Teachers stuck in China: “If only they’d known these things”
Foreign English teachers give advice to those wanting to teach in other countries.
In light of the unfortunate incident in which 50 young people have been detained in China after the agent who organised work for them was arrested, some of the parents have given those who want to go overseas advice on what to do before leaving their home country.
Read the initial article here: [WATCH] 35 of the 50 ‘teachers’ stranded in China are Krugersdorpers
Four foreign English teachers who have been teaching in China for more than two years also shed light on the subject.
“First and foremost, have your documentation 100 per cent correct,” said Cindi Pienaar, a South African teacher in China.
“If you’re going to teach, you’re going to work. So get a work visa – not a student visa, or a visitor’s visa. And don’t wait until you are in China before you get it. Make sure you leave your home country with one.”
She also said that it’s much better to do business directly with schools. Her colleague, Micheal Brown, who has been living in China for three years, agreed, saying, “Try to avoid agents or recruiters, because they get you here and then you don’t get paid.”
“The worst thing about working here illegally is you have a 50 per cent chance of getting paid. Rather try to find a school. Recruiters seem to have more power over you, because your school is tied to your recruiter and so are you. You can’t leave the school easily – you have to buy out of your contract and that’s just a waste of money,” said Micheal. “Go through a school directly and 9 times out of 10 they’ll help you with the paperwork and even buy you a plane ticket.”
Lorraine Theron, whose 19-year-old daughter is one of the 50 youngsters stuck in China, said she recommends that once you have your contract, take it to the Chinese Embassy closest to you as soon as possible.
“Ask the Embassy to check if the company you are going to work for is legal and if the visa, documentation and other paper work is correct before you go overseas,” said Lorraine. “Checking their websites is not enough. The recruiter we sent our daughter through seemed legal, but here we are.”
Nicole Townsend, an American who is also teaching in China, said to do everything legally.
“Make sure you have some form of qualification. Don’t come over with a tourist visa and then try to change it to a work visa. China has new, stricter laws and you just can’t take a risk with immigration.”
The teachers agreed that talking to someone who is already employed in China is also a good idea.
“Try to get someone to help you with the paperwork – someone who has successfully been in the country and who’s done it right,” said Nicole.
The teachers said they have friends who didn’t have their paperwork in order and were asked to leave the country.
Also make sure you have some form of qualification before you come over. Get at least a Teaching English as a Foreign/ First Language (TEFL) qualification. If you have a BA degree it’ll also benefit you, but it’s not really necessary.
“As long as you do everything legally, you’ll be considered as the foreign expert and you call the shots,” said Cindi. “A working contract and a Z-visa give you all the power, and the schools have to stick with you. Plus, decent schools will give you a decent place to live in, and everything you need to start working. Other than the strict paperwork and documentation, once you get to work and travel, you’ll have the greatest time anyone could ever dream of.”
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