I don't know about this *particular* advert, but it is very common for teachers to come to China on a tourist visa, which is then changed for a Z class visa once in China.

Mainly the reason is: Ease and expense. It is a real pain to get a Z class visa outside of China, more expensive and quite a lot slower.

The school can arrange the Z class in China much more easily, and should be at no cost to the teacher (for a private school, dunno about universities).
You should be careful though that the school is allowed to hire foreigners, and has the proper paperwork. You really must make sure you will get a Z class visa. If they mess you around then the chances are they aren't legal. Go and find another school that is!

Having said that, some places are cracking down a bit on this practice. I have heard you can get a Z class in HK. Can anyone verify this?

> Sorry for the bold letters. Has anyone heard of any of the two? I
> came across their website, which looks and sounds like a scam to me.
> (I might add... a scam targetting the non-native speakers).

> Here's what was written under "conditions":

> * Give us your dates of availability

> * Obtain a Chinese tourist visa (at home or in Hong-Kong)

> * Assure us that you are fluent in English, with a flawless
> pronunciation*

> * Teach 15 to 20 oral English lessons per week (1 lesson is about 45
> minutes)

> * When needed, help the centre advertise (speeches, flyers, TV
> commercials...)

> * Otherwise we wont be able to give you a full time schedule. We
> wont be responsible if the school partners are not satisfy with your
> non-standard accent.

> Of course, I may be wrong. I just find it very daring for a
> "school" to openly advise prospective teachers who intend
> to work in China to enter the country on a tourist visa. Their
> assurance of converting the tourist visa to a working visa does not
> even sound assuring:

> "We can provide a working visa under CERTAIN CONDITIONS. please
> bring a copy of your diplomas, a letter of recommendation and a
> medical health certificate."