Job Discussion Forums

[Grandpa]

Myself and the school (a public uni) have signed an English language contract. I have asked for the Chinese language version and was told that I would sign it upon arriving in China. Is this standard? The English version is the standard SAFEA contract with what I am guessing is also a standard addendum for lodging and so forth. Do I need to press this issue? I have heard the Chinese language version can be different but that may only be with private institutions.

[Dan The Chainsawman]

Eh?

I only consult my English contract when I sit down with my boss to haggle over some point of it. They've waved around some crap in Chinese, but I point out that I haven't ever signed that document so it isn't applicable to me.

I'd only sign an English contract, but maybe there are others here with a bit of a more informed opinion on that one.

[JamesD]

Normally these things are kosher, but bear in mind that in the strictest legal sense only the Chinese version is binding. In the very unlikely event you wind up in a full blown trial in Chinese court, only the Chinese version will be considered. For an FT I wouldn't worry about it unless they refuse to even show it to you as the E and C are almost always the same. 99.99% of the time it's just a formality but if you're in arbitration and point to the English version you're out of luck.

I've worked with quite a few companies (not schools) who have learned about this the hard way.

[Grandpa]

Thanks for the replies. I have read that the Chinese version is the one that counts and I have a friend that could easily translate, maybe I am being too cautious. Although as my first time living in China is there such a thing?

[sharpe88]

Yep, an English language contract has as much value as a Chinese language contract in your country. Which is around the same as toilet paper, but not as absorbent..