Job Discussion Forums

sheikxhoni · Joined: 28 Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: Bangkok

I have taught in Thailand and, so, I am used to age discrimination, but tell me about China. Many ads that I see for teaching jobs on Dave's specifically say that the maximum acceptable age is 60 yo. So, why? Is this cultural, legal, insurance related, simple discrimination in a country famous for respect for elders, or what? Opinions please - -

Also, in many countries it is easiest to get a teaching job by just showing up where you want to teach and looking there in person. BUT as I read about the Z visa and I think about all the job recruiters, I get the idea that China is a place where you can't just show up and look on your own. The requirements of this Z visa effectively closes the market to those who simply show up. And it create a de facto monopoly that the recruiters fill. Is it possible to just show up in Chna and take your resume to schools and ask for a teaching job on your own without a prior commitment? Opinions - -

Also, when schools provide housing - possibly on their campus in the case of universities - am I welcome to have a girlfriend join me - or is there a sort of morality from a by gone age? Share your experiences - -

LanGuTou · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 621 Location: Shandong

Firstly, the over 60 thing is related to governmental controls and issuing an invitation letter, residence permit etc. Like many things in China, it is not set in stone and you may find certain employers and/or provinces that will "overlook" it.

Secondly, very few of the rules and regulations in China are worded in favour of the FT. You can turn up with a tourist visa and a CV, look at the school, and then make a decision. The downside to that is you will then have to wait for an invitation letter. You will then have to apply for the 'z' visa outside China and return. The school may or may not pay for the visa run.

As an aside, one of the most vindictive and one sided pieces of regulation faced by the FT is one requiring a release letter or reference before leaving the institution to change employers.

It could be said that the FT has a moral obligation to fulfill a contract. On the other hand, if you later find out that you have been cheated or abused, it makes life very difficult to move on. It certainly favours one party more than the other.

Even if you have a good teaching record and see out the contract, sometimes it can be used as an unreasonable barrier to negotiation.

Thirdly, in most cases, a live in girlfriend may be frowned upon but living with a spouse is usually no problem (even actively encouraged).

I have no idea about your personal circumstances and so I can only base this on a wild assumption.

As you bring up the initial point related to over 60's, I assume that you fall within this age category. The Chinese would find it very strange for you to be living with a girlfriend and more so if she is much younger than you.

Maybe us westerners would refer to you as a lucky so-in-so! Very Happy

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

It's also a health concern, sort of like what you'd encounter in the states.

One FAO told me how terribly inconvenienced she would be if I were to die while teaching for her school. She made no mention of the inconvenience it would be for ME if I were to die while teaching at her school. Ironically, the school cut off my food and water supply a little after mid-year.

As far as I know, no one made any preparations for my expected demise.

(I'm nowhere near sixty and I'm in good health).

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

Many ads state that "due to Chinese working visa requirements we can only employ candidates under 60 years old". Although there are many FTs who are over 60 and have been teaching here for years, I think it is more difficult for someone outside China to break through the age barrier. As for the girlfriend, are you bringing one with you or is this just wishful thinking? The first school guesthouse I lived in, our guests could come and go as they pleased. In the second guesthouse, our guests had to show their ID cards and register with the front desk. If you plan to have a girl live with you, I suggest you opt for the housing allowance and move off campus. Even then, expect some hassles if you have a young Chinese gal living with you. It's not that Chinese are prudish or have particularly high moral principles, it's just that as a foreigner, you will face blatant double standards. This is China, it sure ain't Thailand! Smile

mike w · Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 10:02 am Post subject:

alter ego · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 209

MisterButtkins · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1221

Well, the average life expectancy in rural China is probably less than sixty. I live in a pretty rural area and there's hardly any men over 65 or so...

mat chen · Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 494 Location: xiangtan hunan

The recruiters in China are offering the same positions in many cases. My FAO when I got here was talking on many cell phones. He actually told new teachers not to say they had signed. I think it is hard for Chinese to deal directly with foreigners. It is the old I have a friend line. The recruiters are advertising on each other's websites. Another trick my FAO did was tell the recruiter that I was making much less than I really was. This saved him 1,500. I found this out when my salary was rolled back for asking to be paid monthly as the contract stated and not every three months. The logic was that if they paid us we would leave. I wrote the recruiter and found out about his little lie.

I'm in the same boat. I am 61 , looking for a new job and not gettting many bites. The level of the teachers working in China is generally very low. I have worked in universities where everyone was from a non English speaking country. When I got here I ran into a French Canadian
who didn't even have a high school diploma. We had to talk in French because his English wasn't super.
I expect like everything in China to have everything happen at the last minute. Many people promissing to take positions only to turn them down for the good job.

killian · Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:05 am Post subject:

try taiwan. good health system there. here in rural northeast the health care system is bare bones at best.

a bad appendix'll kill one here.

ambulance? forgetabout it.

i got scabies. i had to travel 100+ km to find a doctor that could diagnose it properly (something i did after 3 minuutes of googling) and get the good medicine.

i love china, but ain't no way i'll be here when i'm 60 precisely becasue of the healthcare.

janeal · Joined: 15 Jun 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Philippines

I've taught in China for several years and am currently 66 y/o. I was told by the FA office that they TRY to find younger teachers because the medical insurance they're required to provide is cheaper. But I've never heard of a government imposed age limit.
Also, the uni I taught in was not concerned about who shared your apartment. We had 3 couples (male/female) who were unmarried share apartments. And one guy was older than I. So, as long as your live in is not a student, it seems there's no problem.