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Shanghai China - Foreign Teachers in Trouble Options

Romany Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2010 10:42:12 PM

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I know this is a forum for speakers of the English Language – not for a group of stranded English teachers in deep trouble in Shanghai, China. But desperate situations sometimes require desperate means. I got the idea from the thread on the spelling of the word “dilemma” (yep. That’s what I was taught!) . That thread seems to have directed people looking up that word to itself from all over the world – so maybe people looking up “Shanghai” “China” “Shanghai Construction Group”,” KaiEn” or “Foreigners Being Shafted” might see this thread?



A week before Christmas on payday, December 17th – a group of “foreign” teachers walked into their office at KaiEn English School in Shanghai, China to find it empty of all local staff and the main office locked. Milling about the echoing halls and classrooms were a collection of suspicious-looking men muscling their way around in suits,a few bewildered students and interested neighbours from other floors in the building.



A couple of phone calls solicited the fact that the Companies Bosses – Super-shafters BrianMcCloskey, Ken Carroll and a dodgy little character called Alex Wee, had all fled the country and KaiEn bank accounts were empty. The offices were soon thronging with Police, Press and irate students and parents.



I want to make it absolutely clear that events since then have nothing WHATSOEVER to do with any fault on the part of the Chinese Government. As in most countries in the world, legislation is in the place, the law is clear and we destitute and displaced teachers know there are laws in place to protect us.



But no Government can legislate greed, ignorance or a propensity for the Big Guys to exploit the Little Guys, out of individuals.



Every foreign business in China must have a Chinese partner. KaiEn’s was run to ground within 24 hours.



But, once the Chinese staff had been paid AND given compensation under their Labour Laws, this company seems to have decided that a handful of American, British and Australian nationals are not in a position to make waves; know nothing of Chinese law; and should just mosey on back to their two cars, double storey mansions, fat bank accounts and the lives of luxury that urban legend holds is the background of every Foreigner in China.



We are hurting, people.



Its now a full month later. We are owed over two month’s wages. Overtime. Benefits. Compensation. Travel Bonuses.



We have no money to live on, let alone buy airoplane tickets outta here with. One or two of us can afford lawyers but the majority can’t. Our papers are being withheld from many of us. We can’t get other jobs without papers.



Its damned cold in Shanghai in January and we are trying to save money on heating, facing eviction,living on noodles, crowded into other people’s places existing on their charity, and abandoned by a media who, quite naturally, don’t find Foreigners problems stack up against the problems of their own Nationals.



Our respective Embassies have provided nothing but the advice to retain lawyers.



For many, Shanghai is home. We LIVE here. Many are married/engaged to Chinese people. Where would we go? How could we exist once we got there?



Can we get a dialogue going here which will help to bring pressure on these people? I’ll be happy to answer questions and hey, throw in the odd English lesson in my replies!



Dreamy Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2010 11:29:41 PM



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Romany, all I can think of is my non-negotiable faith that "all things work together for good for those that love God and are the called according to His purpose."(Romans 8:28)



I sympathise with all those suffering as described, and offer my encouragement to trust God since trusting "man" hasn't worked out too well.

Romany Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2010 11:44:48 PM

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Dreamy - thanks for your comments.



We know people can't give us any concrete help. But hope that, by alerting as many people as we can to this situation, and getting some dialogue going wherever we can, Shanghai Construction Group will realise that we are not just a helpless group of abandoned teachers - but that we have the support and the eyes and ears of people from all over.



The lawyers one of our number engaged advised that media attention and pressure be brought to bear.



However conventional media aren't interested.



So I'm hoping that the Internet community - which has proved in the past to carry a lot of weight in China - can help us to show that we do not stand alone.

Raven Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 12:11:14 AM

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I don't know how the Brits or Ozzies can contact their government, but perhaps the Yankees can contact their Representatives and Senators for assistance in this matter. Good luck.



http://www.house.gov/



http://www.senate.gov/ Hi Romany:I don't know how the Brits or Ozzies can contact their government, but perhaps the Yankees can contact their Representatives and Senators for assistance in this matter. Good luck.

JackH Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 12:17:34 AM

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Romany wrote: I know this is a forum for speakers of the English Language – not for a group of stranded English teachers in deep trouble in Shanghai, China. But desperate situations sometimes require desperate means. I got the idea from the thread on the spelling of the word “dilemma” (yep. That’s what I was taught!) . That thread seems to have directed people looking up that word to itself from all over the world – so maybe people looking up “Shanghai” “China” “Shanghai Construction Group”,” KaiEn” or “Foreigners Being Shafted” might see this thread?



A week before Christmas on payday, December 17th – a group of “foreign” teachers walked into their office at KaiEn English School in Shanghai, China to find it empty of all local staff and the main office locked. Milling about the echoing halls and classrooms were a collection of suspicious-looking men muscling their way around in suits,a few bewildered students and interested neighbours from other floors in the building.



A couple of phone calls solicited the fact that the Companies Bosses – Super-shafters BrianMcCloskey, Ken Carroll and a dodgy little character called Alex Wee, had all fled the country and KaiEn bank accounts were empty. The offices were soon thronging with Police, Press and irate students and parents.



I want to make it absolutely clear that events since then have nothing WHATSOEVER to do with any fault on the part of the Chinese Government. As in most countries in the world, legislation is in the place, the law is clear and we destitute and displaced teachers know there are laws in place to protect us.



But no Government can legislate greed, ignorance or a propensity for the Big Guys to exploit the Little Guys, out of individuals.



Every foreign business in China must have a Chinese partner. KaiEn’s was run to ground within 24 hours.



