I'm currently applying to teach overseas and have applied to a few schools in Japan, Korea, and China. I have had a few offers but am really interested in a position for the government of Shenzhen in China, to teach english. My brother got wind of this (who is currently teaching in Japan) and was very adamant on me not even stepping foot into China, from horror stories form colleagues of his who have been to China. Mind you he even told me not to come to Japan because he himself isn't even enjoying it there. So I think he was being biased. Anyways back on topic.....

A girl he works with was telling him that when she went to China the Chinese government took her passport and kept it for a year, so she couldn't leave the country until her contract was over. Mind you I did ask my brother if it was the school that took her passport or the government. Now to me it sounds strange that the Chinese government would do that but I emailed the lady who offered me a job and she didn't really give me a straight answer. She said "Shenzhen government would not risk taking your passport, but if anything like that happened they would get it back"

Just wondering if this is true or not. Haven't found any forums where this has happened to people.

Any insight would be great

Also anyone teaching with the government of Shenzhen right now or teaching at schools located in Shenzhen are more than welcome to tell me about their experiences. Anything I can get would be great.

Jenna