Job Discussion Forums

charlesh1609 · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 12

What the blue quark is going on?

11/21/2011: received offer to teach with Beijing Foreign Studies University.

12/05/2011: submitted requested packet of documents required to get the entry visa.

...waited 2 weeks

12/22/2011: requested an update on the progress of generating my documents. Was advised that some delay due to computer changes in the office.

...waited 3 weeks

1/11/2012: requested an estimate of when I should expect the necessary documents.

Have they changed their minds about employing me? Have I done or said something to *beep* the deal? Is this typical?

Any kind of guidance, anecdotes would be appreciated.

Zimmer · Joined: 26 Oct 2011 Posts: 229

It sounds like they've dropped you, but it may be something to do with the Chinese New Year and people being on vacation.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

It's the Chinese New Year holiday now. They are probably not even around the office these days. Is it usual? Yes. Have they hired someone else? Possible. Schools sometimes hire dozens of teachers and the few who actually show up get "vetted" and the worst get told that there is no longer a job available for them.

Opiate · Joined: 10 Aug 2011 Posts: 630 Location: Qingdao

MOD EDIT

Looks like he did that and was given an excuse which does not sound very likely. Computer changes? Doubt it.

As other posters helpfully pointed out, it is holiday time and this may be the actual cause of the delay. Or the school lost interest and is being less than direct about it.

But hey, your post was super helpful and enlightening!!!! Rolling Eyes

Anyway, it could be any of the above. It is true none of us could tell you with certainty what the situation is but being lied to is far from uncommon. You began this process way before the holidays but who knows.

While looking for my first job in China I was introduced (online) to a guy who wanted to hire me. We did the paperwork game but once it was all finished on my end, all progress ceased. It was roughly the same time of year (2 years ago). He kept telling me the delays were because key people were on vacation or not at the office due to the holiday. Later I was tole...one more week....one more week......tired of excuses I found another job. Three months later I learned his school was not eligible to hire foreigners and he was simply looking for a way around that technicality and/or hoping I would be dumb enough to just work illegally.

So, again, while now is not an ideal time to get much accomplished in China, you did get the ball rolling much earlier. Take that into consideration and think about looking for other employment. For best results, it may be wise to wait a week or 3 after the holiday.

Good luck.

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

most school offices are closed, but the fao is often available to
process paperwork.

those missing key individuals are off on vacation, but their magical red
stamps are many times kept in the fao/admin office.

the city/province feb is normally open until the official week-long holiday.

charlesh1609 · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 12

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

BFSU - that's a prestigious school and certainly one with a strong track record of hiring FTs.
Given that spring semester starts are atypical as opposed to the normal 1 September they may not be as light on their feet as normal.
I'd apply for a few more jobs right now to have fall back position.
Who knows you may end up giving them the fingers!