Job Discussion Forums

Lissabe · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Chicago, Il

I am in the process of accepting a position with a language school. I was wondering if it is common practice to hire an attorney to look over the contract and help negotiate questionable material. Thanks for your time.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Never heard of anyone doing that.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Most schools aren't going to be interested in making changes in the contract for a new teacher.

If you start asking for changes, my guess is that they'll think "Geez, not even here and already asking for special treatment... next!"

Clancy · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 162

Take it or leave it!

Lissabe · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Chicago, Il

Thanks for your help

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

The contract will always favour the school.

I would worry less about what the contract says and more about the school's reputation - will they actually honour their contract? I hear horror stories about schools that routinely ignore the contract and screw the teacher over.

Ask the school for references from other teachers, and talk to them. Were the teachers well-treated? Did the school do everything they said they would? Were any bonuses or plane ticket offers honoured? etc.

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

Lissabe... WHERE is the location of the company you are signing a contract with. This will have a huge effect on what rights you have as an employee. When I worked in Japan and had contractural issues, my Japanese boss always rectified them provided I communicated with him face to face. I oftne pointed out how insufficient the contracts were and his comeback was that, to a Japanese, the contract itself is little more than a formality. The real deal is communicated in person and may differ substantially from what is on paper.

Obviously, this can cause cross-cultural misunderstanding but if you have an lawyer go over your contract, they will have little to advise you of unless they are specialised in International Law and the country you are going to be working with.

khmerhit · Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 4:21 pm Post subject:

good post. Nothing is what it appears in Asia.

Lissabe · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Chicago, Il

Shmooj: The school I am considering signing with is in South Korea. I have lived there before and need more teaching experience (and certification) before I can consider anywhere else. I have spoken with teachers who have worked at the school previously and they seem to have had good experiences. I am just trying to cover all of my bases.