no way I'm signing a contract until I know where I'm going!

xiao51 · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 208

To the OP,

Exercise EXTREME caution with DiPont or any of the DiPont incarnations. Their reputation here in China with Ft's is nefarious at best and I am being generous with the word.

Xiao

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

Mr. Potato, You speak with a great deal of authority. Do you know what you are talking about? Would you mind posting your credentials and a brief summary of the various positions and places you have worked in China. That way, people will be able to judge from whence you speak.

You could be very well qualified; however, those reading your posts have no point of reference from which to make that decision.

OP, As far as the interview process goes, something to keep in mind is that most men here smoke cigarettes. If you happen to be dealing with one, as a matter of convenience, they may blow some of that smoke up your rear end. As for the women, many of them are just minions for a man and subject to his whims.

I would be careful about sending off too many documents. Some of these folks collect them for use in fraudulent schemes. Even copies should be altered to discourage misuse.

suanlatudousi · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 384

Hansen Dude - go play your little primary school baby games somewhere else. Discuss the issue at hand.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

suanlatudousi · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 384

If you ever decide to mass e-mail then ALWAYS use the B.C.C. line on your e-mail - so that the recipients can't see other recipients

B = blind

I have no need to attack individuals - I discuss issues. The third grade forum is elsewhere for those of you that have the inherent need to play "boo hoo hoo me"

tpyeon · Joined: 02 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

I have emailed a huge number of places, and infact turned down other offers once I had an offer from WHBC. As it works in the UK, you tend to get asked whether or not you have applied for other positions, then they either tell offer you a position to secure you and that is that, or let you go.

It appears that in the Chinese job market I will have to hedge my bets. Seems a little dishonest to be applying for other jobs if you've been given an offer. But if that is the nature of the game....

To Xiao51,

I appreciate the heads up; but really, what are the things that they do that cause such complaints?

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

Mr. Potato, Do you not consider the accuracy of information you provide relevant to the thread? I want to be as sensitive as I can in saying this, but some people might mistake you for merely a blowhard, since some of the things you post are so different from the reality we know.

Really, If you have been here for several years and worked at different institutions in different parts of the country, your credibility will be enhanced.

In my case, I've been here only ~6 years and worked in just two schools in the same province. I know that my view of the English teaching field is rather limited. I try to convey that my observations are based simply on my [limited] experience. Some people, used to more uniformity nationwide, might expect that one's limited observations are applicable to a larger set of circumstances.

Dude? Weren't those guys in "Brokeback Mountain," "dudes?" What are you suggesting?

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

As a licensed chemistry teacher, you should be able to work for the cream of international schools. Many of these schools may prefer to recruit at international teacher job fairs or through a consultancy. A-Level centers, like lower-level international schools, can be a mixed bag. Their primary benefit is that they will pay more for advanced degrees, unlike the government schools. They will not necessarily pay any more for a teaching license; whereas higher-end international schools will require this.