Job Discussion Forums

[RW8677]

I will very probably be making the move to work, full-time (half and half in the past), for a UK university which has partnerships with numerous universities in Asia - who doesn't these days. I approach the venture with cautious optimism, and here would like to have a conversation about the pros and cons. I will be talking about making more money, so we can safely assume some people will call me a lying braggart.

Obviously the main advantage is the money it is far in advance of anything I have seen from a Chinese university and could be considered reasonable in the west. It is more professional overall, better chances for advancement, and reliable yearly increments. It is also something concrete one could add to a CV, as opposed to working for pretty much any Chinese uni, if one is considering returning home.

However visas are more problematic - they are available but you have to do your own legwork. One has to find ones own accom and go thru the whole rigamarole with landlords and contracts - ditto paying bills. I will have to move cities and leave friends and tutees behind. I am leaving safety and reliability for something unknown.

I am going to do it because the money is just too attractive but its not all positive. Anyone have similar plans / experiences?

[toteach]

I'm curious what "doing your own legwork" in regards to getting a visa means. Securing your own Z-visa in China, without the aid of your employer, would be impossible. (As would finding the correct office to even submit it!)

Dealing directly with a landlord for housing is a daunting prospect for me, too. I quite prefer the easy route of settling into school-supplied housing to fronting all of the cash that many agents want. Will the school provide you translation assistance?

[asiannationmc]

As long as it is not the University of Central Lancashire or UCLAN

[JB140767]