Job Discussion Forums

[kev7161]

In most larger cities, there is often an employee or two that know at least a modicum of English. I was just in some shop today at the mall and the salesgirl who helped me understood and spoke enough English to get me what I was seeking. Banks especially will have college-educated employees. Even if their spoken English isn't the best, their English comprehension will usually be adequate.

Don't know how long the OP has been in China, but after awhile, one is able to find many of the English venues he needs (restaurants that have English menus, for example) and, once you've frequented a local bank or phone store enough, they'll start recognizing (we're easy to spot!) and will, in all likelihood, know how to get you through your business.

[daCabbie]

If you worked the counter at McDonalds would you ask the manager to go with you, on his break, to help you open a bank account?

I hate to kick a person when they are feeling down, but you have to take responsibility for your own life.

I just had a first year college student help me look for and rent an apartment. Next week a student will help me to have my internet and phone turned on. I eat at restaurants around town where my students have translated menu's for me, etc... yes I am a little lazy.

Keep your head up and don't be afraid to ask for help, Chinese usually enjoy doing things under the right circumstances.

[LanGuTou]

One other suggestion, as long as this school have got your RP sorted out and you live so close to Guangzhou, why don't you get all adventurous and plan a trip into Hong Kong?

You can buy all of your luxury necessities there in your native tongue and I dare say even find yourself a better bank to deal with. I reckon what you save in taxes on a decent phone will cover the return train fare.

Go on, I dare you!

Life was made for excitement!

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[TexasHighway]

I agree with Lobster that it's not the duty of an 11 to 16 year old student to help you deal with the bank or phone company. Whoever hired you should have the responsibility to help you deal with the basics of getting settled in China. Of course, it is to your benefit to learn some Mandarin but I don't think a crash course would help your immediate needs in dealing with those companies. Every place I have worked at, the International Affairs Office is very helpful, sometimes to the point of being obnoxious. It is strange that they refuse to lift a finger to help you.

[flyingscotsman]

For small things I PREFER ask a student to help me. I had to get some new eye glasses and my school has a glasses shop on premises. Of course no one spoke English and the girl ran out grabbed some student who spoke English and I was EXTREMELY grateful to the student for help.

When I went back to get them I brought one of the better students from my class.

The administration where I work is wholly incompetent and so lazy that I stay away from them and never ask them for anything.

[mike w]

"I am wondering if this could be a consequence of totalitarian communist society. That though the dogma is about comradeship the harsh reality of a tyrannical state results in people being less helpful to one another. Any thoughts if it might be an attitude that results from communism?"

What communism? I've never seen any communism here. Totalitarian, yes.
Communist? No. It's communist in name only.[/quote]

[Ariadne]

Helping me set up a bank account was always one of the first things that the FAO did for me, because the three schools I have worked for all deposited the pay directly into the bank. If your school has not helped you set up a bank account, how are they paying you? Are you working legally? (Do you have a residence permit?)

I'm sorry you are having these problems. I hope you can find a student or a teacher who can help you. They might not offer to help if they don't know you are having difficulties but I'm sure there is someone around who would be very willing to assist you if you ask.

Good luck. Let us know how things work out.

.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I seldom take the side of the bosses, so here it is:

I'm sorry; when Chinese come to my country, we expect them to be able to take care of themselves (ie, being able to speak at least enough English to maintain their private lives like banking and shopping).

When you go to live in a foreign country (live, not visit) you should try to learn the language. Not unreasonable at all.

It is very ethnocentric to assume that you as foreigner are entitled to free English services no matter where you go.

[Ariadne]

Whiner... what you say may be true, but most foreign teachers in China would be in a world of hurt if we didn't have students and staff to help us sort out some of the tricky stuff. Hey, I need help sometimes. I don't speak Chinese.. terrible me... but honestly, it has never been a job requirement. Most of the foreign teachers who do speak Chinese can't read it. Are you truly suggesting that every new foreign teacher in China should be able to negotiate all the hurdles alone, without any assistance?

.

[kazpat]

[Guerciotti]

[thelmaharper.1921]

[snacksturbo]

In some places in China it is difficult to do anything if you do not know any Mandarin, especially in the country. I would concur with a previous poster, go into Guangzhou and do your business there. Honestly, opening an account should have been done when you were hired. You have said there is a "problem" with the bank but haven't been open about what that problem may be. So I cannot advise you further.
Another option is a trick I learned long ago. Use Google translation and print off a copy of what you want and need, then all you have to do is show it to the person. They will at least get the picture of what you want. I have gotten so good at this, I actually make cards for possible scenarios. As in all situations, be inventive, be flexible and by all means have a little giggle. Water off a ducks back my man.

[CJD]

maybe the people who run your school have realized how ignorant you are and have decided that they don't like you and don't want to help you.