Job Discussion Forums

[Erutpar]

I understand this is advised against, but say, as an American with a Bachelor's degree and only one year teaching experience, I flew into Beijing on a tourist looking for work (diligently). Let's say I had the funds to cover me for 2 months. Would it be possible to land something?

[johntpartee]

Yes, very possible. If you are using "diligent" the way I consider diligent to be used (diligently), you will have very good odds.

[maxand]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARITnC80VhE

[danasoverseasemail]

Be diligent by following the law and meeting the actual legal work requirements. What is so "off" that you are willing to leave your home, pay a lot of money, break the law, and risk the consequences of such?

[MisterButtkins]

I think it's more than possible. Although it might be slightly easier in cities other than Beijing.

[Shroob]

[johntpartee]

Perhaps I'm assuming too much, but I took the OP to mean that he/she would come to China on a tourist visa, find a LEGIT position that will provide the necessary documentation, then jump through the required hoops.

[Erutpar]

[johntpartee]

[peewee1979]

Just show up on a tourist visa. I can introduce you to Delter / Telfort

[choudoufu]

ignore the emaildude. his post is not helpful.

will chinese employers issue the necessary documentation?
many of them are willing. that's not the problem. it depends on
the province/city and how strict they are in enforcing the suggested
guidelines. the authorities may require you to leave the country
to apply for a z-visa. then you run into the problem of chinese
embassies in third countries mostly will not accept your application
unless you have a residence permit (workin' or studyin') in the
third country. hong kong may be a possibility, but that will depend
on your fengshui.

[Miles Smiles]

Erutpar:

Imagine for a moment that you live in New York City, and you want to teach in Mexico. Would you do what you propose to do in that case? Can you imagine the possible consequences and hassles involved? If not, don't even try to come to China under the conditions that you propose.

Imagine that you're a foreigner who wants to go to the U.S. on a tourist visa and get your visa changed so that you can work. Can you imagine the possible hassles and consequences if something doesn't work out as you planned? Would you know how to respond to the situation? Would you know where to turn for help? If not, don't even think of coming to China. Even for people who have lived and worked in China for years, there are still unknown policies that come to light at inopportune times. Don't think for a minute that going to China on a tourist visa and then getting a job and a Z visa will be a walk in the park.

Can you check yourself into an inexpensive hotel in Beijing without the help of a speaker of Chinese? Can you order a meal at a restaurant without help?

Do you know how to ask for directions in Chinese?

To whom will you turn when the situation goes south?

You say that you have a BA and one year's teaching experience. Is that BA in Education? Is that how you got your one year of experience? Two years' experience is the official requirement. Why not stay in the U.S. for another year and fulfill the official work experience requirements so that you'll have greater opportunities in China? You'll actually be legal virtually everywhere in China with a BA and two years' experience teaching.

(Oh, sure people come to China all the time with NO experience, and a lot of them wash out).

You admit that that your modus operandi isn't recommended, but you want to proceed anyway. May I ask why?

[MisterButtkins]

[Miles Smiles]

[Erutpar]