Job Discussion Forums

JRJohn · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 175

I am supposed to be going to teach in university Zhengzhou, soon, so I'd like info from teachers in Zhengzhou or Henan Province. Huanghe College is a private university, and I would like to hear from people teaching there, and what the university is like? Is there a curfew? I am gathering teaching materials for when I leave.
I got this job through an agent, and sent them my docs. on Sept. 2nd. The agent told me to expect my visa application pack 2 weeks later, but it's been delayed and delayed till the end of this month, at least. I expected a delay, but not so long. Is a 2 month delay for z-visa normal?I am unemployed, and living off savings. I need a job, and that's why I am a bit impatient.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

I've heard stories on here about Z visa snafus and everything was alright. You're supposed to start "soon"? How soon? Spring term? That would be end of February, lots of time (famous last words). You're living off savings? One caveat: it's not a good idea to show up here without the means to escape (backup funds). Anything can happen at anytime.

JRJohn · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 175

I left my job recently, and as I said, I am living off savings, but I am nowhere near desperate financially. I am annoyed though. Please realise that I was looking for more practical information about the college, and the location, just in case I have good reason NOT to go.

peruisay · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 35 Location: Deepest China

peruisay · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 35 Location: Deepest China

I just re-read your first post, and I apologize if I came off a bit caustic.

Don't trust agents.

I've met plenty of teachers who've been toyed around with by agents. I'd request to talk to someone at the school - now. It isn't unheard of for agents to promise jobs that don't materialize. I hope that isn't your case.

If you have any more specific questions about Zhengzhou, feel free to shoot me a PM.

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Thank you, peruisay; I thought he was annoyed at me when I first read it, but I believe he was annoyed at the delay and what he perceived to be the agent "lying" to him. It takes a bit to get acclimated to the "hurry up and wait" mindset that is prevalent in some places, not just recruiters (agents) but administrators. I'm also in Zhengzhou and I've never heard of the joint either.

icwood · Joined: 22 Oct 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Chester, UK

JRJohn, I was interested to hear you have been hired to teach at Huanghe College in Zhengzhou recently, because I have been too. Please get in touch and we can exchange some info perhaps?

hdwhatley · Joined: 09 Jun 2010 Posts: 25 Location: Hangzhou, China

The college has two campuses. The North campus (in ZZ proper) and the South campus (about a 45 minute bus ride from the city center). The International Studies School and Foreign Language School are located at the newer South campus (across the street from the Yutong Bus factory). There is a new dormitory that is convenient to all of the classrooms and is comfortable.

5h09un · Joined: 01 Jul 2010 Posts: 140

i don't teach at that school, but i do work here in zhengzhou. the city is all right. as mentioned, there is shopping and there are some great restaurants. there are also a few decent bars and night clubs (if you can stand chinese night clubs).

Anon Ymous · Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 4:15 am Post subject: Dear Reader: I Should Warn You...

After having taught at this "college" for nearly nine months, I'd highly recommend avoiding this place or at least thinking twice. This school is ranked VERY low, 517th out of 700 or so colleges/universities nationwide. While the flexibility in the classroom and paid holiday make it somewhat bearable, this place has numerous other serious problems. Compensation is low, with instructors stuck paying for basic items such as visa/permit/medical costs and copies/printouts.

More bad problems with this school include a complete lack of long-term viability, no support for real teaching/skill-building, VERY low standards for classes & personnel,a completely superficial purpose for inviting foreigners,inability of students to speak (even in Chinese), a desolate and poor living area, no respect at all for other cultures and serious attitude problems among most students.

The very lazy, inept, politically-chosen administrators covet the handful or perks given to us as foreign teachers. The location where most students study is remote and next to a bus factory, causing serious pollution issues. No incentives whatsoever are given for teachers who stay more than one year, with no salary increases or tangible course selection opportunities.