But, once the Chinese staff had been paid AND given compensation under their Labour Laws, this company seems to have decided that a handful of American, British and Australian nationals are not in a position to make waves; know nothing of Chinese law; and should just mosey on back to their two cars, double storey mansions, fat bank accounts and the lives of luxury that urban legend holds is the background of every Foreigner in China.



We are hurting, people.



Its now a full month later. We are owed over two month’s wages. Overtime. Benefits. Compensation. Travel Bonuses.



We have no money to live on, let alone buy airoplane tickets outta here with. One or two of us can afford lawyers but the majority can’t. Our papers are being withheld from many of us. We can’t get other jobs without papers.



Its damned cold in Shanghai in January and we are trying to save money on heating, facing eviction,living on noodles, crowded into other people’s places existing on their charity, and abandoned by a media who, quite naturally, don’t find Foreigners problems stack up against the problems of their own Nationals.



Our respective Embassies have provided nothing but the advice to retain lawyers.



For many, Shanghai is home. We LIVE here. Many are married/engaged to Chinese people. Where would we go? How could we exist once we got there?



Can we get a dialogue going here which will help to bring pressure on these people? I’ll be happy to answer questions and hey, throw in the odd English lesson in my replies!







Romany:



I'm sorry to hear that. Do you think you may all come together and retain one good lawyer for all of you? After all it is the one same case, isn't it?



I thought your embassies would care more. Anyway, I think you may still go and talk to them. Anything they do will help get attention.



Those are what I would do if I were you. And I think you are right. You need more people to at least know about what is going on. So let's do that.



I must say, I am surprised that the local workers all got paid this time.

Romany:I'm sorry to hear that. Do you think you may all come together and retain one good lawyer for all of you? After all it is the one same case, isn't it?I thought your embassies would care more. Anyway, I think you may still go and talk to them. Anything they do will help get attention.Those are what I would do if I were you. And I think you are right. You need more people to at least know about what is going on. So let's do that.I must say, I am surprised that the local workers all got paid this time.

Raparee Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 12:33:42 AM



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Romany, I truly wish I could do something, and, as you say, something concrete, something physical. The only advice I can offer is get it on facebook and twitter, and in neither place am I active. The massive outpouring for support for the Haiti survivors from Twitter alone was massive. A family in the US somewhere (out west, somewhere? Nevada? Montana?) starting a net campaign to help find a missing mother and wife with huge participation. I know China has a lockdown on a lot of the net, but that would seem to be my best advice.



Get this info to go viral and there will be results of some sort. It's a shitty thing to do, but all too often, the little guys get caught in the mechanisms of big business and government is nothing if not big business.



As far as the physical goes, I can crochet...I can send a blanket, maybe? (Though I'm not sure how fast I can start and finish one.) Would be happy to put together a care package for you guys. :) That I am sure we could do here, on this forum, without too much hassle.

nooblet Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 1:21:12 AM

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I hope all of you teachers out there in China are able to make it through this ordeal. I'm not super sharp on getting things to go viral, but if there is some specific way that I can get this attention directly to you and the other teachers so that you can answer the questions (since I'm ignorant outside of the content of this thread), I will do what I can.



If there is an address that I can send physical goods or money to, please let me know.



EDIT: I meant ordeal, not ideal. I apologize, especially since they are WAY on the opposite end of the spectrum.

JackH Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 1:46:57 AM

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Raparee wrote: The only advice I can offer is get it on facebook and twitter, . The massive outpouring for support for the Haiti survivors from Twitter alone was massive.



Yeah, if only we could still scale that Great Fire Wall.



The two proxy servers I used are all down. The new ones I have tried since have never worked. But I won't give up. Yeah, if only we could still scale that Great Fire Wall.The two proxy servers I used are all down. The new ones I have tried since have never worked. But I won't give up.

Romany Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 2:40:27 AM

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Yeah - trying to scale the wall is just about impossible. Both my blogs and, of course, Face Book are inaccessable. I know quite a few people on here have blogs- can anybody get some of this story out on theirs? (btw- Jack, I tried to register with QQ so at least I could let all my former University students in Ningbo know. But, although it let me register, as yet I haven't been able to log in!).



Thanks to all who have so far replied. My problems are made worse by the fact that - unlike those people reparee mentioned, I haven't got a central space to direct people to. I am just hoping that as many people as possible can post things about this with the words "China","Shanghai", "SCG" or "Shanghai Construction Group" -even the evil trio "Brian McCluskey", "Ken Carroll" and "Alex Wee". (The more those words are hit upon, the better it is for us).



Those last two are the Irishmen who, 13 years ago, started off the company that soon became a household name in Shanghai - KaiEn. Trouble was, they got seduced by the glitzy life styles on offer here. Not content with just being teachers they started drooling after the cachet of the Fortune 500 companies who were sending staff for tuition. Got ideas above their station as an earlier generation would have phrased it.



But, despite the imitation life-styles they really were just a coupla bog-trotting school teachers at heart...so they blew the whole deal.



Alex was a so-called "Investor" who was brought in from Singapore - it was him The Mob were after when the whole thing collapsed. (Well, we presume it was mainly him). Trouble is, he incriminated an innocent office worker - and her mum - as targets. What a weasel!.



Thing is, while many Chinese honestly believe that Westerners have no worries, these two knew EXACTLY what they were causing when they sneaked themselves and families out of the country ... to live off our money.



Someone elsewhere I think, mentioned the fact that 80% of China are still rural workers. They see movies in which even the lifestyles of Urban Chinese are way beyond them. As to people from Outside - we are almost like fabled creatures...no-one has ever seen one!



