Job Discussion Forums

[teacherbrian]

Hello

I have decided to book a flight to Shanghai, where I will look for work. I based this on advice that any school in Shanghai that goes to the trouble to fly EFL teachers over to China is likely to put them in a crappy setup and underpay them. However, I have noticed a few contradictions in previous postings here that I was hoping people could help clear up.

1. VISA. I've read that it's easy to get a tourist visa changed to a working visa, and I've read that the Z-Visa should be attained at all costs before entering the country. I feel like I'm screwed either way: if I get a job from here, I'll be screwed; if I show up without a working visa, I'll be screwed. This is quite frustrating.

2. I've been told that EFL institutions in Shanghai are hiring on a continuing basis, but I'm also worried that the end of June might not be the best time to look because it's right before the summer. However, I would rather not wait until the fall as I've already waited quite awhile. Can anyone recommend a place that might be hiring in the next couple of months?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

[Midlothian Mapleheart]

Hi Brian!

Don't worry too much. If you have adequate qualifications and some experience you will be able to pick up something with a private outfit that runs programs during the summer or on an ongoing basis. Just make sure you have enough cash to survive for a couple of months. As well, some outfits run 'summer camps', but these are sometimes not so hot. You can check out thatsmagazines.com Shanghai for local postings. A lot of the jobs are for primary school teachers.

You'll be able to easily convert your visa if the school/company is legit (or has the connections). Make sure the school agrees to pay for the medical exam. If they can't get you a visa promptly, don't work for them. Once you move to private accommodations be sure to register with the local police detatchment within 24 hours. Once you get here print up some business cards and resumes, get some photos taken and network.

Here are a few quick survival tips:

It's really hot here in the summer. It will hit 35+ soon. Be prepared and bring some mosquito repellent.
Don't go anywhere with anyone who strikes up a conversation with you (drinks, coffee, lunch, etc.), especially on Nanjing Xi Lu.
Don't carry anything of value with you in a backpack, and watch your stuff on the subway, on busses, and in other really crowded places.
Literally watch your step at all times and don't expect cars to stop for you.
Observe what Chinese people pay for things before you buy them yourself.

Good luck and much happiness in Shanghai.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!

[Midlothian Mapleheart]

Edit: Make that Nanjing Dong Lu. Sorry, I avoid going to PuXi unless I absolutely have to.

[teacherbrian]

Thank you very much for the advice. I do have a degree, TESL certificate and a bit of tutoring experience so in theory I shouldn't have too much of a problem if EFL teachers are in demand. I really hope that it won't be too difficult getting the visa changed. I contacted the Chinese embassy today and they didn't seem to know whether it was possible to get the tourist visa changed to a working visa, but hopefully that means that it's not that big of a deal and they wouldn't care too much. I'm still looking into it further. Does anyone know where I can find the Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration of China?

[millie]

Hello teacherbrian,

A lot of freelance teachers work on a business visa in Shanghai and have no problem with it at all. It is a long-standing practice.

Next, the start of July is a very busy time for private training centres since it is the summer holidays here.

However, I would try to have a something definite in-hand before I arrived even if only for summer.
It can be a confusing city on first arrival.

Good luck
M

[Midlothian Mapleheart]

Hey Brian!

I agree with everything Millie said, but ... working freelance on a business visa, while common, is still illegal. Many doing this are people who've been here a while and know the ins-and-outs of the system well enough to get by. Don't go to the Chinese consulate and tell them you are considering coming here on a tourist/business visa and then start working. That will cause you to be untruthful on your visa application. Just get your tourist visa and 'change your mind' later.

If you have any trouble with the authorities here, and you don't have the right papers, what are you going to do? How will you rent an apartment without the right papers? If you decide you want to actually live here permanently, you'll need to show you've paid your taxes. Also, if you work for a company that can't get you the proper working visa, good luck if you have a dispute. I think you'll feel more relaxed if you're legit.

My 2 cents.

Middy

[millie]