That sounds just like Thailand.

Thailand isn't a case of "the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing."

It's more like "the right ring finger doesn't know what the right pinkie finger is doing."

Yes, I agree it is somewhat of a grey area we're wandering into here regarding whether or not a degree is mandatory. There are some websites that address EFL in China issues, but even they are not exactly clear regarding this particular issue. EFL - Law.com does have some interesting information regarding contracts and a few other tidbits, and has some fairly good links to other sites that address the matter of teaching here in China. The following is a quote from one of those links, but as you will note it shows that the issue is somewhat ambiguous. (In fact it is ambiguous enough that I must retract my previous assertion that it is only lawful for schools to hire a foreign teacher if he or she has a BA.)

"The regulations state very clearly that all Foreign Experts, including teachers of English, must have a minimum education standard of 1st Degree; however, where an applicant can clearly demonstrate an equivalent "academic" standard through experience, sometimes the Foreign Affairs Office may approve such persons. All applications are individually assessed."

Now then, anyone that's been in China for any length of time knows that schools can find their way around the regulations. Private schools are especially adept at this, but of course they are often using guanxi to pull this off. Those that don't have the benifit of guanxi often convince their employees to make the quick trip to Hong Kong or elsewhere to renew their business or tourist visas. Some teachers are willing to do this just because they want to stay longer in the particular area where they're teaching - more power to them.

By the way, if anyone can provide the information that allows one easy access to said Foreign Affairs Office, that would definitely be helpful to many people. Foreign Affairs Officers are of course available on most university campuses. And I once spoke to Foreign Affairs Officers in Jingdezhen where I was expertly cheated (see archives). However, they seemed incapable of doing anything and in fact, though they were friendly and accomodating, they stated outright their inability to do anything about the situation. The question then is where is the official FAO. Is it only provincial or is there an FAO that covers the entire country?

Thanks Chris for telling people about that "Victor" character. I am sorry things did not workout for you. There are other websites warning people of him as well.

Problems with writing aside, are you actually going to blame Chris for all of his problems at this school? I ask question after question after question after before accepting positions at various schools, and yet there are ALWAYS unfortunate, and often alarming surprises in store for me.

Lack of forthcoming information and proper websites for "research," and downright deceit by some agents and employers greatly impairs effective "research."

The message was clear: there are problems at that school.

Your attack on this guy was over-the-top and quite "shocking" to me. And who cares if Chinese employers are "laughing"??? I think they are laughing more when we accept such horrendous situations.

It seems you have been far more fortunate in your teaching experiences in China than most of us. If this is true, be grateful, and stop belittling someone for trying to warn others.

Dont go to Panjin these days all the foreign teachers are being refused Foreign Expert Certificates by the schools because they simply dont want to pay for it!!! You may have heard a line that you now need a BA or above to get it. THIS IS TOTAL BULL!!! I checked with the National Education beauru, Liaoning Foreign Affairs Department and Panjin Education and Foreign Affairs department. No such policy has ever been issued in China or otherwise! I was recently ripped by Mr Liu(Victor)of New Oriental Language School, Shengli, Panjin, Liaoning who will i state give you internet and pay for holidays. Once he decides to terminate your contract he will then screw you for bills stating "oh but the internet, trips etc... are not in the contract" Then screw you for the money he RIGHTFULLY OWES YOU! Using the excuse that China law now states you need a BA and he cant employ you anymore to break the contract stating he cant give you the work visa/Foreign Expert license anymore.

Be careful of this tactic since other schools in Panjin may try this tactic. But I know WITHOUT DOUBT that Mr Liu (Victor) has screwed over many other foreigners in the past. This was my first job ever in China or in teaching. So be careful there are many conmen out there.