The 20% that live in the cities (and please remember that 20% when one is talking about an overall population over a BILLION is not a negligible number) Are part of the new and ever-rising Middle Class. The upper echelons of which live life-styles which would leave ordinary folk in Usa, Australia, UK, Canada, Europe, absolutely gasping.



Now, the contention is that Foreigners are the Favoured Ones (in terms of life-style) so many people assume that we all live over and above anything they can see here.



For the past four years I've had students congratulating me on learning to ride a bicycle so quickly - they thought all foreigners were two and three car families and don't even know what a bicycle was. (They also, despite my enlightenment, still firmly believe it was a Chinese invention!)



I nearly lost the respect and friendship of another group of students when I told them that, in 2002 I was painting houses in order to feed my kids when I was at University. First they thought I was lying and couldn't understand why. Then they were shocked and disapointed I had worked "like a peasant"...and was admitting it.



When our story first hit the Chinese Internet I and another teacher, were labelled a pair of "schmucks" for depending upon our pay checks to live. The fact that we didn't have bank accounts behind us was regarded as stupidity. Even if I were to describe the events leading up to this in my case, it is doubtfull they would believe or comprehend.



Even amongst my Chinese friends, the idea that one could have no home to go back to (two storied mansion or not)or some kind of access to a bank account somewhere is difficult for them to believe.



It is no wonder, therefore, that Shanghai Construction Group don't think our problems worth fixing.





reiki333 Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 2:49:49 AM

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Best of energies to all of you...I always wanted to see China...I know its beautiful...

http://www.superpages.com/supertips/pro-bono-lawyers.html I am definitely no whiz with legalities but this may get you on track...keep on keeping on!Best of energies to all of you...I always wanted to see China...I know its beautiful...

Romany Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 4:50:37 AM

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reiki - thank you for that. Unfortunately, this is China. There is no such thing as a free lunch here. Or a free lawyer.



The charges quoted to us, btw, are PER HEAD - you don't get a group discount!

nooblet Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 5:32:35 AM

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Damn, that is really messed up. I really wish I knew how to help you in this situation. :(

uuaschbaer Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 8:11:05 AM



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Quote: While constitutional enforcement is evolving and developing, victims of illegal discrimination might have a chance to succeed in bringing litigation based on anti-discrimination clauses provided in specific laws, supported by constitutional principles. For example, in addition to banning most forms of discrimination, the Employment Promotion Law examined above provides that workers can file a lawsuit in the People’s court. Litigation based on specific laws should be considered as the best means to fight discrimination, mainly because it appears to be more easily enforceable and because the constitutional right of equality is also enshrined in laws like the Labor Law and the Employment Promotion Law. Nonetheless, three key remaining issues create a significant barrier for discrimination litigation: the limited scope of possible judicial review, the lack of any clear definition of discrimination and the troubles of enforceability at the local level.



http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=jean_francois_seguin For what it's worth:

Epiphileon Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 9:26:28 AM



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Hello Romany, I am very sorry to hear of your situation. These are the type of folks for whom tarring and feathering seem, not at all a bad punishment. I'm sorry I can't be of much help, I've never been very good at litigation matters. I hope this thread gets someone's attention that can help. Good luck.

Isaac Samuel Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 12:28:59 PM

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In your situation ,I can only think of 3 anecdotes that I felt might help to initiate some kind of action on your part:



1. During early 2000 (I2K) there was a need in USA for I.T (Information Technology) experts, both in private and Government

sectors. Govt. expanded the quota for H1B ( skilled workers) Visa,which spurred the growth of some Employment brokers.

A friend of mine brought 100s of I.T graduates and contracted with Govt. and private upstart software companies like Oracle. He took a lion share of the revenue and left these graduates holding the bag when contract ended. Some, who left my friend are now the pillars of Silicon Valley.



2. Another entrepreneur,under the same visa brought about 20 welders and journeymen of Indian origin from Dubai to work on

shipyards in Louisiana. Same fate for these workers after the contract with shipping companies ended and the Visa expired for the workers. Instead of arranging their return, he thought he should feed and find them jobs by housing them in a make-shift building in squalid conditions. The word got around and the Authorities cracked down on both the employer and the workers.The workers appealed their deportation order by sitting-in in front of the White House for few days and finally got removed by Police and were cited for trespass. To their luck, an aspiring attorney did pro bono work and got them Green Card on some ground. All these guys are now either independent contractors or working directly to employers.



3. Yesterday,I read in the news that the Haitian born Rapper, Wyclef Jean, collected 5 dollars a person by twittering his fans with deposit details and was able to collect more than a million dollars for the victims of earthquake in Haiti. You have lots of friends in this forum who,including me, may help you tide over in interim, if you care to resort to this method.



These are some moments in life America redeems itself from capitalistic woes by letting freedom to play its part. May be communism has a way of redeeming itself from situations like this. Please explore the avenues there, as well. Good Luck. We love you.

