Job Discussion Forums

[Hansen]

Rachel,

All things considered, you handled yourself very well. Chinese women must endure many things that would never be tolerated in the West. Gropping, frottage, probably even rape. If they report it, it's a loss of face for them. You got "outta" Dodge. Smart thing to do. Had you made an issue of it, you might not have been able to leave until the matter was resolved.

Robin, I'd be interested in hearing more about "your experience". A single, young woman in China without a strong support network is definitely prey. Although not common, a foreigner causing problems for someone with big guanxi could end up with a picture of her head on a poster replete with inquiries as to her identity.

Visit a consulate sometime and make a note of the foreigners who have disappeared in China. With your attitude, you could find yourself on the wrong end of a beatdown by some drunken guys in brownsuits who reek of tobacco and garlic. If your head is still attached when it's over, sure, go to the police. Discover that the guys who manhandled you, if they are ever caught, are as thick as thieves with the police. It could be you who ends up in jail or unable to leave China while a legal matter is being resolved.

One reason that there is not more physical violence against women here is that the local women have enough sense to kowtow at the approprate time. Sounds as if you do not.

Careful...

[evaforsure]

...as I cannot find a company by the name listed by the OP.... I am assuming that since she stated work experience in S. Korea...it could be EnglishWork.com (Top Placement Inc)., an official recruitment provider for the Korean National Institute for International Education Development, works with the Ministries of Education in Korea to place English Language Instructors (ELIs) in teaching jobs at public schools in Korea through the EPIK program.

[Robin53]

With both the contract, and the harassment issue at the farewell party, Rachel had the same opportunities to take action as any Chinese person has. There are plenty of examples where ordinary people did not need guangxi to get their story heard.

I sympathize with Rachel and realize she might be inexperienced with ESL teaching in China, culturally isolated and unconnected, intimidated, or put off by horror stories such as are perpetrated here. She didn't say whether or not she is a consumer of tobacco and garlic as I am, but that is not the point of her story. The idea that FTs are prepared to put up with a scenario such as Rachel described is what bothers me.

[Hansen]

"Chinese people would do something about a situation like this, and it is wrong to think that FTs should just put up with bad or illegal behaviour and let time heal the wounds. Why would anyone do that"

Are you serious? How many Chinese people are willing to risk their own future for an FT? Any FT who would expect them to is incredibly selfish. Remember, they have to deal with that boss long after we have gone. Who knows what relationship they have with the boss? How much did they or their family pay to secure them their job? You expect them to risk that over behavior that they may consider typical?

Once a teacher gets blackballed in China, what are they supposed to do?

Seek justice? Hahahahahahahahahahah.

Get real!!

[Robin53]

I disagree with Hansen, but I'm not interested in getting into a sparring match. I think there is not much more to say about Rachel and the situation she described unless she has more to say.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[eddy-cool]

Well, Rachel has remained quiet although some pointed questions have ben asked and her answers would be extremely valuable.

This case shows once again that laowaismust perform due diligence first before accepting anywork.

I am still puzzled over Rachel's legal situation and her visa or RP. Working outside what the law covers exposes you to extra dangers.

[Revenant]