WarningSigns has posted:

My question is this; regarding this "Hiring 10, having them fly to China, then taking the 3 or 4 best and sending the rest packing on their own bill"... how can a foreigner avoid this? My only idea (I think I mentioned it) was videoing yourself and sending it to them prior to you leaving. Then they can't say they were surprised that you weren't as good as they thought, or whatever.

I think that even going to the lengths of videoing yourself for the benefit of a training centre is no guarantee of no strife later.You see,the trouble is that the situation there is always likely to be a competitive one,the competition being among the FT's teaching there.And there could be outsiders who will gladly sell their services for much less recompense,most of them probably being non-native speakers.I think it can often be an insecure environment at TC's for FT's these days,but that will probably suit the Chinese bosses or the foreign dossers (DOS's) of TC's just fine.The latter can get bonuses for improving the teaching quality and/or the profitability of a TC by getting below-average FT's fired and/or hiring suitable replacements on lower pay.
Unfortunately,what many budding FT's fail to realise is that even if they don't have proper university degrees,they can probably find jobs at public middle schools,both junior and senior,or at public colleges,or at some small public universities if they use particular Chinese agents or are willing to work for most Chinese 'companies' that place teachers.Many of those vacancies are in backwaters,but at least you can get your 5000 or so a month plus other worthwhile perks,including monetary ones,for teaching 20 classes or so a week at 40 or 45 minutes a class,without fear of being replaced or being cheated.But there will be little chance there to get a second teaching job.However,the good side is that there will probably be little or no pressure on you,unless you're a really incompetent teacher.In such a backwater you can most probably teach with an F visa or even an with an L visa without fear of repercussions provided you don't get arrested for making trouble with Chinese people outside your workplace,or get caught under the sheets with a Chinese 'lady of the night'by the PSB!
In a word,generally speaking,more money = more pressure.That's the crux of the matter!
That said,I prefer to stay in the public sector,less money for less hours of teaching,but loads of free time and little pressure.But of course,that's just my preference!