When, I decided to write a blog it was to a means of catharsis as well as to provide insight for people who may want to teach in China. I don’t want anyone to make the same mistakes that I did, the process and the paperwork can be very tricky. It would behoove the future teacher in China to know the complete process and be prepared to remind their sponsoring school concerning deadlines. I didn’t do that and almost had to pay a huge fine. Read my story and I have to say God was with me today and I really felt his presence. If you are an atheist then this is not a post you will want to read so stop here 🙂
This morning Ron( The Canadian) and I had to apply for our residency permits. Actually I had to apply, Ron had and expired Z Visa. Ron had to get an L Visa then he has to go to Hong Kong and apply for a Z Visa then come back to get a residency permit. His Visa expired 20 days ago and he has to pay 500 yuan for each day. So he has to pay 4000 yuan , buy an L Visa and a two way ticket to Hong Kong. Not very cheap!!!
The driver picked us up from the hotel(yes I am still living in a hotel) at 8:30 am. Ms H( her job is to take care of the foreign teachers, she works in the Foreign Affairs Office) met us there. Now usually this is an extremely quick process. The building we went to was for Entry and exit of people coming and leaving China. This place handles Foreign Experts Certification, Residency Permits and other things. Ms. H handed our paperwork in to one office. Then we both had to get photos taken then we proceeded back to the original office. This was where we got yet another photo and Rob was to get his L Visa and i was to get my Residency permit.
photo compliments of
teachinchina.org
This is how a Residency Permit looks. Thank goodness I can get one!!!
Then it hit!!! Houston we have a problem!!! Ms. H was arguing with the Police officer behind the desk and scurry around and trying to talk to other people. Ron glanced a peek and told me it was a problem with my Visa. I was getting worried. I asked Ms. H what the problem was, I am in freak out mode right about now. I was scared and thoughts about being deported started running in my head. Or about spending more money like poor Ron, money which I do not have readily available. I did a Tsrah prayer with all my heart to God. God used people as a vehicle to aid me. Ms. Hwang had a connection another police officer who called the supervisor and talked to hi,. I was allowed to apply for my Residency Permit. I am an extremely lucky girl, I have to remember how much God loves me and he is with me.
The day ended with a Chicken, Muslim bread( Chang Min needs to bring me the bread from Shanghai, this stuffy I had was puny compared to the ones by him) purchasing a knife loose tea green and chamomile. So boys and girls, what lesson have you learned today?
Lesson Learned
1) Know and be aware of all steps in obtaining your Visa, Health Check and Residency permit
2) Keep a calender of due dates and get on top of your school. you are the one that suffers for little hiccups not them.
3) Keep a calm rational head
4) Come to China with enough money so you can deal with bumps along the road
5) Know that once you enter China you have to get your health check, residency permit within 30 days. Keep reminding your school!
6) Keep record of everything
7) There are chickens near my university
Can you spot the chicken?
Shopping area outside the gates of the uni
