Job Discussion Forums

[Mr. Leafy]

The foreign teachers at my school have been told to show up for a meeting with government officials (PSB?) on Friday. Some of our classes have been cancelled for it. Is this happening at other schools? Anyone know what it's about? My FAO won't say more.

[Non Sequitur]

Are you all legit?
I mean Z visas and residence permits in place?

[Mr. Leafy]

[Non Sequitur]

No crack houses in the teacher apartments either?
But that would be a Police matter.
PSB involvement implies some civil issue.
Keep us posted.

[Bud Powell]

Whoa. This sounds serious. Yeah. Keep us informed.

[roadwalker]

If it was serious, they wouldn't wait for Friday. Probably just a don't do anything illegal or against Chinese morals advice meeting because some bigshot made a stink. Cancelling classes isn't a big deal to Chinese unis in my experience. My students often get excused from my classes to sing songs or attend important pep rallies etc. I don't know if the same occurs with Chinese English teachers, but I suspect it does. But yeah, I am curious, so please post more after the meeting. I don't recall having a meeting like that before.

[vikeologist]

We had one once. It was just for the police to introduce themselves to us, community liaison, have some photos taken with us, a kind of day trip out for them.

Of course your meeting may be completely different and you should flee the country now.

[johntpartee]

OP, I noticed you put a question mark after PSB; I'm assuming that means you're not sure what branch of government these muckety-mucks are from. You may just be going to meet some Party officials who wanna see the local foreigners. I've had that happen in the past, although classes were never cancelled to do it. In addition, roadwalker has a point; if it were a big deal, they wouldn't wait until Friday.

[Toast]

The foreign students at my wife's school have a meeting with PSB officials every semester. I went to one. It basically entailed warning them some locals will try and rip them off or rob them as a result of them being foreigners, to avoid prostitutes and a reminder to register with the police if leaving the country. Likely yours will be similar. It could be this, or it could be big bosses from the provincial capital coming to check in and do some inspection. Make sure to take your passport and wear some clean knickers.

[mw182006]

Yes, we're supposed to have one on Monday. I'm not too sure what to expect, but all my paperwork is in order so I'm not worried.

[eoinnll]

Just had one a couple of weeks ago. They went through the changes in policy that came into affect this year. Nothing interesting. We are all legit and they know that. They were telling us about the new five year ban for leaving without telling your employer (all foreigners who skip on their contract will not be able to get even a tourist visa for China for 5 years).

[teenoso]

.

[WLamar]

Takes little to scare you...

Did anyone have to the guts to stand up to them and tell them that they are wrong? That there is not governmental rule or law or recommendation or guideline (let alone from the PSB) that this five-year rule exists and that it is only a suggestions (technically a recommendation) by SAFEA (which is not a government agency)? I was one told that I had to have a new physical exam for my new R.P. and told them flat out they were wrong and that as long as I remained in the same province it was not needed. I was again and again I was wrong, but stood my ground and they humphed off and found the regulation in their books and told me I was right.

But I'm guessing that most people here in hiding aren't willing to ruffle any feathers in this respect, right?

[choudoufu]

[NoBillyNO]