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What level of support to expect from a school?

 
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powerrose



Joined: 14 Apr 2003
Posts: 119
Location: Shenzhen, China
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 1:57 pm    Post subject: What level of support to expect from a school? Reply with quote
Wink

Last edited by powerrose on Sun Jun 20, 2010 10:22 am; edited 1 time in total
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scooby doo



Joined: 30 Oct 2009
Posts: 48
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 2:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
No, you're not high maintenance!! And it's totally nuts. The scenario you described is ridiculous. It makes no sense to have you, a newcomer to the country, running around doing stuff like that.

It is standard (certainly should be) to have a contract in English, induction guide, assistance with anything that involves visa/work documents and sometimes even, help with accommodation.

The threat of losing pay over failure to get things in order is a clear sign that you have found one of the worst employers in Asia. I hope the rest of your circumstances there are better.
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powerrose



Joined: 14 Apr 2003
Posts: 119
Location: Shenzhen, China
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
The students are great, so I really hope to stop the revolving door of teachers. I want to leave it better than I found it! Now to try and convince the administration.........
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denise



Joined: 23 Apr 2003
Posts: 3419
Location: finally home-ish
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
scooby doo wrote:
No, you're not high maintenance!! And it's totally nuts. The scenario you described is ridiculous. It makes no sense to have you, a newcomer to the country, running around doing stuff like that.

It is standard (certainly should be) to have a contract in English, induction guide, assistance with anything that involves visa/work documents and sometimes even, help with accommodation.

The threat of losing pay over failure to get things in order is a clear sign that you have found one of the worst employers in Asia. I hope the rest of your circumstances there are better.


I agree. Even if they won't pay for things like visas and accommodation, they should surely realize that they are in a far better position that their foreign teachers are to get such things done. There are lots of schools out there that are happy to help out.

d
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Glenski



Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:02 pm    Post subject: Re: What level of support to expect from a school? Reply with quote
powerrose wrote:
I'm also trying to convince them that these things are normal in most schools in Asia that hire English speakers. So, how common are the following:

-A contract in English
Pretty common in Japan.

Quote:
-A hiring checklist/guide in English
I don't know what you mean here, so probably not common at all.

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-Assistance with setting up a bank account
For entry level jobs, yes, in Japan.

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-Paying for visa and medical check
Teacher pays for both in Japan. I don't even recall needing the medical checkup to get hired!

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-Having a staff member assist with visas and medical checks
Usually done for the visa, but same answer as above for the medical checkup.

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My school just verbally tells me that I have to do these things, with instructions like "the visa place is next to the bus station".
Depending on what immigration wants, I would suspect that both parties have to supply some paperwork. If you are living outside the country, you should be able to do it all at an embassy / consulate near you. If in the foreign land, learn where it is because you'll need to know anyway. Not a biggie.

Quote:
Its also mad stressful because they'll call me down and tell me that I have to run to this office and fill out these forms by the next day or I won't get paid. I think its a little nuts,
Um, where is this again?
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mr tree



Joined: 09 Oct 2007
Posts: 98
Location: Prague, CzR
PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 6:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
wow. i clicked on this because i work in recruitment, and we receive the odd barmy demand saying "you must supply me with accommodation, and pay for my flight" and i reply "no thanks, and good luck finding someone round here who will do that for you"

however, we certainly do all of the things mentioned by the OP! so i certainly think you should encourage them to employ someone to assist new teachers (foreigners) on these matters. of course, there's the problem - the school would need another employee to take a slice of the pie (their profits)...
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