Job Discussion Forums

[dixie90210]

i am considering pursuing a teaching career in china or somewhere outside the u.s. i have an old felony possession drug conviction, which is why i could never teach in the u.s. they do not allow it...period.

i want to know if the chinese embassy or consulates in the u.s. do background checks when they process a z-visa, and if an old drug conviction would disqualify me from getting that z-visa required to teach in china. does the fao at the school or the fao government office in china do background checks? how about the recruiters? if so, would my felony most likely get me rejected? how about taiwan, indonesia, thailand, vietnam, etc.

i understand and sympathize with countries wanting quality teachers with good backgrounds. i made a poor choice over twenty two years ago and have since made a wonderful life for myself and my children, who are grown and very good people. i have tired of my current profession and am now in the position to do some things that interest me, without the constraints of family expenses to consider.

i would like very frank comments and replies, with as much detail as possible. i would like to teach english. but if i have to do it illegally or end up wasting time and money stumbling through permit and visa rejections, then i would rather not waste my time or anyone else's. there are other callings, yes?

thanks.