Job Discussion Forums

[Serious Traveller]

I would like to know if there is a uniform policy on the length of the summer vacation for foreign teachers in China's middle schools.
In particular,once the teaching of one's regular classes is finished ( in mid to late June) can the school request that you do other teaching duties throughout July, and then take only August as a vacation month before resuming classes in September?
Another thing I'm wondering about - What is the appendix referred to in section 9 of the (standard ?) contract 'issued and printed by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts'? It says the appendix is an inseparable part of the contract and has equal effect....Has anyone sighted such an appendix in their contract ? Just wondering.

[Zero Hero]

They can do whatever they wish. If I were you I would be wary of assuming that you will get August off. The story may very well change once that month actually approaches. They will always be able to find some tasks for you.

[clomper]

Well.. it depends with the school. I work for a middle school and I haven't heard anything yet from them.. technically I'm off by July 1. I already told them my plans so I'm clear to go by then. I'll be back by last week of August.

Claudine

[Songbird]

I've had a chit chat to the vice dean about the exams and because I teach such a heavy loaded course (writing) he wants to hold the exam ASAP and give me a week for marking, so that means 4 July at the earliest. However, officially my contract states the semester doesn't end til 15th July, so I ain't giving them anything to use against me- I will stay put til that date! I return (like most of you) to start again 28 August.

However, even MORE 'officially' , I am only supposed to technically get 3 weeks holidays within this time frame, not the 6 weeks it is!! Ha, I've already made my intentions to go, and they haven't said anything yet ! (btw, off to Tibet/ EBC)

[Ralf]

Hi,
just speak with the school regarding these points. If they do not come up with something clearly (normally, they wont), declare mid July to end of August as your summer vacation time and just book your trips. If something comes up, just tell you booked everything and wasn't told anything, so it is not your fault and they should inform you better next time. Always worked for me...
Regards,
Ralf

[kev7161]

At my school, I'm only contracted through July 15th (and most of the FTs through June 30th). However, we are getting our final month's pay around June 20th, along with travel allowance and airfare refund. I was told that most of us FTs would actually be done around June 25th and the Chinese teachers by July 1st (after testing). I think my July 15th date was a "just in case" date (which was actually smart of them to be such forward thinkers). I'm free to stay in my apartment until the end of July, but no need this summer.

My next contract is for a full year (12 months), but I've already been told I won't work the months of July and August and will be paid half-salary for those two months. Okay by me.

[Roger]

If they give you until July 4 to mark papers without conducting class room activities in that last week I think you needn't worry; that sounds as though they have planned things in advance. It is more than what I can say about other schools.
You left out a titbit of information about your employer: are you on contract to a middle school? Unusual! If so, check your contract about your last days!
But if you are with a training centre and on loan to a middle school, then your TC will no doubt line up work during the summer holidays.
Officially, holidays commence at the end of June and go through the end of August.
The one downside I wish to mention is that since these exams are but token exams, you will have to meet the official quota of "passes" by hook and by crook. Normally this means you have to make up exams for the losers and underachievers in order for them to pass in their second attempt before going on holiday!
This might take extra time off your holidays!

[Roger]

If they give you until July 4 to mark papers without conducting class room activities in that last week I think you needn't worry; that sounds as though they have planned things in advance. It is more than what I can say about other schools.
You left out a titbit of information about your employer: are you on contract to a middle school? Unusual! If so, check your contract about your last days!
But if you are with a training centre and on loan to a middle school, then your TC will no doubt line up work during the summer holidays.
Officially, holidays commence at the end of June and go through the end of August.
The one downside I wish to mention is that since these exams are but token exams, you will have to meet the official quota of "passes" by hook and by crook. Normally this means you have to make up exams for the losers and underachievers in order for them to pass in their second attempt before going on holiday!
This might take extra time off your holidays!