Job Discussion Forums

Dinah606 · Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 23 Location: China

First of all, apologies for my extreme newbieness.

I was recently offered a job teaching at a primary school in China. The job itself looks decent enough, but I'm confused because it seemed too easy to obtain it. I only applied to the school about two weeks ago (for a September start) and I've already been sent my contracts. I originally sent the school a resume and a cover letter, and that's it. The school hasn't asked to verify a single one of my references, and they also haven't asked to speak to me on the phone or conduct any form of interview.

I'm still waiting for the contact information of a foreign teacher working at the school. I did find a blog of a teacher who worked at the school in 2006, and when I contacted her she had nothing but good things to say about the school.

Is this normal? Should I just write the school off?

Teatime of Soul · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 905

For some information about the hiring process and standards for hiring (among other things) I'd suggest you invest the time to read the free and comprehensive guide for teaching and living in china found at
http://www.middlekingdomlife.com

Hope to see you here soon.

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

i would say it sounds normal. However, late MAy, or June, make sure they actually have applied for your invitation letter. they may forget, or find someone new and forget to tell you.

Most schools aren't to picky

jdardine · Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

I'm currently in the process of finding a teaching job in China as well, and I can say your experience does sound a little too easy. The companies I've been corresponding with have all asked for copies of my passport, pictures, letters of recommendation, and a copy of my diploma before sending a contract. Take it with a grain of salt, because I'm new to the process, but I think you're right to be a little suspicious.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

It does sound a little weird. arioch36 is right. The school will need other papers, copy of passport front page, copy of degree and physical in order to apply for your invitation letter. The fact that they are not requesting for these things is something to seriously consider. I suggest you ask them about the letter of invitation and if they are sponsoring you residence visa before signing anything.

Anglichanka · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

Girl Scout mentions the requirement for a medical before the 'letter of invitation' can be issued. Now I'm really confused. In another thread old China hands say that the medical is a waste of money and will be required in China (again) in any case. Advice is to wait until one is in China and get it done cheaper. That sounds fine to me. But what about what Girl Scout says? Now do I need to get a medical or not in order to fulfil entry requirements and take up a contract???

Could someone please, please let me know exactly what I will need to do to get my entry visa and take up employment. It will be difficult for me to get to the embassy here as I work full time so I need to be able to take just one day off to get everything done. The link for the English site about this leads to a closed down site, by the way.

I do not anticipate an easy time over this in Bulgaria(where I work right now) as everything here is difficult to achieve efficiently (if at all) and people at all levels delight in misleading and giving insufficient instructions so that one is constantly 'doing it wrong' and having to pay fines, do stuff again, pay interpreters, lawyers etc to rip one off further. Not to mention, as a foreigner, one is automatically charged huge fees for what costs Bulgarians very little. The fact that one earns a Bulgarian salary is ignored as is the fact that two-tier pricing is illegal - just a few of the reasons why I want to get out of here!

YankeeDoodleDandy · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 10:20 am Post subject:

There is two tier pricing in China too. I came to China 5 years and taught at Joy School in Hefei, Anhui. I did not have to take a physical. I went to Shanghai for one visa extension ( 30- days )_ and then to Hong Kong to obtain a one year business visa. This school was not allowed to hire foreign teachers. I then worked at a university there for two and a half years. They required me to take a physical, which conasisted of breathing, a blood sample ( HIV/AIDS )_ and a reflex test. They struck my knee with a rubber mallet. In Xi'an, my physical consisted of a blood test and my blood pressure test as well. Hope this helps.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

Unfortunately, there are no clear rules about the physical. In Henan, according to the PSB, you have to have a physical before the invitation letter will be issued.

You need to ask your FAO. If they can not tell you what you need, this should raise a red flag regarding their competence or ability to get you a legal permit.

You never stated what province you're going to. It is difficult to give you anymore clear advice.