I am teaching in Shanghai and not doing well. Because of this, the school is planning on sending me to another campus. That might not be bad but the reason why I did not do well this past semester is because I had trouble readjusting to Chinese life, after being back in the U.S. for one year. (I have been in China 9 years before I went home, so was really surprised by the need to readjust). The main problem is that I cannot seem to click to university students.

My contract has a financial fine if i break it - this part I understand. What happens to my ability to get a visa if I leave in the middle of this contract and find a job in another school?

You'll need a release letter from your previous employer...so try to work out everything nicely. Otherwsie you'll have trouble get a Work Permit without cooperation of the current school. No Work Permit, and then no new visa (RP).

But what if you go back home and then you come back to shanghai in a year or so. Once ur current visa and work permit have expired. It shouldnt be a problem then right?

Maybe not but who knows what records are kept. Try to get the Release Letter. End it nicely, help them find a replacement if possible, spin a yarn...........If you just walk out then make it on a payday, if you give notice you'll likely not get the monies you are due but at least try to convince them to give you the RL.

Iceberg wrote:But what if you go back home and then you come back to shanghai in a year or so. Once ur current visa and work permit have expired. It shouldnt be a problem then right?

In one year, the gov. would definitely need to see the release paper. a colleague of mine returned to China after 5 years and had to produce the release letter in hard-copy! So don't lose it!

To the OP: Get the letter, or you'll never be able to work in China again!