The Dumb Laowai

Not having my contract renewed at XXX University may have been one of the best things that ever happened to me.  Whereas I used to teach spoiled morons who actually wrote that not attending class and not doing homework were the best features of college life, I now teach executive level adults who can’t wait for class.  And whereas XXX University never did come through with a Z visa, my new employer put one in my hands in less than six weeks, without me leaving Beijing!

Of course, several weeks ago, the government was still requiring a trip back home to convert an F to a Z, but after going through my health exam, I made a phone call to my boss.

“China’s really worried about this flu, huh?”
“Oh yes! We think it very importantly!”
“And now, the government knows that I do not have it, right?”
“Yes! Yes! You health good!”
“And now the government is forcing me to go back to the US in order to change my visa?”
“Ummmm…I call you back.”

The next day, the visa policies had been changed, once again.  Of course, everyone involved in the process has warned me that this is probably a very small window of opportunity. Regulations are expected to be tightened once again before the National Day anniversary.