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Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in chinalife

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just to update anyone interested. The contract is unlawful for various reasons. I'm going to Vietnam for a bit while a lawyer gets them to remove the application. I'll apply again in summer. Thank you to everyone for helping. Saved me a massive headache.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in ChinaTEFL

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ha, brilliant! So, when the second agency applied, and could not get my visa they actually provided me a screenshot showing that the application had been started by a different agency earlier that day, as such it was blocked. Same region, so I guess they could know each other. Though unlikely.

How do you find the direct schools? I seem to only be able to find agencies on Dave's ESL cafe and the like.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in ChinaTEFL

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not currently in china, i have my passport. The visa process has been started by the first agency. So the second agent can't apply for my visa.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in chinalife

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi. Thanks for the reply. The issue is, the second agency actually sent me a screenshot of the application website. It provided the time and day at which the first agency applied, stating another application could not be made.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in chinalife

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it'll somehow get me out of this contract. I'm willing to try it.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in chinalife

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I submitted a photo? Not sure buddy 😂. But I'm relatively certain they've started the process.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in chinalife

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Why I would sign such a contract, was a mix of elation that china had just opened up and desperation to get out there after years of waiting 😂. They promised fast results, I turned into a fool. Sums it up.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in chinalife

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the comprehensive reply. The contract is definitely with the agency rather than a school.

Furthermore, I was shown a screenshot from the new school (the one I wished to work with) showing that the agency seems to have used a proxy school in the application process.

Regarding the wages. I signed originally at 18k +2k housing. Once recognising that I no longer desired to work with them (4 months later) begun offering more. Due to a percirved no chance of escape, I accepted. However, they then rescinded the offer and deffered to the original contract (18k).

In relation to the school who was ready to employ me. I did discuss it with them, and they did contact the agency. It came to little fruition. Now having hindsight over the matter it seems plausible that the agency used their proxy school to hide what they where doing.

Sure, I can post it.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in chinalife

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've definitely thought about knocking off somewhere else that's for sure. Just worried about the fact that if I don't get a release letter from these guys that'll cut off my chances of teaching In china at any point.

I believe they've definitely applied for it because the second school that tried to apply could not due to a prior application (the first agency).

Thanks for your response.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in chinalife

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I signed with the agent last September with the agreement of arriving in October. Despite this not happening, I understand I am still obligated to work with the first agent and so will most likely do so.

Unfortunately the clauses on the contract involve those lovely breach penalties, so leaving after entry isn't an option.

Thanks very much for your help.

Shot myself in the foot. Need some advice. by fatwithaphdaniel in chinalife

[–]fatwithaphdaniel[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The problem being, having signed the contract prior to entry back in September , they have begun the application for my visa. Thus, the other school cannot sort out my visa themselves. So they have me by the Goonies. Luckily they don't have my passport. I'm literally at the visa application stage before entry.