Job Discussion Forums

[Niederbom]

I came to China on a M entry L visa due to special circumstances even though I knew beforehand that it would limit my options. My original plan was to teach in Dalian, but employers here keep saying they cannot switch my visa.

I got started late applying for fall positions, so my options are even more limited. But I got 100% offers from:

1) Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology in Qinhuangdao (1 year)

2) A small agricultural college in Anhui Province

3) Aston in Xuzhou (six months)

4) Shane in Yangzhou (six months)

Both unis say I have to go to Hong Kong to switch my visa. The private schools say I don't.

Of these, which one is the most attractive?

I have a TEFL Certificate, a BA from the USA, and 6 weeks of teaching experience (plus a year of volunteer teaching in the USA) along with a stellar reference letter from my short-term employer in China.

I'm leaning towards either Aston or Shane because the contract is only six months, and none of these cities are in my preferred locations (Chengdu, Dalian, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Shenzhen)

My eventual plan is to work in Singapore once I get the required 1 year of experience.

[nickpellatt]

I would guess the private schools will put you on an F visa, hence stating you wont need to go to HK. Would you be comfortable on an F??

So I guess the decision comes down to which options you are more comfortable with? If the short term contract has appeal, and the salary is acceptable...why not give the private places a try. I think the teaching there might be better in terms of smaller classes and more student contact. I personally wouldnt want a Uni job with massive classes of students and minimal contact time.

You dont have an option to stay with the short term employer? Or do you really want to get to another part of China?

Im pretty sure we know each other? And Im guessing the initial of your first name is 'D'???? If so, I hope things are going well for you and you get things sorted soon. I would avoid the Uni route though, I dont think the type of teaching in a Chinese Uni is great and it may not transfer well to other places