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jaybet3
Joined: 15 Dec 2010
Posts: 140
Location: Indonesia
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 Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 12:21 pm Post subject: Advice Before Signing |
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I'm about to sign a contract for my 1st job in China. I'm okay with the salary and hours. I had a conversation with the teacher who is leaving the job and his input made me very comfortable with taking the job.
Then the contract came. I asked for some changes and was told that this was their standard contract. Sign it or not. I have no idea if the recruiter is legit or whether the school where they are sending me is registered to hire foreign teachers. There's also a section of the contract about how certain months are "paid by days."
The recruiter has told me in emails and chats that I will be paid for public holidays but not winter holiday. Is that common not to be paid for the winter holiday period.
They have also told me that they will arrange airport pickup, pay for hotel, pay for Z visa, etc. but this is not mentioned in the contract.
So, it comes down to a leap of faith. Do I trust that the recruiter will deliver on their promises even though I think the contract is a bit vague?
Do I wait for another job and then find myself in the same situation regarding another contract and recruiter.
Speaking with the present teacher gives me the most confidence, but I'm still a bit hesitant.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks. |
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adventious
Joined: 23 Nov 2015
Posts: 237
Location: In the wide
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| Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 1:06 pm Post subject: Re: Advice Before Signing |
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| jaybet3 wrote: |
| So, it comes down to a leap of faith. Do I trust that the recruiter will deliver on their promises even though I think the contract is a bit vague? |
Do you often makes leaps of faith?
China is regional in character, the largest market in the world, and relatively opaque. Asking "should I take it" is like requesting a lullaby. But you have mentioned winter pay-- or salary over a seasonal recess-- that would be included in any year-long contract at a public institution just about everywhere. However you haven't been specific about the type of institution and it matters. Is it some "international" project with a high salary in which the loss of five to seven weeks is negligible to you?
We'll see who else chimes in, but a flag of even ruddier tone are the terms of your visa: It should be included in the contract. |
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jaybet3
Joined: 15 Dec 2010
Posts: 140
Location: Indonesia
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| Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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The job is in a middle school in Chengdu. The hours of work and number of classes is stated in the contract. The contract also states the company will pay all the visa fees in China. Then lists visa fee include: L and F visa extension, resident permit fee. It doesn't mention the Z visa. Maybe because I get that before I get to China?
Also. I was told I am not paid during the winter break. Is this a normal part of working in a public school in China.
And yes, I do take risks but always do my research first.
Thanks, adventious. |
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SH_Panda
Joined: 31 May 2011
Posts: 455
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| Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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| jaybet3 wrote: |
The job is in a middle school in Chengdu. The hours of work and number of classes is stated in the contract. The contract also states the company will pay all the visa fees in China. Then lists visa fee include: L and F visa extension, resident permit fee. It doesn't mention the Z visa. Maybe because I get that before I get to China?
Also. I was told I am not paid during the winter break. Is this a normal part of working in a public school in China.
And yes, I do take risks but always do my research first.
Thanks, adventious. |
Given your age, and the fact it's a bit more difficult to find a job, you may have to take a leap with this one.
Just make sure they provide the correct visa. None of that L or F crap.
Once you have your feet on the ground, you can find plenty of opportunities here for the future. |
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OhBudPowellWhereArtThou
Joined: 02 Jun 2015
Posts: 1168
Location: Since 2003
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| Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 3:10 pm Post subject: |
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| jaybet3 wrote: |
Then lists visa fee include: L and F visa extension, resident permit fee. It doesn't mention the Z visa. Maybe because I get that before I get to China?
Also. I was told I am not paid during the winter break. Is this a normal part of working in a public school in China.
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In all likelihood, you won't be able to change the L or the F visa to a Z visa. If the school could hire foreign teachers, it would procure a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Education (or whatever organ of government issues the LOI out there). Then you would present that to the Chinese consulate in the jurisdiction of your home country which, in turn, would issue a Z visa. There is absolutely NO reason for the school to tell you to get an L (tourist) or an F (business) visa unless it cannot hire foreign teachers.
If you are told that you'll be able to apply for the Z (work) visa in HK upon your arrival, be very skeptical.
Adventious is correct. Public schools pay for entire winter holidays.
This one doesn't pass the smell test. There are so many openings in China. My advice?
RUN! |
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rogerwilco
Joined: 10 Jun 2010
Posts: 1549
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| Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 3:24 pm Post subject: Re: Advice Before Signing |
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| jaybet3 wrote: |
There's also a section of the contract about how certain months are "paid by days."
The recruiter has told me in emails and chats that I will be paid for public holidays but not winter holiday. Is that common not to be paid for the winter holiday period.
Thanks. |
I have been in China for almost 8 years, have worked at several schools, and have always been paid for the Winter holiday.
Is the recruiter based in Hangzhou ? The infamous Hangzhou Helen group ?
Care to name the recruiter to get more feedback from us ?
Arriving in China with an L or F visa is definitely not recommended. |
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adventious
Joined: 23 Nov 2015
Posts: 237
Location: In the wide
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| Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2016 3:45 pm Post subject: Re: Advice Before Signing |
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| rogerwilco wrote: |
Arriving in China with an L or F visa is definitely not recommended. |
It's simply illegal, isn't it?
These %#$*& recruiters (that the OP has termed "company"?) listing airport pickup and workaround visas as services. I'm glad the OP posted.
Bud is correct: RUN |
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jaybet3
Joined: 15 Dec 2010
Posts: 140
Location: Indonesia
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| Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 1:36 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the input so far.
The recruiter has said they will send me the working permit and visa notice paper to where I live. Then I go to the Chinese embassy and get the Z visa. The company expects me to pay for the Z visa. The company will pay for any visa fees in China. Sound normal?
It's the non-paid holidays that are a deal breaker for me. I just confirmed with the current teacher and he is not paid for holidays. So, the recruiter isn't telling me the truth.
If I can get them to amend the Appendix and remove one sentence I would be happy. So, that's my plan today.
BTW: I agree with one comment that I should take the contract cuz of my age and then find a better job for the next contract since I will be in country. |
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rogerwilco
Joined: 10 Jun 2010
Posts: 1549
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| Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 2:21 am Post subject: |
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| jaybet3 wrote: |
It's the non-paid holidays that are a deal breaker for me. I just confirmed with the current teacher and he is not paid for holidays. So, the recruiter isn't telling me the truth.
If I can get them to amend the Appendix and remove one sentence I would be happy. So, that's my plan today.
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That really sounds like the infamous
"Zhejiang University Helen Chinatefl Network Co., Ltd"
Friends of mine worked for them, and they were lied to and cheated out of a lot of money.
Having them amend the contract mean | |
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