Job Discussion Forums

msinglynx · Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Posts: 19 Location: Puerto Rico

Hullo. I have been offered a au pair job in Changsha. It's basically a private at home english teaching position. They said that they can get me a year long visa but I want to make sure I get the right kind because I also plan to teach in my free time ^_^
Can anyone tell me if a Z visa is the only kind of long term work visa? I'm interested in eventually getting a writing, editing or translating (english/spanish) job in China but I'm thinking working as an English teacher would be an easier way to work myself into that kind of position.

dog backwards · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 178

Is this job offer coming from a private individual or from a government-approved agency? AFAIK, only a government-approved agency (or a government agency itself) can secure the necessary letter of invitation which allows you to apply for a Z visa.

There are many scams offering huge sums of money for an au pair. If you placed your resume on a public forum and you are receiving unsolicited job offers for such a job, it's quite possible that this is a scam.

Timer · Joined: 24 Oct 2010 Posts: 173 Location: China

A Z visa is the only type of working visa. Working on any other visa is illegal.

Whether your employer can get you that type of visa is another matter as dog backwards has pointed out.

JamesD · Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 7:05 am Post subject:

Just wondering.
Have the responsibilities, hours, rooming, and privacy issues been discussed? Days off? Holidays? RP? Travel expenses?

Not to be a wet blanket but given the cultural differences it could be a minefield of misunderstandings. Do you have any experience living or working in China? Do you have a clear idea of what a Chinese family will expect of an au pair?

Working on an F, L, or X is illegal but even with a Z there are rules; it's not a free pass to work anywhere.

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

This seems like a position which could be fraught with abuse. You could end up being a virtual prisoner in a strange home in a strange land. One of my students once asked me to help find a live in English teacher for herself and her Taiwanese husband. His specifications were that she be an attractive blonde with a good figure. It seemed pretty obvious he was expecting more than English lessons. Chinese employers are notorious in their treatment of domestic employees. I hope this ends up being a great position but I just advise you also consider the worst-case scenario. Have an exit strategy in case things turn sour.

tributary · Joined: 04 Apr 2011 Posts: 28

The people who enter the country illegally deserve to suffer such abuse or consequence.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

No one deserves to be abused for any reason.

Deal with the consequences of one's actions, perhaps. But not abused.

I for one never support the abuse of another person.

Good luck.

tributary · Joined: 04 Apr 2011 Posts: 28

clownshow · Joined: 19 Dec 2010 Posts: 181

time to teach · Joined: 03 Feb 2011 Posts: 73 Location: Bangkok

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

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

mat chen · Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 494 Location: xiangtan hunan

I suggest you look into Hong Kong for this kind of work. Being rich in China is a new concept and the norms are not the same as you may perceive.

sainthood · Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 4:44 am Post subject:

JamesD · Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 12:51 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a new style of exploitation and conspicuous consumption taking root. Anyone who is looking at au pair programs in China should also check this thread.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=83874&highlight=

From the website mentioned (hhscenter).

Being an HHS Au Pair, you can get: (Notice that? - What you 'can' get.)
Full board and lodging with your host family (ed. - The site says breakfast and dinner are provided, lunch "may be offered"...)
8-10 class hours of Chinese classes per week
At least 750 RMB monthly stipend (hah!. Good luck living on that if you have to buy your own lunch.)
Airfare reimbursement up to 5000RMB (check costs from your location. Doubtful this would get anyone beyond L.A.)
International insurance
Free Membership of HHS Au Pair Club

You need to pay the following fees:
Program Fee: 0
Program deposit: 250 USD which will be refunded when you successfully complete the program
Flight tickets
Small fees to get the necessary forms e.g. legal paperwork in China. (Anybody got a total on these small fees? Medical? And could this include the cost of the invitation letter?)

Responsibilities also include light housekeeping and English lessons if the family requests.

AND!!!!!!!!!!!!

HHS center will assist inbound au pairs with the visa process. Upon adequate completion of the screening process, HHS will issue an invitation letter allowing the au pair to apply for a business or tourist class visa for entry into China.

-Although they fail to mention that F and L visas do not require government invitation letters since it is not legal to be employed while on one of these. Ah, I see. An F might be ok since you're not really 'working', you're only receiving 'a stipend'. The idea of being here for a year on an L is outright asking for trouble.-