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Sign up with Google Sign up with FacebookQ: Starting a year contract in Nantong (teaching ESL) - really need some advice/help on a few things
Hi all, I'm about to start (Oct-2014) a year contract job teaching ESL at Web International English in Nantong Training Center (first time in Asia/China) - honestly I didn't really pay much attention to the contract, thinking that I won't be able to negotiate anything (kinda know a bit about Chinese mentality) and didn't think of any issues but after reading this site (I know I should've done it prior) have some doubts about my overall decision, besides there is some time left that I can cancel everything.
My visa supposed to be issued on Sept-24-2014 and then I fly to China, the pay is alright I think, supposedly free apt or reimbursement, etc.
1. May I start negotiating a few things or is it too late to change a few things in the contract (I signed the contract and sent a scanned copy)?
2. Any suggestions you may have for me? Maybe I still have sometime (I'm not in China yet), although not that much (basically just about 10 days).
I would REALLY appreciate any help. Also I've read a lot here about this school (chain) and I know it depends on locations but.... Anyway, any insights Like what I should take care of in advance or be aware of once I'm there? Or I've read about some RP or FEC - what is that?
P.S. I'm native (U.S.), have 12 years of experience teaching English.
10 years 1 week ago in Teaching & Learning - China
I think you should just take your licks and carry on with it. Trying to renegotiate now at this stage isnt going to work and its only going to start you off on the wrong foot. You do not need vindictive employers after you during your adjustment period.
You just said your visa will be issued? Is it a work visa??? If not, well then your not supposed to be going there on a travel visa anyways so hell renegotiate away.
But if it is a work visa, then this Web already seems to be better than others and they seem to be following regulations. This is very valuable as many many many peoples first years get screwed up by schools taking advantage of their lack of knowledge.
Besides you wont know if your getting screwed on your salary untill you arrive in Nantong and get an idea of the situation. Using this website as a barometer is a fools errand. Everyone here seems to magically be in the top 1% of industry pay.
I think you should just take your licks and carry on with it. Trying to renegotiate now at this stage isnt going to work and its only going to start you off on the wrong foot. You do not need vindictive employers after you during your adjustment period.
You just said your visa will be issued? Is it a work visa??? If not, well then your not supposed to be going there on a travel visa anyways so hell renegotiate away.
But if it is a work visa, then this Web already seems to be better than others and they seem to be following regulations. This is very valuable as many many many peoples first years get screwed up by schools taking advantage of their lack of knowledge.
Besides you wont know if your getting screwed on your salary untill you arrive in Nantong and get an idea of the situation. Using this website as a barometer is a fools errand. Everyone here seems to magically be in the top 1% of industry pay.
What are your concerns with the contract? What would you like to change?
info1933:
All :) But I understand contracts with no stamps don't mean anything and I just have to take my chances. Actually just wanted to know anything about this WEBI place in Nantong to be prepared for any cons like late pay, cheatting, s.c. office hours etc.
Lord_hanson:
You are best off searching the name of the school on the internet. See if you can find people who have worked there. You should take not of how many individuals are complaining if anyabout your school. When I searched my school I found a lot of negative reviews. I later noticed that they were all wrote by one person. I have been working at the company now for 5 years with no problems at all. You should come to China with a positive attitude. Be aware what you were promised and make sure these promises are delivered. China is very different from the west but you have the opportunuity to have a great experience if you bring the right attitude.
Firstly, what is written in the contract isn't always the reality - for better or worse.
If you've got what they really want, they'll give you lee-way. If you don't, or they can get others of similar calibre fairly easily, they won't budge - and that's all IF they're legit! If they're not legit, you won't get anything, and won't like your stay.
From what I've read on forums, some WEB can be ok, some can be a nightmare...
I
I suggest you post some details! Especially Visa clauses
(also remember, they'll ignore what they want anyway... so, this could all be meaningless).
I'm currently working in Web English, in nantong, would be glad to answer your questions
info1933:
Oh great! Well, I'm getting Z visa on sept-24th then on 30th I'm arriving to Pudong from where I'm supposed to be picked up by someone from the WEBI and brought to "my" apartment in Nantong.
Are you a teacher at this place? Is it good? Do they pay on time? Any so called "office hours" and are they really mandatory? Well ANY info would be appreciated on anything! I read all these horrible reviews about WEBI (different locations) and kinda scared of the whole thing :)
About my contract: I thought I'd get it with the papers for visa but I didn't and looks like there is no sense to ask for it 'cause I don't think they'll send it or ever give it to me so I guess I just have to take the risks or step out.
But anyway - please respond :) Or maybe we can talk in skype/email?
xinjiangren:
There's not really any office hours, u just arrive 30 minutes before ur first class to prep. Pay is never late, if payday falls on a weekend, we get paid on the Friday before the weekend. As with all Web schools, the lesson plans could be better, but that's the only complaint, and not a big deal once u learn to improvise. If u want to know anything else, private message me and I'll send u my email
Schools which don't respect Contract are good in one way: 'It's easy to quit, and keep your Residence permit intact for your new employer'.
In other words, you don't need to apply for new Z visa (exit China), to change your employer.
Post new Qs, after you start to work in Nantong for advice 'how to quit', if your employer won't respect the Contract.
what's up budd, i am Jerem, i live and work in nanton,l know some o. the problems you talk abou, can you add me your WeCha,:18362965936,that is also my phone numbe, see u