Travel, Teach, Live in China
As China's economy progresses even more, the need for foreign talents are of high demand. Since the incorporation of China to the World Trade Organisation in 2001, foreigner's influx in China has heightened dramatically. According to statistics 60,000 foreigners have obtained work permits in China, and the actual number of foreign employees is much larger. The country's economic achievements and brilliant prospects, and the vitality of everyday life, all combine to give them ample reasons to stay and work in China. Here are some reasons why China is a hot-spot employment destination:
1. China is the fastest growing economy with the highest demand for labour.
2. China's standard of living (living cost) is relatively cheap compared to other countries.
3. Salaries for foreign workers are given preferential treatment. (Foreigners receive higher salary than the local residents)
4. Wide area of employment opportunities. (Business, Information and Technology, Education, Media, Entertainment etc.)
5. Laws and regulations concerning work permits and visas are much less complicated. Obtaining a working visa is easier compared to other countries.
BASICS
You need to know first and foremost that the Chinese people are very nationalistic. According to Times Magazine there are three hyper-nationalist countries in Asia namely; China, Japan and South Korea. What is the relevance of them being extra-nationalist? The fact that they are very nationalist would mean that a slight negative remark on their culture, tradition, politics etc. would offend them. Hence, if you want to work in China, you should know how to kowtow. It's not an easy job but try to look at the good sides of China and appreciate it around Chinese people, especially when your employer is around (It's a good way of making friends too). Believe me, you'll get there sentiment... with it comes support, respect and assurance. Though not all Chinese employers are hyper-nationalist, it would still be safe to assume that all of them wants to hear good things about their country.
As we all know, China is a communist country; therefore, religion, political freedom, and the usual rights you get from a democratic country cannot be availed of. You have to live a life restraint from what you are used to. Moreover, the word "One" has been greatly used in most of their policies, which you are expected to respect. One-China Policy (that Taiwan is part of China), One Child Policy (couples are allowed to only one child), One Political Party (Communist Party is the only legitimate party) and One Dog per household policy (Especially in Urban areas). No wonder the theme for the Beijing 2008 Olympics is "One World, One Dream".
JOB APPLICATION
If you find working in China to be of your interest, the next thing you should do is to apply for a job. The most convenient way to obtain a working position in China is to apply via the Internet. Albeit you can always go to the nearest Chinese embassy to look for available positions in China, still, the Internet is the best place to find one. Here are some sites catering mostly to foreign applicants.
http://www.thatsbj.com/
http://www.thisshanghai.com/
http://www.chinajob.com/
http://www.chinatefl.com/
REMINDERS
Getting a job in China is a disaster if you happen to be employed by a corrupt employer. Here are a few pointers in order to avoid these unpleasant experiences. When you apply on-line, make sure that the advertisement clearly provides a detail about the company (address, telephone number, website etc.), the job (your duties and responsibilities, time required of you to work, job qualification and requirement etc.) and the compensation (monthly salary, date of receiving salary, life insurance, health insurance, accommodation, paid holidays etc.). You are then encouraged to apply only after a thorough investigation of the advertisement's integrity.
Upon receipt of notice of employment after the application process, you should request for a copy of the standard contract. You will use this document to obtain a working visa. In order to legally work in China, you need a Z visa. You can obtain a Z visa from the nearest Chinese Embassy in your country through the help of your employer in China. Hence, if the company recruiting you for a job in China cannot provide the legal documents for your working visa, the company is not legitimate. If however, they require you to enter China through an L visa (tourist visa), the more that you should doubt the company's integrity for it is illegal to enter China with an L visa with the purpose of getting employed. Even if your employer promises you to convert your L visa to working visa once you arrive in China. Believe me you will only find yourself in a lot of trouble.
According to surveys, the following cities in China have good standard of living and offers a relatively higher salary.
1. Shanghai
2. Taipei
3. Hong Kong
4. Guangzhou
5. Chengdu
6. Shenzhen
7. Beijing
8. Nanjing
9. Tianjin
ISSUES OF DISCRIMINATION
China is a country that has just been recently exposed to foreign cultures. Westerners visiting China have the leverage of being treated with special consideration. This is particularly true if you are Caucasian. Unfortunately, Asian and Black foreigners might not experience the same treatment that Chinese people render the white foreigners. I have met several Filipinos, Singaporeans, Thais and Indonesians who have been discriminated by virtue of the colour of their skin. To Chinese employers, a person with Caucasian features is superior to a typical Asian like themselves or Blacks for that matter. Again, this is not a generalisation of the Chinese people. My employer for instance offered me a job based on my skills and abilities. It's a widely known fact that professional qualifications and work experiences are but secondary requirements for all foreign workers. The sad reality is that most Chinese employers judge an employee through his/her physical attributes. In short, the better-looking you are, the higher the chances that you get employed. The setback of this employment scheme is an inferior labour force and low-quality management performance.
ONLY IN CHINA
Only in China can you find one of the world's oldest civilisations. Only in China can you see the Great Wall, Sanxingdue, Juizhaiguo, Potala Palace, Forbidden City, the historical Tiananmen Square and a lot more. While you work in China, you will have the opportunity to travel. China has several holidays you can enjoy. Some of my colleagues from America have been travelling around China for 9 months and yet, they haven't seen most of China. Normally it will take you two years to explore all the scenic views, historical spots etc. of China.