Job Discussion Forums

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

I am being told in the contract that I have to take University housing, teaching in MBA program, and police won't allow me to have my own apartment. I find this suspect but want some input.

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

rdobbs98,

You don't have to take university housing, but it is free. As for saying the police won't allow you to have your own apartment is rubbish !

They clearly want to control your movements and/ornot pay for more expensive accommodation.

I would look elsewhere.

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

Exactly my thought.

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

You should be very clear by what is meant by 'university housing'.
It should be an apartment. That is 1 or 2 separate bedrooms, separate kitchen and bathroom/laundry. The living area should have a TV and table and chairs plus desk. It should also be single occupancy.
Do NOT get sucked in to 'hotel type accommodation' which will be a double bedroom plus a bathroom with shower and toilet.
These are alright for a 2-3 day stay, but are purgatory for a semester - particularly over winter.
I knew a guy in Dalian a few years back who had 'hotel-type'. He spent most of his spare time in the local KFC for light, warmth and company.

TexasHighway · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 779

I would never sign a contract that said I have to take university housing no matter how luxurious it is. I like the school accommodations I live in now but I always look for contracts that offer an allowance if the housing provided or its restrictions turn out to be unsuitable.

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

See from the description they gave, it would only be a two room "apartment" and that tells me either dorm type or former hotel. Also I never have heard of the police ordering you to only accept this type of arrangement only that they want to know where you will live, that's all.

I have lived before overseas, not in teaching and in the Caribbean, and never had issues getting my own place. Plus I don't mind paying for it either. They also had pretty tight rules on visitors, hours, etc.

It is so ironic how a good offer can turn different when you get the finer details and why they try to do so.

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

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

Yep
Walk from that one!
It shows the wisdom of having few irons in the fire right up until you have the maximum information.
Again I mention that your first gig should have the minimum of downside rather than skipping over detail because it has upsides of higher than expected pay, or is in your ideal location.

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

I agree on making it the least hassle and problem in being my first China assignment. Everyone's input is greatly appreciated and it is amazing on what they attempt to do or put in the contracts.

rdobbs98 · Joined: 08 Oct 2010 Posts: 236

So here is their reply, the recruiter who put me in touch with the university. I emailed both and said it wasn't acceptable nor did I believe it was factual either. The recruiter claims to have confirmed with the university, and it is demanded by the police, not the university.

I was also told though the contract might tell you that you must be back on campus by a certain time, and in reality the school doesn't enforce this rule. I should be glad I don't have to share an apartment.

This is what is frustrating because now my level of trust is gone because enough people have told me this is a lie. There is something in this culture about telling a lie and not having a problem with doing this, I have seen it with Koreans while in the military; they lie about even the most stupid things.

hells_kitchen · Joined: 14 Jun 2012 Posts: 18

Lobster · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:22 am Post subject:

I think the issues are that they are lying to you by claiming it's a fact. That doesn't bode well. In addition, saying, "Well the rule isn't enforced" doesn't mean that they won't try to enforce it later or use your breaking of the unenforced rule as an excuse to shaft you later.

RED

JamesD · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 4:35 am Post subject:

Offering this only as a possible reason for the cops to say this. In an isolated case, I did witness this happen many years ago.

It was in a third (almost second) tier city. A foreigner had forced himself on a young student after which the police found out he was wanted for questioning back home. The cops 'took care' of him, then they went around to every school and told FTs that they had to move into controlled housing.
The options were to comply within two days or leave the city (be put on a train). Over the course of the year the command was relaxed and it was business as usual.

Could be the locals just flexing their muscle or could be a directive from higher ups for some unknown reason. Maybe some idiot mouthed off to a cop, maybe a school flunked the head cop's kid. Whatever the case, agree that it's a situation to avoid.

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

TIC. are there still places where the cops don't permit laowai to live off campus?

where is this school located? is it in a 'troubled' area? any other schools
in that city? what housing do they offer?

Miles Smiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2010 Posts: 1294 Location: Heebee Jeebee

My observation is probably closer to the reality of the situation. PUBLIC universities and colleges want their teachers to live in the school-provided housing. If one asks for a housing allowance so that he may live off-campus, he will usually be denied. However, if the FT rents an apartment off-campus, the FAO almost always looks the other way. I have known numerous FTs who have done this.They either had the wherewithal to rent the apartment themselves or (in most cases) had a friend do it for them.

Where I have taught, the cops don't get involved in FT housing as long as local ordinances are followed.