Job Discussion Forums

emh · Joined: 08 Sep 2009 Posts: 8

I guess I should say that I REALLY want to go to Shanghai soon.
Like hopefully within the next month. But it's become apparent that most of the "normal" school or university positions have already been filled.

But most language schools do recruit or hire people year around, correct?
That said, would it be advisable or even worth it to fly over on an L (tourist) Visa, get hired/recruited at a language school, and then have the L Visa converted to a Z visa? Can most English language schools convert the L Visa to a Z Visa? This whole Visa thing is a bit confusing because it seems each area has different restrictions, rules, etc. and would like some advice specifically about Shanghai and visa related issues.

I have two Bachelor's degrees and I have experience tutoring and teaching teenagers and kids in high schools and middle schools here in America ( private tutoring lessons and some substitute teaching, etc.). Would I have a pretty good chance of getting a job within two weeks or so of being there?

Which language schools would you all recommend and which would you advise people to avoid?

What's the typical pay for a teacher at a language school? 10,000?

I know apartments vary in price and quality depending upon their location, but what are some areas I DON'T want to live in?

I know that's a lot of questions to answer, but thanks in advance!

(yes, I have searched the forums, but more recent info is helpful)

mike w · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 2:45 am Post subject:

emh · Joined: 08 Sep 2009 Posts: 8

Thanks for the reply.
I guess I should say I have no desire working illegally.

mike w · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 3:04 am Post subject:

Obviously there are two side to the coin, and there are people who come here on the 'L' visa, and are working without any problems. Similarly for the 'F' visa.

But also, many people - not all - have been badly mistreated and exploited by the schools for doing this.

Personally - go for the 'Z' and nothing less.

emh · Joined: 08 Sep 2009 Posts: 8

Does anyone know some schools that do in fact convert L visas to Z visas?

JGC458 · Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 248 Location: Shanghai

I think mike w has given you some good advice, which I second.

Maybe the only thing you can do if you really feel you have to come to China now is to come on an L visa and hope for the best. Not something I'd recommend, but the new academic year has started so there probably aren't many jobs left out there offered by reputable schools/unis (who are the ones who would help you get a Z visa). Good schools hired their teachers before breaking up for the summer. Schools still hiring now are doing so for a reason - possibly not a reason you'd like if you found out what it was.

So jump in, and who knows?, you might get lucky...

randyj · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:58 am Post subject:

yaramaz · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 11:45 am Post subject:

Mine and my boyfriend's too. Ours worked out fine. Not sure I'd do it again though.

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

Let us know how it turns out.