Dear Romany,In your situation ,I can only think of 3 anecdotes that I felt might help to initiate some kind of action on your part:1. During early 2000 (I2K) there was a need in USA for I.T (Information Technology) experts, both in private and Governmentsectors. Govt. expanded the quota for H1B ( skilled workers) Visa,which spurred the growth of some Employment brokers.A friend of mine brought 100s of I.T graduates and contracted with Govt. and private upstart software companies like Oracle. He took a lion share of the revenue and left these graduates holding the bag when contract ended. Some, who left my friend are now the pillars of Silicon Valley.2. Another entrepreneur,under the same visa brought about 20 welders and journeymen of Indian origin from Dubai to work onshipyards in Louisiana. Same fate for these workers after the contract with shipping companies ended and the Visa expired for the workers. Instead of arranging their return, he thought he should feed and find them jobs by housing them in a make-shift building in squalid conditions. The word got around and the Authorities cracked down on both the employer and the workers.The workers appealed their deportation order by sitting-in in front of the White House for few days and finally got removed by Police and were cited for trespass. To their luck, an aspiring attorney did pro bono work and got them Green Card on some ground. All these guys are now either independent contractors or working directly to employers.3. Yesterday,I read in the news that the Haitian born Rapper, Wyclef Jean, collected 5 dollars a person by twittering his fans with deposit details and was able to collect more than a million dollars for the victims of earthquake in Haiti. You have lots of friends in this forum who,including me, may help you tide over in interim, if you care to resort to this method.These are some moments in life America redeems itself from capitalistic woes by letting freedom to play its part. May be communism has a way of redeeming itself from situations like this. Please explore the avenues there, as well. Good Luck. We love you.

nooblet Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 2:15:46 PM

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I read all three entries (the one you linked to and the two that were linked from that article) on the status of the KaiEn fiasco. The most recent one was posted almost an entire month ago (December 19th), and Romany still hasn't gotten any aid from the sound of it. I hope that that Praxis is actually following through with that instead of just making it sound like there's nothing to worry about, but I'm skeptical. How long does it seriously take to begin administering aid to the teachers?

Isaac Samuel Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 3:37:28 PM

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I read your first post last night,brooded over and was ready to post mine this morning, but when I noticed the message boards are filling rapidly ,I hurried to post mine before reading your subsequent posts. Upon reading ,I thought they also deserve my reply.



My posts may appear slanted towards—in favor of China. I do not mind being called China-lover like some Whites,who are

called Nigger-lovers when they try to balance race relations.



I knew of brown and black skinned people,excellent in grammar and phonetics were turned down to teach English in China by these middle men under the pretext of: Chinese desiring native speakers of English than others. An insinuation propagated by the employers like your own.It is the truth and you know the culprits,— who scapegoated China for their inability to cull English teachers from other hues.



When United States lodged a complaint to China about its food shipments being contaminated and caused illness to Americans,China gave the culprit death sentence; giving the guilt ridden food manufacturers in the U.S embarrassment at best, and callousness at worst.



Some outliers like yourself, unsuspectingly, based on hearsay's and knee jerk reactions; calibrate China's virtues with your imputed mythical standards. Chinese know the power of Internet (example,your post) and the swaying power it has. They also know that it makes them vulnerable and susceptible for false propaganda. They see Google a traitor who betrayed their trust.



I am sure your problem will be addressed individually or even collectively if you file it with appropriate authorities without appearing antagonistic with foregone conclusions and refrains. It is natural for bureaucrats everywhere—to appear fair to avoid negative publicity to protect the image of their country,as sworn officers. We do it here even for a criminal illegal person.



I am holding out for you to see the light of the day without tinted glasses.







Dear Romany,I read your first post last night,brooded over and was ready to post mine this morning, but when I noticed the message boards are filling rapidly ,I hurried to post mine before reading your subsequent posts. Upon reading ,I thought they also deserve my reply.My posts may appear slanted towards—in favor of China. I do not mind being called China-lover like some Whites,who arecalled Nigger-lovers when they try to balance race relations.I knew of brown and black skinned people,excellent in grammar and phonetics were turned down to teach English in China by these middle men under the pretext of: Chinese desiring native speakers of English than others. An insinuation propagated by the employers like your own.It is the truth and you know the culprits,— who scapegoated China for their inability to cull English teachers from other hues.When United States lodged a complaint to China about its food shipments being contaminated and caused illness to Americans,China gave the culprit death sentence; giving the guilt ridden food manufacturers in the U.S embarrassment at best, and callousness at worst.Some outliers like yourself, unsuspectingly, based on hearsay's and knee jerk reactions; calibrate China's virtues with your imputed mythical standards. Chinese know the power of Internet (example,your post) and the swaying power it has. They also know that it makes them vulnerable and susceptible for false propaganda. They see Google a traitor who betrayed their trust.I am sure your problem will be addressed individually or even collectively if you file it with appropriate authorities without appearing antagonistic with foregone conclusions and refrains. It is natural for bureaucrats everywhere—to appear fair to avoid negative publicity to protect the image of their country,as sworn officers. We do it here even for a criminal illegal person.I am holding out for you to see the light of the day without tinted glasses.

Romany Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 8:37:20 PM

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Thanks people who are reading and following this thread: - as you can see, all the entries concerning this lot on local chat threads are from over a month ago - and some were incorrect then anyway.



The one that was written about foreign teachers being sorted while locals weren't, is completely wrong, of course. The local teachers were PAID IN FULL and WITH COMPENSATION and given all their paper within the week, contrary to what is written above.



The message from Ken Carroll is the one and only thing anyone has heard from him. As his bio. photo etc. STILL appear on KaiEn correspondance, sites etc. it was somewhat disingenuous of him to try to distance himself, we consider!



Ginny, I thank you heaps. We are going this morning for one last ditch (for me, anyway) attempt to meet with SCG.



If they refuse once again to talk to us, we will have to go to some other dreary Government office, where we will be given conflicting information by a multitude of people, given copious amounts of papers in CHinese to fill in, told that nothing can be done for at least another 60 days, and sniggered at from behind the counter. It is a regular routine by now.



I appreciate your offer and will definitely get something to you when I get back later today from this humiliating round.

