Job Discussion Forums

[RyznFree]

My question is this:

Is it better to secure a job while here in the states, or arrive on a tourist visa and find a job? If so, what's the best time?

Thanks!

[SnoopBot]

I would secure a job first (of course doing research) and have a valid Z-visa stamped on your passport before you enter into China.

Research the school's location and reputation first and then make a choice.

Remember top salary is not necessarily the main reason for choosing a good contract. Location, hours and type of institution are very important.

A 4000-RMB salary for low hours in a beautiful place and at a good school sure beats a high-stress salary with long hours in a heavy polluted area.

Quality of life is important for your first time experience in china.

[killian]

step 1: immediately dismiss any place offering less than 7000 RMB per month.

such'll narrow the field down considerably. this ain't no volunteer job. get paid, you'll be old soon enough and need something to live off. i've seen guys in their 30's told they are too old. in reality, even 7k is way too low.

step 2: ask to speak to present/recent past foreign teachers on the phone.

denial of such is an instant red flag.

step 3: private schools will "lowball" you. everytime. pursue some jobs knowing that you won't take them. that is right, string them along while never intending to work for them. this flirting practice will help you out when the real time comes.

step 4: after finding a good job, compare it to one in japan or taiwan. it is a global community now. don't limit yourself to one nation. go with the highest bidder.

[Kibbs]

Killian:

I absolutely love it when folks spew rhetoric like, "Accept no less than 7,000 Per Month!"

ask Killian where he works and how long hes been there, hopefully he's been there awhile. Then get a job at his school earning approximately the same wage as him. Then watch how fast he complains to the school how unfair your salary is..

Even better if you have no diploma.

If you have the financial wherewithal to support yourself while you are looking for jobs and can afford the extra costs associated with travel and possibly returning back to the states, then yeah.. Come here and check out jobs.. But if you have limited financial means as most people do, you should secure a z visa and a job in advance of your arrival.

[killian]

PM me for details. not all beans are meant to be spilt in public.

as always, address the post. not the poster.

for a timer, i don't recommend china. go to taiwan. same culture, better pay.

[brsmith15]

Ignore Kibbs and pay attention to Snoop. Get the position first otherwise you might just have to leave China once here in order to get your proper work (Z) visa. Many schools, the disreputable ones, will claim they can convert a tourist (L) visa once here. Then, to your dismay, you discover they lied and you wind up working illegally. DON'T do this!!

Also, check past posts. It's easy to get the job while in the US; just be certain the school provides you with the proper paperwork: letter of invitation, foreign expert form, anything else that might be required from the particular city/town where you'll be going. You take that to your nearest Chinese mission and they'll issue you the temp Z visa. If you can't get to a consulate, or the embassy in DC, you can find a reputable agent to do it for you. Fees are usually low.

[RyznFree]

I know it's not much money, but is this typical of a Uni gig? A Chinese professor from Guilin I met last summer emailed me this:

3300RMBaround
(free room, 16 periods a week: extra
work the school will pay you 50RMB per period)

Is that relatively okay? Your opinions are appreciated!

[eslstudies]

I've taught in a Guilin university, and yes, it would be typical for that area. Go to the provincial capital, Nanning, and you should be able to get more.
Guilin is a good place to experience a fantastic part of China. The cost of living, like the salary, is very low. Guilin schools are famous for not offering airfare though. Many of their FTs come via international programs who foot the bill for travel and medical, so maybe they aren't used to having to pay them.
If money isn't an issue, its worth looking at.
As for extra classes, you'll do much better finding some corporate work: plenty of upmarket hotels whose staff need their English improved, and also the giant Daewoo bus factory. Don't let the university outsource you, as they'll pay you 50 and keep the other 150 for themselves.

[RyznFree]

Thanks! Guilin is indeed a nice city to live in, and I've already met some friends there. Good advice on finding supplemental income outside the uni.

If anyone else has any other input, it's appreciated

Thanks!

[astonrecruiter]

Hey Dude,

Because of the current visa restrictions, it is definitely better to secure a job while you are in the states. Most places are recruiting now for next term, including our school. if you come to China with a tourist visa, chances are you will have to fly home to apply for a work visa after you secure a job anyway.

Also, the previous posts are misleading about salaries in China. Whilst 6000 isn't a great salary in a eastern seaboard city (Shanghai,Beijing, Guangzhou) it is a large amount in more rural locations. Outside of the larger cities, the salaries are generally around 5-8000Rmb per month.

Good luck!

[North China Laowei]

[astonrecruiter]

Hey North China Laowei

What do you mean about the visas in HK or Macau? I'm interested to more about this as we have been trying to get visas for applicants who are already in China and the info we are getting from both of those places is they can't do it still?

Where did you hear about this as this would be great for us if it's true.

Cheers

mark

[fitzgud]

I suggest you write to them and ask. Also inquire about their requirements to issue in Hong Kong.


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[eddy-cool]

While I wouldn't disagree with a finding that 'Guilin is nice" I am not so sanguine about this gem of wisdom: "It's cheap".

I think costs of living in Guilin are as high as any other city of that size while salaries are lower than in many.

[vikuk]

The recruiter from Aston reckons -