I made a personal decision long ago never to lie about anything. My father once told me, "If you don't like the truth, change it." I believe in everything my father has taught me because it makes sense. It doesn't make life any easier though.
Lately, I've come across a situation that I would be forced to live a lie. Everything that I stand for would be false if I were to do it. I was told to change my CV (resume) by the Chinese administration to reflect what they want to call me, not the truth of what I do. I'm an English teacher. Plain and simple. They pay me to teach. What they want to call me, and what they want me to put on my CV is that I'm "visiting scholar". That is a lie. I have no time to study any more than I did in America or England. I'm not learning anything about my major, or anything else to content that title. I was always taught that a visiting scholar is someone who is in school learning, then they go to another university to further their education. So far I can't find any proof to say that this is a wrong definition.
Also, I find that my visa that I've been given while I'm here is for a visiting scholar. It is illegal for me to work at the college as well as the upcoming university due to this little bit here. They say it is 'legal' due to the fact that they are the ones that gave me the letter of invitation. It is supposedly 'legal' because they are part of the 'cultural exchange'. What cultural exchange? I'm being used and nothing about this situation is fair. Every part of my living, working, and being in China seems to be illegal. I'm living a lie, which is something I told myself I'd NEVER do. The least I can do is not lie on my own CV.
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
You don't have to lie on your own CV. Usually the title is "foreign expert." That's the title that the government gives to all foreigners who get visas practically.
What other things feel like a lie? The fact that your contract was shady and you got jipped? It's not your fault that people are trying to deceive you and others. Just don't let them.
By the way, you can PM anytime if you need.
www.progressiveu.org/blog/americangirlinchina
I'm not sure about your field, but in science a visiting scholar can be anyone- even a teacher. As long as they are considered an expert in their field, this title can be used. We have "visiting scholars" that are just regular professors or students that come to our department to teach. Our university calls about anyone from another country "cultural exchange", even though there isn't a set program in place. It's considered to be a variable program.
It could all be ethical, depending on the terminology and its meaning there.
Click here to read about new ways to save money and the environment that you have never heard!