.wichitarick Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010 2:14:09 AM

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I forwarded this to a group of "gifted" teachers in U.S.D. 259 system. We will forward it to the state house tomorrow and if nothing else my daughters next globe report will be on Shanghai China.

I often type one handed depending on what my body feels like doing and you never know who may read something when it is sent to a few hundred people. I mean after all, there are still "people"(P.C.) sending money to Nigeria.



Welcome to the information age. stranger meets stranger,

I would make you folks some Chinese food but it is a little out of the way . The Mexican food in my neighbor hood is superior though.



Quote: Driving directions to KS

16,059 km – about 36 days 22 hours

Suggested routes







Shanghai, China

1. Head northeast toward 人民大道

0.3 km

2. Turn right at 人民大道

0.4 km

3. Turn left at 黃陂北路/黄陂北路

73 m

4. Turn right at 武勝路/武胜路

0.2 km

5. Continue onto 威海路

0.2 km

6. Turn right onto the ramp to 南北高架路

42 m

7. Continue toward 南北高架路

0.3 km

8. Slight left at 南北高架路

2.9 km

9. Take exit 內環高架路-内环高架路 toward 內環高架路/内环高架路

0.4 km

10. Keep right at the fork to continue toward 內環高架路/内环高架路 and merge onto 內環高架路/内环高架路

3.2 km

11. Slight right at 逸仙高架路

10.6 km

12. Continue onto 同济高架路/同濟高架路

1.0 km

13. Take exit 水产路-水產路 to merge onto 同济路/同濟路

1.1 km

14. Turn right at 双城路/雙城路

2.1 km

15. Turn right at 塘后路

0.5 km

16. Take the 2nd left onto 塘后支路

0.4 km

17. Jet ski across the Pacific Ocean

782 km

18. Continue straight

1.4 km

19. Continue straight onto 県道350号線

2.0 km

20. Turn left at 県道349号線

11.3 km

21. Turn right

57 m

22. Turn left

58 m

23. Take the 串木野~里~中甑~鹿島~長浜 ferry

Partial toll road



49.5 km

24. Continue straight

0.1 km

25. Turn right

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26. Turn right

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27. Turn left toward 県道38号線

0.8 km

28. Continue straight onto 県道38号線

0.9 km

29. Turn right at 串木野駅（交差点） onto 国道3号線

32.9 km

30. Turn left to merge onto 九州自動車道

Toll road



342 km

31. Continue onto 関門橋

Toll road



9.2 km

32. Continue onto 中国自動車道

Toll road



64.6 km

33. Take exit 山口ＪＣＴ toward 山陽道・広島・大阪

Toll road



1.5 km

34. Merge onto 山陽自動車道

Toll road



94.8 km

35. Take exit 有料道路大竹ＩＣ to merge onto 広島岩国道路

Toll road



12.5 km

36. Take the ramp on the right to 山陽道・広島・大阪

Toll road



1.2 km

37. Merge onto 山陽自動車道

Toll road



309 km

38. Take exit 神戸ＪＣＴ toward 中国道・西宮北・大阪

Toll road



1.2 km

39. Merge onto 中国自動車道

Toll road



30.1 km

40. Take exit 吹田ＪＣＴ on the right toward 名神・京都

Toll road



1.2 km

41. Merge onto 名神高速道路

Toll road



49.0 km

42. Take exit 草津ＪＣＴ toward 新名神・東名阪・草津田上・名古屋

Toll road



1.3 km

43. Merge onto 新名神高速道路

Toll road



49.7 km

44. Take exit 亀山ＪＣＴ toward 東名阪道・伊勢湾岸道・鈴鹿・名古屋・豊田

Toll road



1.1 km

45. Merge onto 東名阪自動車道

Toll road



22.0 km

46. Take exit 四日市ＪＣＴ toward 伊勢湾岸道・豊田

Toll road



1.2 km

47. Merge onto 伊勢湾岸自動車道

Toll road



17.6 km

48. Take exit 高速飛島ＩＣ to merge onto 伊勢湾岸自動車道/名港トリトン

Continue to follow 伊勢湾岸自動車道

Toll road



32.1 km

49. Take exit 豊田ＪＣＴ toward 東名・名古屋・静岡

Toll road



0.4 km

50. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 東名・岡崎・静岡 and merge onto 東名高速道路

Toll road



303 km

51. Continue onto 首都高速3号渋谷線 (signs for 首都高速)

Toll road



12.1 km

52. Take exit 谷町ＪＣＴ toward 北池袋・霞が関

Toll road



0.4 km

53. Merge onto 首都高速都心環状線

Toll road



6.0 km

54. Take exit 江戸橋ＪＣＴ toward 向島・湾岸線・箱崎

Toll road



0.7 km

55. Merge onto 首都高速6号向島線

Toll road



8.7 km

56. Take exit 堀切ＪＣＴ toward 大宮・東北道・三郷

Toll road



0.5 km

57. Merge onto 首都高速中央環状線

Toll road



0.7 km

58. Take exit 小菅ＪＣＴ on the right toward 常磐道・三郷

Toll road



0.6 km

59. Merge onto 首都高速6号三郷線

Toll road



9.4 km

60. Take exit 三郷ＪＣＴ toward 常磐道・水戸

Toll road



1.1 km

61. Merge onto 常磐自動車道

Toll road



37.7 km

62. Take exit 高速桜土浦ＩＣ toward 国道354号線

Toll road



0.9 km

63. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 土浦・霞ヶ浦 and merge onto 国道354号線

