Job Discussion Forums

[erinyes]

Hi, we are applying for a position in Wenzhou (Zhejiang province) at a government middle school. We have spoken to the FAO many times and asked if it�s possible to live off campus instead of on campus because on campus the accommodation has no kitchen.

He tells us that it�s impossible in Wenzhou because the local government has made it law; if you work for a government school in Wenzhou, you must live on campus.

Is he pulling our leg? Does anyone know the number of the foreign experts office in Wenzhou so I can check this piece of information.

[Voldermort]

I came across a similar problem to this a while back when I was teaching in Qinhuangdao. I found the problem had nothing to do with the law, infact there were other foreign teachers working for other schools in the city happily living in their high street appartment. It was the schools interpretation of the law. IE the school is responsible for the foreign teacher on and off campus 24/7.

I had little luck changing this, but then I only stayed there for 4 months. After that experience I have refused to live any any 'free' school provided accomodation. I now ask for a rent allowance up front and go rent my own place.

[erinyes]

Why? What sort of problems did you have living on Campus? I really don't like the idea of the school thinking they need to watch out for us 24/7.

[Babala]

I would not live on campus again. Many schools like to enforce a curfew (usually about 10pm). They tend to be noisy (like when they wake the kids up at 6am they play music over the PA). They are usually rules about guests (we weren't even supposed to have visiting family spend the night). I agree with the other poster, I doubt it is a law, just the school's preference. Also watch out for teachers or students who just like dropping by.

[KES]

Run away.

In my view, any school that won't provide private, off-campus living quarters with unrestricted access is not worth teaching at.

Unless you like living in a lock down environment.

Don't accept excuses. It certianly can be done.

Funny how laws become absolute when it's convenient.

[Voldermort]

[vikdk]

you actually agreed to those sanctions - how on earth could you let them do those things ???????????????????????????????????????????

[Roger]

Of course, I know how troublesome it can be living as a guestworker in the school-owned premises, but the claim that this was "the law" is not totally wrong.
You guys all seem to be ignorant about how China's masses live; those who are not peasants most likely live in enterprise-supplied accommodations. If the State is your employer you naturally live in a flat provided by your school. Living off campus is a relatively recent trend and is more widely accepted in the affluent parts of the country. In most cities there simply isn't any resonable housing market because until a couple of decades ago the State had to provide verything from the cradle to the grave.
Wenzhou isn't exactly a backwater and it does have private housing units; still your employer has the right to force you to live in designated accommodations! There is a second layer of officialdom involved in approving your abode, and that is the PSB; if they feel they cannot ensure your physical integrity they can legally withdraw your option of living on your own.

[Voldermort]

[tw]

Yes, living on campus can have its many problems. However, one should keep in mind that it varies from school to school and if you pull the right strings, you CAN have changes made. At the first college I taught at, I lived in the same building as the other teachers did and the front gate of the building was never locked. So students could come visit me any time they wanted. In Dalian, my girlfriend stayed overnight frequently and that was because I was respectful to the main attendant (she would not come over if it was a different attendant on duty) and she knew I was not sleeping with students or bringing in different females. Here in Hohhot I have a 10pm curfew which isn't too bad since it's too cold to do much at night anyway.

Keep in mind that if you live on campus, any and all problems can often be resolved a lot sooner than if you were living off campus, e.g. washing machine breaking down. After all, you are living in the "Foreign Expert" apartment and they do have to take good care of you. Also, one main argument coming from employer's side regarding wanting their FT's to have a curfew is that it's for the sake of our safety. I know, all of you are going to say you are an adult and don't need to be treated like a little child. But think about this: your employer paid for your paperwork to get you your Z visa, and they paid for your FEC and RPF. So YOU are their investment. Of course they don't want to have anything happening to you.

[vikdk]

voldermort quote about the humiliation

[KES]

Roger:

[Voldermort]

[vikdk]

sorry voldemort - of course every situation is different, and it's all to easy for wise asses like me to criticise after the event. But maybe your story can have a good outcome by helping prevent others in falling into similar "traps".

[erinyes]

Yep - I am happy to hear about the bad experiences of others not because I am sadistic but becuase it can help me to understand exactly what I need to make clear in the contract.

So, as a Harry Potter fan I never thought I�d say it, but thanks Voldemort!