Well Roxie, I guess we shouldn't trust anyone :-) Let's just go online and read what everyone else wrote and somehow try to derive truth from that. Bait and switch is something you absolutely should watch out for if you sign for a Z visa before coming to China. Of course, if you go through one of our people, that will likely never happen as we have gotten rid of the recruiters hurting teachers over the years.

You may scoff at this, but I am a Catholic monk and helping others is why we do what we do.

China ESL is like a minefield. There are deceitful recruiters, agents and direct employers, all of whom dupe foreigners. Even SAFEA is a cheat! Why haven't they increased the end of term travel allowance from 1,100 RMB over a period of more than two decades? These days it should be around 6,000 RMB. Terming that 1,100 a travel allowance is outrageous!

All I'm saying is that due diligence is necessary in all respects of possible future employment as an FT in China. Nowt wrong with saying that, given all the horror stories associated with teaching English in China, and the crappy Z visa regulations! The contract and its associated appendix can be signed by both parties, and stamped by the Chinese side BEFORE you get your Z visa in your homeland! That'll stop 'bait and switch" tactics being applied to foreigners abroad seeking teaching jobs in China.

I'd never scoff at you being a monk, though I am a non-believer in religions of all kinds, as well as opposed to meditation.

Maybe you are unaware of Dr Turnoi being a former Anglican priest! You two have indeed got something in common! You and he should try harder to get along with each other in public on the board!