Ask Headmaster Ken

Hi there,

First and foremost, this website has been a massive help to me in terms of learning more about China, its culture and what to expect when I go over there.

I wanted to ask about a concern that I have in regards to going to teach as I've recently been offered a job, but maybe a bit of background information would help first.

I'm 19-years-old and graduated from high school when I was sixteen. I have been in tertiary study since, doing a bachelor's in international studies with a major in language development and international business.

Unfortunately, once the recession hit New Zealand, my mother could no longer afford to keep me in college (it was a private international institution and the fees were about $24,000 a year) and I returned home two years into the qualification to pursue work, as I was on the verge of going broke. I'm currently working full time and am close to finishing a 400-hour TEFL certificate.

I decided to throw caution to the wind and apply for a few TEFL positions in China and, whaddya know, I got a reply from a recruitment agent. Had the interview and it all went swimmingly, got the contract and the medical form and wow, I'm going to China next year.

The only pitch fork in the middle of the road is that after assuring me--prior to applying--that it wouldn't be a problem to get a Z-visa, the school has failed to get one for me, due to the fact that I'm too young.

They've asked me to go to China on an L-visa and, after researching this, I don't think I'd want to risk it. An F-visa would be the biggest risk that I'd be willing to take. So I asked them and they said it wouldn't be a problem.

What I don't understand is that they want me to go to China and then apply for the F-visa. I'd rather do it while I'm back home and fear that upon going I'll be told that it's not possible to get a F-visa either. Does it sound a bit suspicious to you?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Cheers

The only thing worse than being broke is being broke, deceived, and working illegally in China.

You really are too young to get a proper working visa. There still will be likely places that will hire you despite your age.

The important thing is that you need to deal directly with these schools. Never deal with an agent when you are looking for hire under such extenuating circumstances.

If things go south, your recruiter and school will both be wiping their hands of you, each pointing to each other as the blame for the "misunderstanding" that has you in PSB custody, facing fines and deportation.

You need to focus on remote locations in dire need of a teacher. Deal with the school administration directly and ask to be put in contact with current/former teachers at the school to ensure what you have been told matches what the teacher experienced.

By way of clarification, entering China on an F-visa to earn income poses no less risk (is no less illegal) than entering China to earn income on an L-visa. Even if you are willing to assume this risk, as correctly advised above, you should only be dealing directly with the employer (school), never an agent.

Despite what some will tell you, the Z-visa is the only legal way to enter China for the purpose of earning income regardless of title, e.g., consultant, educational adviser, etc.