Job Discussion Forums

[struelle]

As promised, I'd give a final update on my school when the term ends. With only 4 more days to go now, it's more or less over. The ending came sooner than expected, as the students need the last 2 weeks of June to take final exams and go over them.

I'm delighted that things are finishing on a very positive note! There was a lot of turmoil in this contract (as archived posts can show), the salary and vacation pay was a little dicey, and I came very close to pulling a run.

But sticking it out paid off in more ways than one. First, I got all the past unaccounted salary payments just today as the accountant re-checked the records and found mistakes. Second, I'm being paid my flight ticket and annual bonus (3000 yuan). What's more, there are 2 weeks of unexpected vacation now so that cancels my earlier grievance of missing the holidays around May Day. Finally, the school wants to hire me back in Sept.

I considered their offer, but decided not to take it for a number of reasons. It's nice that we're ending on good terms, but my passion is to do a couple months traveling around China and SE Asia before heading back to school in Vancouver to do my Education Degree.

As each class finishes one-by-one, I must say good-bye to students, and this is not easy. They were a key reason I stayed here, despite all the flak from management. What I did was I contacted their local class teachers and asked them to email me regular updates on the students' progress next year.

This was quite an experience, and I'm still reeling from the 'survival shock' of it all. Some time later, I can collect myself and recall the events in detail. Right now things are still in a blur.

Steve

[naturegirl321]

Where are you heading off to next?

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

[bullitt]

I think she was asking where he was planning on visiting first, before returning to the Canada.

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

[naturegirl321]

You're right, I just scanned, I had class. Sorry

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

No apologies needed.

I was asking myself the same question, but unlike you, I have all the time in the world in my hands so I read it again.

I don't teach Monday to Friday if I don't want to, lucky me.

[struelle]

[latefordinner]

No bright suggestions Struelle, other than to negotiate a flat rmb settlement, take what you can get and don't sweat the small change. Have fun, you've earned it. Congrats for persevering, and for setting a positive example for others.

[Teacher Lindsay]

Firstly, look for an airline that flys both Shanghai - Canada and Bangkok - Canada.

Delta Airlines fly Hong Kong - Canada and Bangkok - Canada and they might have a code-sharing arrangement with another airline to cover Shanghai - Hong Kong so that you could book with them for Shanghai - Canada.

If you purchase a regular (non-discounted) one way ticket from Shanghai to Canada and nominate a departure date in late December, you should be able to change both the route and the departure date anytime between the date of purchase and the scheduled departure date.

I've done it twice; once with Thai Airlines at no additional cost, and once with China Air at an additional cost (equivalent to ) 300 RMB.

Cheers

[Guest]

Teacher Lindsay

I am about to leave China on tuesday for a 9 week trip to Australia.

When I return here at the end of August, I will be coming on a one way ticket as I expect to remain in China indefinitely.

What do you know about purchasing a one way ticket? I have heard stories about the airlines not allowing you to leave unless you have a return ticket etc.

I will be departing from Brisbane and flying to Shanghai.

Also, as I cost my last Insurance company around $15,000 Aust. when I was sick, they probably will not touch we with a barge pole next time.
Do you know of any insurance I should get? Obviously travel Insurance is not applicable when you are here long term.

Thanks in advance.