Job Discussion Forums

[Hansen]

"Chinese employers have my back." Sometimes. My school has demonstrated significant ability to work around difficulties; however, I'm not sure that is the case with all schools. I wouldn't want to find out the hard way that my employer is "weak."

[Teatime of Soul]

[sharpe88]

Also, I believe smaller organizations are limited to issuing only two Z-visas each. So if your private school (not EF, WS) has more than 2 foreigners they are not 'legit'.

[theincredibleegg]

After having read this thread through, i think we can safely conclude that China will never attract qualified English teachers. Well, China will get (and do get) good English teachers, but not the Chinese China.

Chinese universities will have unambitious backpackers looking for money to cover their travelling expenses. Noone could possibly take a job at a Chinese university seriously. The job satisfaction that Chinese universities offer are minimal and close to non-existant.

International schools and some language centers will attract serious teachers. It is there and nowhere else, where teachers can find the necessary conditions to do a real job. There rest is just a waste of time and effort.

ESL China gets what it asks for... or rather - what it deserves.

[theincredibleegg]

[menso35]

A lot of ESL teachers must be dumber than a box of rocks and have absolutely zero negotiation skills or business acumen. Somebody must be accepting these toilet paper contracts otherwise they wouldn't be offering such garbage.

It almost seems as though Chinese employers think teaching English is a privilege and that being paid is just a minor, ancillary, oftentimes optional benefit. These employers are expecting me to front all of the visa expenses and airfare and expect me to violate the immigration laws of their country. Then they expect you to work for a month and finally get paid on the 10th or 15th, sometimes on the 25th of the following month. I know what a sterling reputation China has for honesty and integrity but isn't that asking a bit much from a person? How about at least if the employer fronts half of the airfare? Show me the damn money.

I have come to the conclusion that TEFL might be good for young backpackers or retirees, but for mid career, middle age people, it's just not worth it. Would getting an MA TESOL help hoist me above the backpacker, retiree, missionary crowd and open the door to more lucrative positions?

[naturegirl321]

I told one school that I'd sign as long as they could get me a Z visa or at least an F visa beforehand. They accused me of not trusting the school (would you? I didn't) and told me to look for a job elsewhere.

And I did and found a good job. That is willing to get me the visa.

[Sonnibarger]

good call nature... not sure why you would ask for an F visa tho

[naturegirl321]

Becuase having a choice between an F or an L visa. I'll take the F one. Seems like most schools I've talked to, IB, intl ones, don't get anything BUT an L visa beforehand.

[YANKEE]

2 new FTs and I were brazenly issued 3-month Business Visas (Charged 1000 Rmb for the pleasure) and then told "Not to worry' by the Mgr of FTs here at Beihai College of Beihang University.

(See seperate post)

I have taught for 10+ years in China and refused; leaving the next week.

The ploy had gone on for 3+ years and is used systematically to insure the ability of the school to quickly remove any FT, who doesn't meet their demands: more teaching hours, non-paid duties, etc.

The local PSB gets an 'anonomous call' and the FT simply leaves!

All 3 of the new FTs for Sept. '08 have left BHBH as of Jan. '09.

The deportation process will aslo eliminate your chances to EVER return to China, even as a tourist, into the future... not that you'd likely ever wish to return.

Stay away from BEIHANG UNIVERSITY at BEIHAI !

[Hansen]

Yankee, You raise an important issue, the permanent banning from China of those foreigners who are considered "problems."

If this ever happens, I can't say; however, my take on "justice" here is that any foreigner who complains about anything is the problem. The actual problem itself is not an issue. The complaint is.


I recently found that by pitting warring factions in the school against each other, I can have my own interests advanced. There is no interest in assisting me, per se; however; if I can become a symbol in a power struggle between other departments, I might win. It's dicey, but without taking the chance, I have no chance at all.

An FT still needs a "friend" of some sort, someone to pitch to. If you can convince that person that by helping you, he/she can get over on an enemy, you win.

Of course, after that, you walk on very thin ice, knowing that someone is harboring a grudge that may only be appeased by your destruction.

[sharpe88]

^ have you been reading Art of War ?

[kev7161]

^ No, just recent threads on Dave's!

[JoeKing]