Partial toll road



2.1 km

64. Turn left at 中村陸橋下（交差点） to stay on 国道354号線

3.3 km

65. Slight left at 千束町（交差点） to stay on 国道354号線

0.6 km

66. Turn right at 亀城公園北（交差点） onto 国道125号線

0.7 km

67. Turn left at 県道263号線

0.5 km

68. Turn right to stay on 県道263号線

0.5 km

69. Turn left

0.3 km

70. Turn right

0.4 km

71. Kayak across the Pacific Ocean

6,243 km

72. Turn right at Kalakaua Ave

0.5 km

73. Turn left at Kapahulu Ave

2.5 km

74. Slight left at Waialae Ave

0.5 km

75. Take the ramp onto I-H-1 W

8.5 km

76. Slight right at I-H-201 W

6.4 km

77. Take the Interstate H1 W exit toward Pearl City

1.0 km

78. Merge onto I-H-1 W

6.8 km

79. Slight right at I-H-2 N

12.6 km

80. Take exit 8 toward Wahiawa

0.3 km

81. Merge onto HI-99 N/Kamehameha Hwy/State Hwy 80

Continue to follow HI-99 N



13.7 km

82. Continue straight onto HI-83 E/Kamehameha Hwy

19.9 km

83. Turn left at Kuilima Dr

0.8 km

84. Turn right

0.2 km

85. Kayak across the Pacific Ocean

4,436 km

86. Sharp right at N Northlake Way

1.6 km

87. Slight left at NE Northlake Way

0.2 km

88. Continue onto NE Pacific St

1.3 km

89. Slight right at Montlake Blvd NE

0.5 km

90. Merge onto WA-520 E via the ramp to Bellevue/Kirkland

9.4 km

91. Take the exit onto I-405 S toward Renton

6.0 km

92. Take exit 11 to merge onto I-90 E toward Spokane

162 km

93. Slight right at US-97 S (signs for I-82 E/US-97 S/Yakima)

1.5 km

94. Continue onto I-82 E

229 km

95. Take the exit onto I-84 E toward Pendleton

956 km

96. Merge onto I-80 E

624 km

97. Take exit 359A to merge onto I-25 S/US-87 S toward Denver

146 km

98. Take exit 217B on the left to merge onto I-270 E toward Aurora/Limon

11.8 km

99. Merge onto I-70 E

675 km





HelloI forwarded this to a group of "gifted" teachers in U.S.D. 259 system. We will forward it to the state house tomorrow and if nothing else my daughters next globe report will be on Shanghai China.I often type one handed depending on what my body feels like doingand you never knowwho may read something when it is sent to a few hundred people. I mean after all, there are still "people"(P.C.) sending money to Nigeria.Welcome to the information age. stranger meets stranger,I would make you folks some Chinese food but it is a little out of the way . The Mexican food in my neighbor hood is superior though.

JackH Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010 8:31:32 AM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 9/9/2009

Posts: 292

Neurons: 871

Location: China, Beijing

How are you doing with QQ, Romany? Logging in yet?



I use MSN but I used QQ before. I can't think of anything that may be wrong. Can you give me some specifics? All my friends use QQ, I'm sure we can figure it out.

Romany Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 9:52:49 AM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 6/14/2009

Posts: 17,587

Neurons: 56,868

Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

JACK - no luck with QQ but a group of students have a site on there. They have posted the fact that on Thursday the ex-students of KaiEn and the teachers are all going to SCG together to try to get some answers.



They have invited the Chinese press but another student says that, although its been printed in English speaking press a coupla times, the Chinese Press have been warned off.



We spent all Monday morning at SCG office but they NOW tell us they severed their connection with KIaiEn over a year ago and KaiEn has been operating without a Business Licence for a year. As many of us got Visa's during this time that is, of course, simply not true.



We spent the afternoon at the Department of Education but, from 1.30 till 4.30, never made it past Security.



WICHITARICK - thank you for your actions. If nothing else, perhaps this will serve as a warning to any teachers lured by the thought of going to China to teach?



ISAAC - I was a little puzzled by your last response if you don't mind, may I respond to it privately?



EVERYONE ELSE - thank you for your support and kind wishes.



Unfortunately, I have run out of time and will have to leave China by next week. Where I will go and what I will do is still in the lap of the gods.



However, wherever I end up (and providing I don't have to sell my lap-top, of course!)I will keep on going at this matter.



To complicate matters I have become ill so I apologise for not updating or responding to you all before this.







Romany Posted: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 9:25:45 AM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 6/14/2009

Posts: 17,587

Neurons: 56,868

Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

If anyone is interested:- article at Online Opinion Australia (don't know the actual web address, but just typing that into the search engine will get you there) published yesterday, January 20th.

nooblet Posted: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 3:23:08 PM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 10/15/2009

Posts: 1,570

Neurons: 4,778

Location: United States

Romany, I really hope things turn around for you. I wish you the best of luck in overcoming this situation and hope it leads you to a better opportunity. Hope you get better, too. What an awful time to get sick. :(

grammargeek Posted: Friday, January 22, 2010 12:13:27 PM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 3/21/2009

Posts: 11,136

Neurons: 33,836

Location: Arizona, U.S.

Do you have any further updates, Romany? Are you still in China?

Gzone Posted: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 12:56:36 PM

Rank: Newbie



Joined: 2/10/2010

Posts: 1

Neurons: 3

Location: China

grammargeek wrote: Do you have any further updates, Romany? Are you still in China?



The school has reopened.

SCG and its subsidiary University JianGong reopened the Xujiahui branch on Feb 2nd.

8 teachers including myself were given our jobs back and I as some kind of spokesperson tried my best to secure more jobs for other teachers but it was impossible at that time. I was however able to negotiate full back pay up to the date the classes resumed starting from the time we were last paind (aprox - 3 months). This was a really incredibly thing and to say we are lucky is an understatement.



