- Housing
All schools promise housing. Some go so far as to promise "western style" housing, (with the emphasis on "style"). Some only promise "assistance" in locating housing. Public Universities usually provide on campus housing but a few provide a room in a low class Chinese hotel. Some teachers have been put up with local Chinese families in very unsatisfactory conditions. Private business institutes usually provide their own housing or an ample allowance for off campus housing.
However, even the best of the "western style" housing is still housing in China, designed and built according to Chinese standards and interpretation of "western style housing" by people who have never been to the west. There are instances of regular power outages, lack of adequate heat, lack of adequate hot water, lack of cable or satellite television, lack of a DVD or CD player, lack of any kind of oven, censored Internet access, etc.
The Central Government guide provides:
"Accommodation will be provided for the invite and all related costs met, as well as for his spouse and children not over the age of 12 if agreed by the inviting party." (1994, Guide for Foreign Experts Working in China, State Bureau of Foreign Experts, p.52)
"According to the relevant regulations of the People's Republic of China, foreign experts cannot rent and live in ordinary apartments. Such rule is enforced out of consideration of administration, as well as to ensure the expert's security in China. At present, accommodations for foreign experts are mostly provided by inviting parties. They are usually of three types; A. At the place of work, in either a specially built or converted building. B. At foreign expert's reception centres. C. In hotels or guesthouses, depending on whether the unit has appropriate accommodation.
All types have bathrooms, and the rooms vary in size and number. They are furnished with desks, sofas, bookshelves, TV sets, refrigerators and central heating and air conditioning." (1994, Guide for Foreign Experts Working in China, State Bureau of Foreign Experts, p.55)
It should be noted that this regulation is somewhat outdated as foreign experts are now allowed to live in certain designated regular apartments in certain major cities and some schools charge for rent and utilities for "on-campus" housing.
- Visa/Travel
A good deal of unnecessary confusion is created by too many Foreign Affairs Office and other responsible management personnel, both Chinese and Western, not understanding the true extent and nature of China's visa system. Much misunderstanding and harsh dialogue has ensued between many a FE and management because of this, creating mistrust and poor human relations situations. This has also resulted in FEs feeling that their school management has "lied" to them when the truth is a simple lack of understanding on both sides.
"L" visa is a single or multiple entry tourist permit. It is illegal to work in China on an "L" visa. It is very difficult, but not impossible, to convert an "L" visa to a "Z" visa that allows employment in China. It all depends on how much your employer wants and needs you and the extent of their credibility with the local authorities. (Credibility comes in many forms, shapes and sizes and through various means and devices.) Some Provinces close to Hong Kong and Macao will issue multiple entry "L" visas to FE with prior "Z" visas. The further the province from Hong Kong or Macao, the more difficult to obtain a multiple entry visa while working in China.
"F" visa is a single entry permit for business purposes. You must have an invitation letter from your host company. The visa is for 30 days. This visa is easily converted to a "Z" visa before its expiration date that then allows further employment in China past the initial 30 days.
"Z" visa is a single entry permit, usually issued for 30 days. This merely allows you to enter China to apply for your "Expert's Certificate" and "Green Card" or "Temporary Resident Permit." Once you have these two documents you are free to stay, work, and travel within China. If you wish to leave China you must surrender your "Expert's Certificate" and "Green Card" or "Temporary Resident Permit" and obtain an "Exit" visa. You will then need another "Z" or "F" visa to return to your teaching job in China. Vacationing outside China is really discouraged by this entangled process and is a major source of confusion and dissatisfaction with FEs.
- Medical
Most public Chinese schools offer the same medical treatment to FE as is offered to their own Chinese teachers in the school infirmary or medical clinic. This is basic first aid, Chinese style. It is comparable to the Elementary school nurse in America. Most private schools do not have an on site medical facility and must rely upon the local hospital. Many schools advise that medical insurance first be obtained before leaving the home country. Unfortunately, most medical insurance plans that cover travel and work abroad do not cover the People's Republic of China, which means evacuation to Hong Kong at a minimum. In the event of catastrophic illness, your China employer will deport you anyway.
The Central Government guide provides:
Foreign experts are to be provided "medical expenses according to the Chinese medical care system." (1994, Guide for Foreign Experts Working in China, State Bureau of Foreign Experts, p.52)
"Medical Care. The health care system in China covers the whole country. Most of the work units have their own clinics where complaints like headaches, colds, fevers and stomachaches can be effectively dealt with. There are sizable hospitals in each area and patients can get timely treatment without traveling too far. Big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and the provincial capitals all have well-equipped hospitals which employ many experienced doctors and specialists. Many cities have specialist hospitals. Most of the hospitals have special departments for foreign experts where patients receive first-class service. If stated in the contract, foreign experts will receive free medical treatment, but the cost of stays in hospital, registration fees, house calls, spectacles, dental treatment, massage, and non-medicinal nutritional products are to be paid by the patient." (1994, Guide for Foreign Experts Working in China, State Bureau of Foreign Experts, p. 60)
