switching employers (teaching) this summer

I was hired last fall by an english teaching placement company. They arranged my working visa and residence permit, as well as my housing. I am finishing my contract with them but i have built a good relationship with a school and would like to be hired by them privately. The school has never directly hired a foreign teacher before, but they would like to, so I am trying to help them with some questions.


My biggest concern is getting a legal work visa and residence permit. Is it possible to renew this from china, even though I am switching companies? Or will I need to go back to the US and get a new visa there. How much does the Z visa and the residence permit cost for an employer?


The other big question is about flight reimbursment. Is this something that schools and companies pay for entirely on their own? Is there any help from the government or education bureau? I feel bad telling them that I would like them to pay up to 1000 US$ at the end of the year, but most places offer this and feel that it's a fair contract completion bonus. Any info on that?


Is there any other advice or things I should consider this summer while making this change? Its difficult to find answers from the Chinese side of this business, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.


Michael

Unless the school is specifically authorized to directly hire foreign staff, you will not be able to get the necessary documentation / approvals for a "Z" visa. If they have the necessary authorization, you can have everything done within China and there is usually no reason to leave China and reapply. That said, however, people from certain countries (i.e. Indonesia & Philippines) are often sent back to their home country, so a lot depends on your nationality, too.


You'd have to be crazy to expect the government or education bureau will help with any of your expenses. It's all between you and the employer.

you may also want to confirm that there's no 'finder's fee' do to the company that hired you originally and placed you in that school.

^ That's a good idea. Many contracts state that you cannot work for the agency's customers for a certain period after contract termination.

Thanks for your info. The school has been more up front with me. it turns out that they cant hire a foreign teacher directly, but they are willing to look for a placement company that i would be more happy working with. My contract doesnt have a non-compete clause, only a confidentiality agreement for 2 years after the contract ends. Thanks

Hey mdborowski.

I'd be interested to hear what agencies you found. (The good, the bad and the ugly). I'd like to be sponsered to teach here. Newbie. Could you tell? lol.

Could you email me at son_e_jim@hotmail.com?

Cheers.