Job Discussion Forums

mscoop101285 · Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Posts: 3

I am wanting to find work here this summer (July 2011). I will have taught in Korea for 2 years by than. Am i going to need a background check(USA)? If so, which kind? I have an underage drinking(alcohol) citation from 7 yrs ago and didn't know if it would disqualify me for a visa. What other documents will I need for the visa? Thank you.

Blingcosa · Joined: 17 May 2008 Posts: 146 Location: Guangdong

No need for background checks in China. You will need a degree, Tesol certificate of some (any) kind, and undergo a medical check.

How have you been teaching in Korea? I thought Korea required background checks. I have never considered Korea because I have a DUI. Can I teach in Korea?

I arrived back in SZ yesterday. It is a great place, but you have to be careful. I had my camera stolen less than an hour after arriving in the city. Good luck. Feel free to PM me.

powerrose · Joined: 14 Apr 2003 Posts: 119 Location: Shenzhen, China

Seems there is a steady flow of work. Hit up Shenzhenparty/shenzhenstuff. Post your resume on the big sites.

That being said, I've met a couple teachers who had unpleasant experiences with training schools like WSE, etc. The people I've met here who are successful and happy seem to have a steady private tutoring business or work for proper schools.

knight4ever · Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Posts: 49 Location: Shenzhen

Powerrose : I was offered a position with WSE in Shenzhen. A friend of mine who works there referred me (and he loves it there) but I have heard from other teachers to avoid WSE. What have you heard? I have a few more offers with other schools in China so I still have time to make an informed decision.

As for the background check, WSE said that I MUST have a background check but that is just a company policy. I did one anyway here in Florida and it only cost me $2 US dollars. Currently in the process of having my medical check to get the Z visa. What a waste of time. Once I get to China, I have to have ANOTHER medical check to get my permanent resident visa. Unfortunately, there is no getting around this!

Blingcosa : I've been told that Shenzhen has a crime problem compared to most other cities in China. Any truth to that?

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

powerrose · Joined: 14 Apr 2003 Posts: 119 Location: Shenzhen, China

About WSE: I heard that people were happy in the Coastal City location, but I met a lady bailing out of her contract at a WSE in/near Louhu. She said they maxed her hours every week, even though her contract said she would only "occasionally" work those hours.

I am personally skeeved that you work in little glass rooms and people can walk by and look at you. I know this isn't uncommon, but I decided I didn't need the job that bad.

I have never been a victim of crime here in 1.5 years. BUT, I do hear a lot about pickpocketing, etc. Today a friend was telling me that there is a local scheme where people steal your purse/briefcase, take the electronics and cash, and then call and say "I found your purse!" and offer to bring it back for a reward. My friend was actually pretty happy because she got her passport back. They do it with phones too. I am totally fine to walk around at night, and the new subway here is really clean and nice.

Actually, a guy just emailed me this weekend with a job offer. PM me and I'll send you his info....