Job Discussion Forums

[Moonshadow_51]

I'm a veteran of teaching in China but would like any vital information on this group, especially if it comes from people who have worked for it.

The pay and benefits are formidable, but the contract is worrisome. It's an at-will employment offering, which allows the employer to terminate the contract without penalty nor notice. Now, this is normal in the US, where all jobs are at-will, but I raise my eyebrows at this form of agreement being used in China, and wonder why the employer has opted for it, rather than use a standard provincial contract.

Another matter is its resident permit base in Beijing. The group has three schools: one is in Guangzhou; another is in Shenzhen; and the third is in Changchun. However, the key business is in Beijing and this is where the resident permit is established.

Precisely, I am looking for any teachers who know the skinny on this operation and can tell me something about the success of its IB programs.

Thanks in advance.

[7969]

[Moonshadow_51]

I did, indeed, inquire, and was not given a credible response. I was told that I should look forward to things going well and not to focus on the contract's shortcomings.

Yes, an at-will employment agreement allows for either party to terminate the agreement, but this one emphasizes strongly the employer's rights to end it, as if this happens on a regular basis.

I'm nervous about leaving a lovely country to return to China, only to find myself in a sticky situation.

[7969]

[Moonshadow_51]

I spoke with the Administrator about this post and was told that the individual who'd written it had never been offered a contract and resided in the USA.

Some of the information in that post lacked credibility, so when I discussed it with key staff, I found detached response acceptable.

Yes, a backup is in line; the concern is that this Beijing group has already purchased my airline ticket and I feel somewhat obligated.

Thanks for responding today.

[Moonshadow_51]

Ah, it now occurs to me that this group may not have authorization to request a FEC. This could be the reason for so much ambiguity.

[7969]

I wouldn't feel comfortable giving up a stable job/life to go overseas and move into a job that could be terminated at any moment. One has to look out for oneself first and foremost. If you haven't signed any contract and have no intention of doing so, then any air tickets already purchased can be refunded.

[Moonshadow_51]

I am currently overseas in Turkey, which is a most remarkable country. But the ambiguities far outweigh the logic of returning for the promise of a well-paying position that may never come to fruition.

Thanks a lot for your input. You helped me sort through everything.