Foreign Expert's Certificate

[Shane]

Okay, here's the situation:

My contract is over, my boss shafted me a little bit, and a couple of weeks ago I took my Foreign Expert's Certificate off him to hand in with Viv's visa application in Shenyang. The Embassy still has it.

My boss has finished with me now, and he demands that as soon as I get my certificate back, I *must* return it to him immediately. Thing is, as I'm leaving the country in a few weeks, I was kind of hoping I could keep it as some kind of souvenir?

I really don't know much about these things, does it have to be returned to the Govt? Or can I, ahem, forget to hand it back and *accidentally* pack it in my suitcase?

If it has to go back, fine. I just thought it'd make a nice reminder of my time here in China.


Any ideas?

[George61]

I know I'd forget, but then I'm a lot older than you and my memory ain't what it used to be. Besides, it's a nice souvenir.

[Raoul Duke]

Keep it. It makes a lovely souvenir.

At the very least, hold it as a hostage for the stuff you got shafted out of....

[Shane]

So what happens if my boss contacted me all angry, and demanded I hand it back? Does he have the right to it? can I refuse?

Maybe it's better I just don't answer the phone.

[Non-Dave]

Tell him if he want's it back he has to go stand in the "far queue".

Don't answer the phone!

[Shane]

Serves him right for disconnecting my phone line. I only have the mobile now, and I don't answer numbers I don't recognise. His has become unrecognisable!

[Stil]

Don't know if it helps but I have 2 of them. I have never had to return them in Hunan, but a Guangdong school asked for it back. May be a province to province thing. I have all the Medical books.

I also think that we need to stop refering to each other as "English Teacher" and start using the proper term - "Foreign Expert" The "Sanitation Engineer" at my school agrees.

[Dr. Gonzo]

I've never been asked for it.
Its yours, not his.

[Shane]

That's what I wanted to hear, nice one. :-)


He probably wants it so he can stick another FT's photo & details inside; saves him buying another one. Cheap b**tard. Heh.

[Ruth]

I agree, Stil. Foreign Expert sounds so much more, um, expert.

[Mr Nobody]

Professional. Yeah, I like it.

Mr Nobody, Foriegn Expert.

Yeah. I can do the job, too. Anyone justs asks me about foriegners, I just answer, "That guy there? With the big nose? Yup, he's a forienger, alright."

Easy job.