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This sound legit or a scam ?

 
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flyingscotsman



Joined: 24 Mar 2010
Posts: 339
Location: Suzhou, China

PostPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 5:02 pm    Post subject: This sound legit or a scam ? Reply with quote

I have been negotiating with a school ( that has less than stellar reviews on this site and others ) and the visa issue came up.

They want me to come on a tourist visa, then send me to Hong Kong to get a Z visa.

The schools says they will pay for the trip to HK and visa HOWEVER once I return they will take out 1000 - 1500 rmb a month out of my salary totaling 4000 rmb for the cost of the visa, flight, hotel etc, and then give it back to me at the end of the contract.

I explained that I just spent $200 for a Chinese visa in the USA ( which they say they will not pay for ) and was not happy with their plan.

So unhappy that I didn't buy the plane ticket to arrive in China this weekend as planned.

What's your thoughts? This sound legit?

A fear I have is that I read so many comments about teachers get fired a few weeks before the end of the contract and are out any airfare, bonuses etc.
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xiaolongbaolaoxi



Joined: 27 Aug 2009
Posts: 126

PostPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 5:56 pm    Post subject: Good choice to not buy Reply with quote

I am not sure that you have to worry about being fired three weeks before the end of your contract, but for the employer to pay for the trip, then take the money back, then give it back again is a very good reason to not buy your plane ticket.

You did the right thing. If it was already receiving less than stellar reviews, it may help others to post this "offer" with the reviews of the other school.

XLB
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A'Moo



Joined: 21 Jan 2007
Posts: 1067
Location: a supermarket that sells cheese

PostPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 6:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Many posts on this topic recently-more than usual.
Listen, if a school wants you to come over on a tourist visa to teach, you may as well throw caution to the wind and come over on said visa yourself and scout out the establishments with no contractual obligation-if you are the least bit resourceful youll end up in a better situation than with a school/recruiter who is making threats while asking you to come over illegally-weird...
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xiaolongbaolaoxi



Joined: 27 Aug 2009
Posts: 126

PostPosted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 8:22 pm    Post subject: A'Moo is S'oo right Reply with quote

Good idea... if you are willing to come over on a tourist visa, you might as well do it as a tourist and actually see/meet the schools in question before they can really make life interesting. Plus, you may find out you don't like living in China and it would be better to cut your losses and have a vacation.

You are getting very close to China's "National Day," and coupled with another holiday, a lot of government offices will be closed, including immigration (I think). Keep that in mind if you are getting close to visa deadlines.

XLB
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popsy



Joined: 03 Sep 2010
Posts: 11

PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not a good idea unless you have the funds to go back to the USA, then return to China because you wont convert your visa to work status in China.
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DixieCat



Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Posts: 263

PostPosted: Sat Sep 18, 2010 1:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is possible in some circumstances to change the status of the visa in country, but having back up cash should be a provision all applicants have as the procession of a 'z' (and/or contract) will in no way assure you of work
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mat chen



Joined: 01 Nov 2009
Posts: 494
Location: xiangtan hunan

PostPosted: Sat Sep 18, 2010 1:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ya called it Dixie. I signed two contracts and worked each for several months right till a holiday and then was told they wouldn't isssue a visa. This means they don't have to pay you either. And that recruiter who was so friendly with you all of a sudden doesn't answer calls or respond to e-mails. My problems they say are about my age, but there is no problem with 18 year olds teaching.
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askiptochina



Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 488
Location: Beijing

PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
The schools says they will pay for the trip to HK and visa HOWEVER once I return they will take out 1000 - 1500 rmb a month out of my salary totaling 4000 rmb for the cost of the visa, flight, hotel etc, and then give it back to me at the end of the contract.


I like how they want you to foot the bill for hotel expenses when you could avoid this cost if you got the visa before coming to China. This just shows how dishonest and non-caring they are about your needs. If they neglect to recognize this, what else do you have to expect?

You have a few options:

1) Come on tourist visa as stated, scout out other schools while this school gets your paperwork. It's NOT final until you actually do the visa run. Do not sign any contract until the final hour.

2) Come on a student visa, it will give you more time. I found this easier than juggling work at 2 schools.

3) If they prove themselves to be dishonest when you arrive, move out before your visa run. Get a friend to make a monthly deal with a landlord. Even if the rent is a little higher than you want, it will be cheaper in the long run. MOVE all your stuff. Then extend your tourist visa. You can do this a few times.

4) If you agree to have the school hold back pay, then only agree up to 6 months at the longest. If they want to hold it for a year, then they need to give other things like severance and pension.

Post the school here so people (future victims) can see this thread on a search.
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SahanRiddhi



Joined: 18 Sep 2010
Posts: 267

PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 2:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

If they're not showing the honestness of dealing now, they'll not be showing it now. Why not seek for a school whose board is more above plank in their dealings?
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xiao51



Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 208

PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 2:19 am    Post subject: See Below Reply with quote

To the OP,

Might you consider posting the name of the school here? There may be some on this board who have had recent dealings with the school.

In any case, I concur with the majority of posters. Avoid it. Truly.
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seamallowance



Joined: 20 Apr 2010
Posts: 151
Location: Weishan, Jining, Shandong

PostPosted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 2:45 am    Post subject: Re: See Below Reply with quote

xiao51 wrote:
To the OP,

Might you consider posting the name of the school here?


Yes. Please do.
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