Studying in China with the Intentions of Finding Work in China?
Since my return to the US after 7 years in China, I have had a lot of people ask me about my experiences in China and whether China would be a good fit for them. I believe there are many factors to consider when deciding to go to China. Whether it’s for work or studying Chinese, I have outlined just a few items for your consideration to aid people in their decisions.
1. First off, if you are considering getting your MBA at a Chinese University, don’t! While it’s well known that Chinese are flocking to the US to attend US Universities, I have been surprised at how many foreigners are now getting cheap MBA’s at Chinese Universities. Top Chinese Universities are now aggressively setting up co-op programs with western Universities to attract more foreigners. Most Universities will give you a scholarship or wave fee’s to make it more attractive. Don’t be fooled. While it sounds appealing here is the reality. When you get back to the US, your employer will never had heard of this “Top University” in China and will not recognize your MBA. You will not receive the same quality MBA classes that you would have in the US. Lastly, because you spent all of your time studying and exploring China, you will not be able to speak more than elementary Mandarin. If you go back to the US you will have missed out on the American network you could have built and employers you would have met through your University program. You will now be well behind the curve when looking for a job. Additionally, if your plan was to stay in China after graduation to work, please see part three below.
2. More Americans are going to China to study Chinese than ever before. China offers many types of programs. This ranges from a couple weeks to a complete year. I went to China with the intention of learning Chinese culture and Mandarin and then finding work in China. While I always recommend learning Chinese in a smaller city in China because it forces full immersion to the culture, I do know plenty of Americans that through there own self-discipline were able to achieve immersion even being in a large city. While I studied Chinese in a small northeast Chinese city, I moved to Beijing in 08 right before the Olympics to find work. Although I found work by the beginning of September of that same year, I didn’t legally start work until after Chinese New Year of 2009. Conditions in China have changed a lot since I started my first job in China, but let me give you a few pointers if you want to choose this path.
3. No matter if you have just finished your MBA in China or were in a Chinese Mandarin program, you are going to need to change over to a work visa to be considered legal in China. Most small companies in China have never hired a foreigner before or may have a limit on how many foreigners it can hire. In many cases a employer may try to convince you to switch over to a L Visa (旅). This allows them to forgo any paperwork and puts the burden of applying and paying for the visa on your shoulders. This is risky for the Chinese company, but very few are caught so the practice has continued. That being said, it’s harder to get an L visa now, so this burden is not placed on you.
Given that the company is legit and they want to hire you, here are the key factors to remember. Please note, this is not everything you will need, just a few things most people don’t know:
A. In order to switch from a Study X Visa (学) to a work visa, you will need to return to the US. You can no longer travel to another country like Hong Kong or South Korea to apply.
B. One of the main questions the Chinese will ask for is your work experience. If you don’t have multiple years of work experience or can provide a skill that is needed in China, they will not approve your visa. This is why it’s so difficult for recent MBA graduates and individuals in language classes to switch over to work visas. They will not qualify.
C. Your original diploma
D. All documents must be translated from English to Chinese by an official translation company and make sure the company stamps the documents.
E. There are two different Chinese government bodies your employer will need to submit documents to. Municipal Bureau of Labor and Social Security (人力资源和社会保障局) and Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau (公安局出入境管理处). The Bureau of Labor and Social Security approves your contract and is in charge of ensuring your company is able to hire foreigners. Your company should give you a small red book that looks like a passport labeled, Alien Employment Permit (外国人就业证). Make sure the company gives this to you. If they don’t, you are not legally able to work in China. The Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau handles your work visa and/or Residence Permit (中华人民共和国外国人居留许可). Depending what type of work visa you have, you may or may not need to visit this bureau. If you need a Residence Permit, you will have to visit this bureau. Along with all the forms, make sure you company brings its original business license (营业执照).
Lastly, a common practice from the past 5 years that I have seen in business, and my Chinese friend labeled as; “The period of “one white faced man”, is long gone. While I may not agree with him that this period is long gone, know that these types of jobs do still exist but are fading. Make sure your company truly plans on employing you to help in the growth of the company. Not to make the company look more “international”. Otherwise, you will find yourself working in dead end job.