Sadly, I believe Romany, if I can guess his/her identity, didnt have the time in her/his visa to stay until that date. And there was also one other complicating factor which meant: he/she got nothing.



I am sorry Romany. If you know who I am (and if I am correct in assuming who you are) then know this: I did my best. I really did. And I am so sorry.



The school is not Kaien anymore. But we are still KaiEn teachers and our students are happy to be back, as are we to be teaching them. Nice to be able to pay my rent, and my bills, and know that I have a job for at least the next year.



The Chinese partners have been extraordinarily helpful these days. There is nothing in the way of resentment, given how hard we pushed them, and how deep I stuck my heels in regarding the terms of going back to work, we are working hard as are they. I feel that they have really felt the pressure to do this, and finally (albiet much too late for some of us) things are back to normal.



This isnt my thread, but thanks to the students, to a small group of teachers who pulled together, to some of the local staff who helped us, to my gf for doing an enormous ammount of translating in Shanghainese.



thanks not to the media who turned their backs on us, or to the staff at the Edu Commish who seemed to think we werent worth their time, and refused to meet with us, thanks not to the local boys in blue who as usual did nothing but waste our time and lied to us,

thanks not to Brian McCloskey the biggest prick and scumbag I ever had the misfortune to work for, and whose Taiwanese Wife I have heard is still in touch with members of her Church here in Shanghai, and who apparently believes: "They lost a lot of money, the business was going under, so the logical thing to do was to leave before they both fell into the big hole"



Nice. Yes, how logical.

And then you go to jail. Logically.



Hope I meet you Brian. So I can stomp a "Big Hole" into your face.



Happy Chinese new year everyone



Gzone The school has reopened.SCG and its subsidiary University JianGong reopened the Xujiahui branch on Feb 2nd.8 teachers including myself were given our jobs back and I as some kind of spokesperson tried my best to secure more jobs for other teachers but it was impossible at that time. I was however able to negotiate full back pay up to the date the classes resumed starting from the time we were last paind (aprox - 3 months). This was a really incredibly thing and to say we are lucky is an understatement.Sadly, I believe Romany, if I can guess his/her identity, didnt have the time in her/his visa to stay until that date. And there was also one other complicating factor which meant: he/she got nothing.I am sorry Romany. If you know who I am (and if I am correct in assuming who you are) then know this: I did my best. I really did. And I am so sorry.The school is not Kaien anymore. But we are still KaiEn teachers and our students are happy to be back, as are we to be teaching them. Nice to be able to pay my rent, and my bills, and know that I have a job for at least the next year.The Chinese partners have been extraordinarily helpful these days. There is nothing in the way of resentment, given how hard we pushed them, and how deep I stuck my heels in regarding the terms of going back to work, we are working hard as are they. I feel that they have really felt the pressure to do this, and finally (albiet much too late for some of us) things are back to normal.This isnt my thread, but thanks to the students, to a small group of teachers who pulled together, to some of the local staff who helped us, to my gf for doing an enormous ammount of translating in Shanghainese.thanks not to the media who turned their backs on us, or to the staff at the Edu Commish who seemed to think we werent worth their time, and refused to meet with us, thanks not to the local boys in blue who as usual did nothing but waste our time and lied to us,thanks not to Brian McCloskey the biggest prick and scumbag I ever had the misfortune to work for, and whose Taiwanese Wife I have heard is still in touch with members of her Church here in Shanghai, and who apparently believes: "They lost a lot of money, the business was going under, so the logical thing to do was to leave before they both fell into the big hole"Nice. Yes, how logical.And then you go to jail. Logically.Hope I meet you Brian. So I can stomp a "Big Hole" into your face.Happy Chinese new year everyoneGzone

nooblet Posted: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 3:40:22 PM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 10/15/2009

Posts: 1,570

Neurons: 4,778

Location: United States

Thanks for updating us, Gzone. It's good to hear that several of the teachers were able to get backpay and things are mostly back to normal. I hope Romany is doing okay...

RuthP Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 1:21:23 PM



Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 6/2/2009

Posts: 5,408

Neurons: 87,618

Location: Drain, Oregon, United States

I second nooblet's statement, and hope to hear from Romany, too.

grammargeek Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 1:33:46 PM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 3/21/2009

Posts: 11,136

Neurons: 33,836

Location: Arizona, U.S.

I'm pretty sure that Romany is now in the process of moving to a different country, but I think she will re-join us here after she gets settled.

Romany Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 6:25:19 PM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 6/14/2009

Posts: 17,587

Neurons: 56,868

Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

omg! Yeah, thanx G - though gotta say I feel absolutely sick to hear how narrowly I escaped coming right.



Yep - had to go: visa ran out on January 27th so flew out that day. I read how you say that SC have been good to you guys, but hell, if only they had thought to let us know that, finally, they were actually going to stick to what they said, I would not be in the continued mess in which I find myself now.



After 4 years in China - which I regarded as my home - I had to go with the regulation 20k of luggage - which meant had to abandon most of my clothes, shoes, kitchen appliances, furniture, artifacts, : - all the products of a life one had thought was going to continue in Shanghai. Not to mention the absolutely ENORMOUS debts now accrued for people who helped to support me,(not forgetting the 100RMB you slipped me that day, mate) get me out the country, feed me, pay my rent....actually, as I write this I am in danger of reverting back to being the "Crying Lady of Shanghai".



SO:- after stopping in Indonesia to see elder son for a while(and having him and his gf provide me with every cent I needed)am in Australia. Ironic and sad that they have given in their notice and everything is now in train for them to go back to live in China "so they could be closer" to me!!



