Thanks Trevor,

I shall forward this info to National HRM. I might know 'Phillip' and if it is who I think it is then he would be ill advised by Chinese wanna-be's and not know his arse from his face. There are fools everywhere in this industry and they are not just confined to private commercially operated enterprises. I don't agree about the cops view because there are three bureaus that control the employment of foreigners. There might be reasons as to why this happened but it is certainly not acceptable. You are right in many of your perspectives that many langauge schools are dogs but not all NDI centres experience the same scenarios. It is getting far more complex now in all spheres of business functions, ESL included, with China rapidly advancing their march towards an acceptable international standard of 'rule of law.' If I understand the system correctly, the PSB, SAFEA national board, Provincial Education Department and the Labour Bureau all have their say in the employment of foreign teachers. Therefore, 'paying off the cops' is simply not possible in this day and age!

Here are some basics for everyone for any employer:
1) if any employer has not been operating for two years on location--beware!
2) if you do not have a BA and they say they can employ you--beware!
3) if they offer you an F Visa--beware!
4) if they can't begin the process within 24 hours by registering you at the local PSB--demand it!
5) following that; if the process has not begun within another 24 hours--stand down!
6) additionally, you should have 2-years minimum experience as well

There are just as many gullible, dare I say, 'foolish' foreigners out there who come here blindly and do not understand anything about the process the traps and the pitfalls.

I will reiterate again, if you want a job in a proven, trusted NDI, then come here to this city (name withheld.) It is a great city with great management--But nothing is ever perfect so don't be foolish--if you want to have a perfect life then leave earth now and start searching, cause it just ain't like that dudes! Provided you have the goods, BA and the experience, etc., then I can guarantee a smooth and easy transition. Maybe you can't trust everyone but first I am brethren too in the same boat as you--laowai--I will tell you everything before you come, how much it will cost you, how much you will be paid--if you get pissed on here, I will personally follow you out the door and down the road with my resignation.

You will never know if you don't give it a go!

kaibo888@gmail.com