Job Discussion Forums

Daretel · Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Austin, TX

Hey everyone,

I'm considering applying for jobs in Hangzhou, Shanghai, and perhaps Suzhou, but I'd really prefer to sign a contract for a semester. I'd like to keep my options open after a semester - who knows, I might even be willing to sign up for another semester. Is this an insurmountable problem since a lot of places prefer year long contracts? Are the requirements of year long contracts "really" requirements? Does anyone have experience with this, suggestions, advice? Thanks!

HunanForeignGuy · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 989 Location: Shanghai, PRC

u24tc · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 125 Location: Dalian, China

If you intend to apply to Universities, don't expect any contract offer to be less than a year.

If you want something less, your best going to work for private companies with some offering 6months or 9 months work.

sheeba · Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 1123

I am signing six months contracts(the last 2) but only because I've been here 3 years Originally I signed a year contract and followed that up with another year .They don't normally allow 6 months , especially to a new teacher here but as I've been here a while I (at least) have the option now.

I missed out on a few perks by signing a six month contract last year but there you go . I like the fact that if I get pissed I can just get up and go .

Ahchoo · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 606 Location: Earth

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

At my university they didn't renew one of the previous teacher's contract because he only wanted to sign for one more term. Its possible, but all those cities you mentioned would have a fair share of applicants to choose from as they are more popular destinations. So they would almost certainly choose the applicant who will sign a year. If you are willing to go to the less popular areas you will find it easier to get a 6 month gig.

Mydnight · Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 7:13 pm Post subject:

I do it all the time. Pretty easy formula, actually.

1. Find a bad school that you don't care about.
2. Burn bridges.

That's it.

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

I think every new teacher in my school's "other" department are here for one term only. Well, I know for sure two of the three Canadians are here for a term (not sure about the other Canadian and the Australian). The preaching couple from Texas were here for a term only and left when the missus found out she was expecting. Of course, they avoided the breach of contract penalty by helping the school get a replacement (they were teaching twenty hours weekly combined).

I think most schools don't like six-month contracts to avoid the hassle of having to find new FT's twice a term.

Ahchoo · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 606 Location: Earth

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

Training centres will usually allow a 6 month contract.

Mydnight · Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 7:14 am Post subject: