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flyingscotsman

Joined: 24 Mar 2010 Posts: 339 Location: Suzhou, China
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Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 5:02 pm Post subject: This sound legit or a scam ? |
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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
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Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 5:56 pm Post subject: Good choice to not buy |
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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
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Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 6:48 pm Post subject: |
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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
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Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2010 8:22 pm Post subject: A'Moo is S'oo right |
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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
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Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:28 pm Post subject: |
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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
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Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2010 1:22 am Post subject: |
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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
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Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2010 1:58 am Post subject: |
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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
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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:55 am Post subject: |
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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
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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 2:13 am Post subject: |
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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
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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 2:19 am Post subject: See Below |
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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
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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 2:45 am Post subject: Re: See Below |
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xiao51 wrote: |
To the OP,
Might you consider posting the name of the school here? |
Yes. Please do. |
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