Job Discussion Forums

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

Hey all,

I would like to teach in China, preferably Hangzhou, Suzhou, or Shanghai for the upcoming semester. The problem is that I'd ideally like to teach for one semester, and *potentially* for two semesters. I'd like the flexibility to choose to stay another semester, rather than commit to a contract for one year.

The problem is that many jobs prefer a 10 month commitment. Would it be advisable to sign a 10 month contract and then break it after one semester if I feel one semester is enough for me? There is the possibility that I could stay on for another semester if I enjoy where I am and things back home go smoothly. I know there are potential contractual financial penalties for backing out early, but this amounts to basically a month's teaching pay, which I'd be willing to pay if that's what is ultimately required to get out of the contract.

Does anyone have any advice or any experience with terminating contracts early? Is breaking a contract something I'm taking too seriously? Thanks!

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

If you break a contract and the school have done nothing wrong with you just simply wanting to leave, expect them to fine you by not giving you your salary.

In addition, they can and most likely revoke your visa.

If you are happy with those things happening then no, it is fine breaking your contract.

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

Does getting your visa revoked have potential repercussions for future visa applications?

Does anyone suggest negotiating with a school about contract termination or the option to leave after one semester? Has anyone done this before?

jeffinflorida · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 10:10 pm Post subject:

There are some schools that offer a 1 semester 4-5 month contract so if you realy want that you have to search for a school. or try an English Mill and tell them you onkly wanna do a 4 -5 month to start.

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

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

"The problem is that I'd ideally like to teach for one semester..." - Daretel

I don't get it. You want to sample a job for a limited time, but you want to work in a regular school or university. I'd recommend you either find a position at one of the limited number of places that are willing to offer you a one-semester contract or, ideally, just get a job at a language school that is more accustomed to staff that comes and goes. Language school contracts, even those that are for one year (for visa purposes), usually have some kind of early-out provision - especially during an intitial probationary period. An added benefit of language schools in China is that they generally pay better on a cash basis; whereas, the incentives for working at a university - free housing, travel allowances, limited working hours, etc. - are really only relevant with longer-term contracts.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

10 month contract will give you pay over the lengthy chinese new year holiday. half year wont do that. good incentive to stay on for 10 months.

vikuk · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1842

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

"(I)f you work in a private language school...you'll have to work for much of the public school holidays..." - Vikuk

Quite possibly.

vikuk · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1842

my comment was focused on the 10 month contract and 7969's post

randyj · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:08 am Post subject:

The OP said he wanted to teach in the fall, but some universities have unexpected vacancies for the spring semester, in which case a one-semester contract might be more available.

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

To the OP,

There exist numerous possibilities both in the public sector and in the private sector for a six-month posting. In retrospect, it is not a bad idea at all, say, if you are caught in the job from h*ll, and it frequently happens here, you just smile your way through the h*ll and then legally leave.

In your shoes, I would apply for any job that I was interested in and then negotiate the six-months term. It is true that you will not get paid for the winter break but it is also true that you will have a maximum amount of flexibility in untested waters.

It is not a bad way to go if you can manage it.

HFG

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

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

If you are interested in teaching for just one semester then consider going to a different area in China. The cities you mentioned are pretty popular and will usually have a few candidates to choose from, thats why they can be a little more picky and want a 10 month contract. You will find the schools in central or western China more flexible as they do not have as many candiidates. You could easily find a one term gig there.