Job Discussion Forums

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

have you tried changing money at the local BofC?
you 'should' be able to change rmb->$500 daily
with only a passport.

how much will you have left after final expenses
and purchasing your return flight?

Laxmatt · Joined: 05 Apr 2011 Posts: 27 Location: USA

I'll have around 12k RMB left after expenses that will need changed. I may just have a Chinese friend do it for me.

Banner41 · Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 656 Location: Shanghai

I waited until the last minute once and found out the hard way about the "rules" of exchanging money. After giving sad pouty faces for like 30 minutes, one of the employees pulled out their ID and changed the money for me. I promptly returned with a gift of tea. It was about 30k RMB so it was very nice of them. So in short it's possible to get around the no paperwork thing but to avoid the lowly begging that I had to do I agree with bringing a Chinese friend along who can help out.

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

What's with BBT Fan?
This school has ripped off an FT who joined in good faith.
Yet BBT Fan says take it because the onus is on you to honour the contract.
The schools which OP does like are all fine but they don't have the will or ability to save the OP.
Take the advice. Do a runner after pay day or in the winter break.
If you can interest a legit government sector school in PRC proper which does have FT hiring rights, they will be your best ally. They will have it all over a school which is acting illegally.

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

"...If the employer is in violation of the contract and you can document and prove violation, THE CONTRACT IS WRITTEN TO PROVIDE YOU THE OPTION TO LEAVE THE CONTRACT DUE TO EMPLOYER VIOLATION. Why is it so difficult for people to READ and comprehend your legal SAFEA contract that dictates what violates the contract on their part and your options to "get out.""

When I read comments like this, I have to wonder.

China is not a land of black and white. Anyone who has had a disagreement with an employer and has taken it to the arbitration stage knows that "the word" and its interpretation by the other party and the arbitrator doesn't always match. The meaning of "responsibility" in the western culture and its meaning in Chinese culture may have completely different interpretations.

Cut the OP some slack.

Lobster · Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 10:58 am Post subject:

Lobster · Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 11:00 am Post subject:

double post

Laxmatt · Joined: 05 Apr 2011 Posts: 27 Location: USA

Thank you I really do appreciate the advice and support. In a perfect world I'd stay and everything would be great but that just isn't the case here. Hopefully I can come back and find a better situation in the future. At least now I'll have a much better idea of what to look for, expect, and demand.

Thanks again to all the posters here and I hope you all have a great year.

mrwslee003 · Joined: 14 Nov 2009 Posts: 190

Laxman, you have every right to back out of a non-contract like that.
I am surprised to hear you want to do the right thing. And the right thing
is to get out and cut your losses. It is unfortunate that you have to do that, but you got to do what you got to do.

It is too bad that they managed to con you into a contract, and into an
illegal contract. Its bad all around.

Use this as a learning experience, at least no one got hurt or damaged
beyond repair. Ask more questions next time and beware of the shady
operators. If they can't give you a straight answer for your questions,
then that could be an indication you are dealing with someone shady.

Have better luck next time. Remember there are many opportunities in
China to teach and enjoy your time as well. Cheers!