Job Discussion Forums

goodwork002002 · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 22 Location: Massachusetts, USA

I have just been told that 55 is cut off age to get Z-Visa in China. Is this true. I have vast teaching experience and would love to teach in China for many, many years. Is this just a fool's Dream?

slayer6719 · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 12:30 am Post subject:

I work with a fellow that's 57 in the language mill i work at and know of another 2 at least that are over 60 here in Fuzhou. I,m not sure but i think a lot has to do with how bad the school needs a teacher Very Happy

Renegade_o_Funk · Joined: 06 Jun 2009 Posts: 125

goodwork002002 · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 22 Location: Massachusetts, USA

Thank you for letting me know the proper term for one such as I "laowai" Smile

So, you are in Beijing? What type of school is your school?

Do you have any suggests at where/how I find the school that "needs me enough not to make my 63 years a problem?

tomstone · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 293

Just to reconfirm, goodwork002002, I have first hand knowledge of US teachers in China in their 70's. I am 56 and just renewed my contract.

goodwork002002 · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 22 Location: Massachusetts, USA

Thank you Tomstone for your response ... how did you go about securing your contract ... do you know how the plus 60 friends did?

If you don't mind me asking what are your degrees/credentials?

Again thank you ... how nice it is to receive hope from 'strangers'

tomstone · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 293

I was in China visiting an acquaintance and decided it looked interesting enough to stick around. My face was my resume. I have a BA in Music, I taught music in the US and was an assistant to professors of English and Mathematics (almost have degrees in those subjects). I don't have any info on the over 60 teachers, i.e., how or when they got their jobs. The one that I met (late sixties), I THINK he had been here for a few years.

goodwork002002 · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 22 Location: Massachusetts, USA

So ... "tomstone" ... does that mean you came to China without a Z-Visa and are now teaching on a Tourist Visa ... perhaps I am suffering from more disinformation ... though that is all part of the adventure of foreign travel/ living (I've lived in 27 countries).

What was it about China that so drew you to it?

tomstone · Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Posts: 293

I first arrived with an L visa and the school changed it to a Z. I'm entirely legit, the school is on the up and up. Nothing in particular "drew" me to China, I'm jaded and as far as the West was concerned I had been there, done that, got the T-shirt, and wanted something different. I got it.

rogerwallace · Joined: 24 Nov 2004 Posts: 66 Location: California

I am 59 and going to a Chinese university soon. I have taught there in the past for several years-no problem. One must get a physical exam to obtain their z work visa, so if your in good shape-no problem.

goodwork002002 · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 22 Location: Massachusetts, USA

"tomstone" ... see another glitch in what I've read multiple places = must get Z-visa in US (home country) ... if there on L sent back to get Z ... hmmmn

I certainly understand your "been there done that on the West' ... I grew up through the 50s and 60s totally in love with America ... enjoyed incredible success through 70s and 80s ... and have watched a new values system grow over last 20 years that has me like you ... wishing to spend my life in a country whose energy, hope and work ethic inspire

I'm very happy for you ... well done!

goodwork002002 · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 22 Location: Massachusetts, USA

RogerWallace

Thank you for your message ... unlike you I am over 60 which seems to be the age limit stated in law ... but I understand Chinese Laws are guidelines ... and if I find the right school and/or connections to "sponsor" me then I may yet find myself happily teaching/living in China

As to health most gratefully I am blessed (Thank You) I walk 5 miles a day/swim a mile/workout 3 times a week/take no medicines, have no pains, possess a rather still mind, have no reasons to see any doctors ... all men in my family for 9 generations have lived over 100 and passed over painlessly so family histories state.

I hope you too are healthy, fit and peaceful.

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

Once you get to a certain age, OP, say over 60, it can become more difficult to get your contract renewed at some schools or to find a new job at another school. It's not impossible. Just gets more challenging with fewer options. But if you are willing to work for university wages in China, there is probably a school willing to hire you.

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

During all my years in China, I have seen many FTs come and go. But it seems that the ones who burn out the fastest are the ones who come with a similar quixotic notion of a country whose "energy, hope, and work ethic inspire" and have already decided to "teach in China for many, many years" before even arriving. Hopefully, once the initial euphoria dies down, you will find your life here to be an enjoyable, rewarding experience in spite of the inevitable frustrations you will encounter as reality sets in. Since you are 63 years old and without a degree (as mentioned in your previous thead), it is more difficult to find a job, as you are finding out. Unless, any posters have any specific advice as far as which schools might give you a chance, the only approach I can suggest is the shotgun approach, applying to as many positions as possible. It takes a lot of time and effort but hopefully you will find the job you want.