Job Discussion Forums

TommieJoe · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 29

What is the average time off for the Jan semester break. Also May and Oct. The contract sent for my review says three days each for May and Oct. Also no mention of the Jan semester break. Contract and actual replies appreciated. Thanks.

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

is this for a private or a public school?

I work at a university in Hebei and we have a little over 2 months for the summer break. I am not positive on the lenght of the spring break but I have been told that it is one month (give or take a few days).

Private schools set their own schedule for days off and vacation...

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

Guest · Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 6:04 pm Post subject:

We get one week off at the beginning of May and October, but we have to make up some classes on the following Saturday and Sunday - so they give it with one hand and take it away with the other. This came as a bit of a surprise this year, but next year I will be ready.

We get two full months off in July and August (without pay in my case, as I sign a 10 month contract not 12) and also about 5-6 weeks off at the end of December. It all depends on what date the Chinese New Year is - this year it was the 22nd January I think and we had from the 1st Janunuary to the 8th February off. We were paid full pay during that time.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I'm surprised you are only getting 3 days in May and October! In Hangzhou, things were really turned around thanks to an extended May Day holiday. I feel like I've had more vacation time than scheduled work time:

October: 8 days off
December/January: over a month off!
May: 15 days off
Summer: (actually I'm working a summer job at a different school, but for this school . . . ) 2 months off.

I've had close to 2 full months off for holidays in my 10 month contract, plus I get a ton of just . . . days . . . off as well. What a life!

Ludwig · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 6:02 am Post subject:

'TommieJoe', there are many various types of distinct areas, regions, and establishments in greater China, it arguably would have helped somewhat if you had stated whether, for example, the contract is with a private training centre and the area from which it stems.

I would aver that if the contract states 'three days each for May and October' then that is exactly what you will be entitled to and so this is what you will receive. I would suggest that if there is no mention of the January semester break in the contract then you are not entitled to a break in that period (and thus will not receive one).

Another possibility is that this is paid holiday entitlement; that is, you may receive more than three days holiday in May and October but will only be paid for three of those days. Though I suspect that even this is doubtful in your particular case.

Besides, even if that were the case then, by definition, it would not be a break, would it? Rather, it would be an enforced (and unpaid) suspension of duties.

It seems to me that this contract would have to have originated from a private 'training centre' (read, 'language mill') and so lessons will be arranged for the general public who, of course, will be benefiting from national holidays in these periods.

'Rhonda Place', you write that you "get one week off at the beginning of May and October", but that you "have to make up some classes on the following Saturday and Sunday".

In short, then, it is not a "week off" but rather is nothing other than a rescheduling of classes.

You write that you "get two full months off in July and August" though "without pay."

By what definition is this "two full months off", then? As noted above, this is not time off but is merely an enforced (and unpaid) suspension of duties.

Working by your logic I could claim that I have had some 30 years off from my teenage paper delivery round; unpaid of course.

TommieJoe · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 29

Thanks to everone so for the help. Yes I am now able to see the difference in private and state universitys. Received another offer from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Mianyang Sichuan PR. MUCH more vacation time. Anyone heard of this school??
How about the area?

Again thanks for helping this newbie. Hope to know yu all better on the forums in the near future.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

You'll get to know some better than you'll want to . . . and then you'll wish you'd never known them at all Get ready. Cool

ilunga · Joined: 17 Oct 2003 Posts: 842 Location: China

I think the general rule is to get a week off in May and October and a month for Spring Festival in January.
I get a fair bit more time off than this though Very Happy

You should get paid for 10 months but only actually work around 8 and a half (or less).