Anyway, I am being a sad sack here and haven't said how thrilled I am that you all are over that horrible hump we all went through together. I sincerely hope that from now on everything gets better and better and, in fact, this episode may turn out to have been one that benifitted you after all - increased responsibilities, demonstrable loyalty,

...and perhaps a certain loss of naievety? Also, I think it was a bonding experience for all who went through it, yeah?



Also, I was blown away by the kind comments and good wishes from all on this forum - what a nice mob of people you all are. While some said they wished there was something they could do, I need to tell you that you did it:- you let me know there were some total strangers out there who had me wrapped up in their minds...what a wonderful experience.



So thanx guys. And, the ways things are panning out, I may very much need to continue to hold that thought in my head.



Btw G, tell C to answer my bloody emails!!!





nooblet Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 6:41:41 PM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 10/15/2009

Posts: 1,570

Neurons: 4,778

Location: United States

Dang, that sounds pretty rough. Having to downsize your belongings is a tough thing to do, and it especially sucks when you've had to spend hard-earned money to acquire them. I've had to downsize my belongings on many occasions, mostly because I have no other home than the apartment I am living in, which has little space.



That is really unfortunate that you had to leave China just as your son and his girlfriend are moving there to be able to see you more often. :(



I wish the best for you Romany. I hope things start looking better for you and that you are able to enjoy your stay in Australia.

Raparee Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 7:35:19 PM



Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 3/17/2009

Posts: 1,228

Neurons: 18,102

I'm so glad things are all right! Well, mostly anyway, but most importantly, that you are okay. :) I have a few friends in Australia and loved my very, very brief visit there. If you need anything desperately, please let me know. I can probably find some things stored away that are no longer needed here. I know we have kitchen stuff that has never been unpacked from the previous move. Alas, furniture would be much harder to ship. ;)

almostfreebird Posted: Friday, October 19, 2012 1:03:50 AM

Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 4/22/2011

Posts: 2,812

Neurons: 7,024

Location: Japan

Romany wrote: If anyone is interested:- article at Online Opinion Australia (don't know the actual web address, but just typing that into the search engine will get you there) published yesterday, January 20th.













When the bells rang to usher in 2010 all over the world, there was special jubilation in Shanghai. Following the success of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China is poised for another world celebration - the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.



But for a group of expatriate teachers in the glamorous, glitzy city New Year’s Eve was a subdued affair.



These teachers, representing Australia, UK and the United States, are part of the flotsam left floating around the wreck of a business partnership between a Shanghai construction company and two Irishmen with their eyes to the main chance, Ken Carroll and Brian McCloskey.

...

http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view





By the way, It seems Ken Carroll is active on this site:

http://ken-carroll.com/about-ken-carroll/



I found it belatedly because I didn't know this thread:When the bells rang to usher in 2010 all over the world, there was special jubilation in Shanghai. Following the success of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China is poised for another world celebration - the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.But for a group of expatriate teachers in the glamorous, glitzy city New Year’s Eve was a subdued affair.These teachers, representing Australia, UK and the United States, are part of the flotsam left floating around the wreck of a business partnership between a Shanghai construction company and two Irishmen with their eyes to the main chance, Ken Carroll and Brian McCloskey....By the way, It seems Ken Carroll is active on this site:





Edit: I found this thread because of a spam posted a little while ago, which just disappeared.



















Edit: I found this thread because of a spam posted a little while ago, which just disappeared.

ipman Posted: Friday, February 14, 2014 10:13:46 AM

Rank: Newbie



Joined: 2/14/2014

Posts: 1

Neurons: 3

Hi Romany, I am very sorry what happen to all of you..ya ya.



I am now at the final stage of getting online TEFL certificate and I am very looking forward to go to teach in Changsha (also because I am going to meet a beautiful girl who I am pen pal more then a year)..I am also in not good financial situation despite living in London..and despite living even in a good area!lol. I am in fact unemployed and because I made a very stupid and fatal innocent mistake of changing the Friday for a Thursday in my head so I did not sign on in Job center and subsequently was penalized by taking benefits for all month..But I think you are in much worse situation.. I have very little money but I would like to help you at least little bit because I know it really sucks your circumstances..Can you give me you contact details so we can further discuss I can transfer you some petty money..I know I won't make a big difference but every little helps and I think that if everyone gives you a little here on this forum it may in total give a lot(or at least a bit).

If you don't mind I would also later ask for some advise as I see you are experienced English teacher?



Best wishes,

Albert

omicrom Posted: Friday, February 14, 2014 10:59:52 AM



Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 12/13/2013

Posts: 268

Neurons: 70,391

Location: Ourense, Galicia, Spain





I'm so sorry all of you are in so bad circumstances. there are some sites online to set up petitions for help. Suscribed people may state their support to your cause and spread all around the news of your situation. publicity may be your best ally.

Good luck! and if your are christian God bless and help you all. I f not I hope He does not take it into account and help you anyway Hi Romany,I'm so sorry all of you are in so bad circumstances. there are some sites online to set up petitions for help. Suscribed people may state their support to your cause and spread all around the news of your situation. publicity may be your best ally.Good luck! and if your are christian God bless and help you all. I f not I hope He does not take it into account and help you anyway

leonAzul Posted: Saturday, February 15, 2014 12:40:27 PM



Rank: Advanced Member



Joined: 8/11/2011

Posts: 8,589

Neurons: 31,026

Location: Miami, Florida, United States

zonbi (zombie).



The ancestors are propitiated when their dead bones are resurrected and put on display for veneration, like a(zombie).