Job Discussion Forums

[eslteach]

Im looking at my contract, and this is not totally clear to me. It sounds like the school might arrange a free trip at some point during the year but if that is not possible then they will pay 2200 RMB.

The english in the contract doesnt really make sense. What exactly is a travel allowance?

[johntpartee]

From what you've said it sounds like they mean a reduced pay rate for a holiday (Spring Festival, summer vacation, etc.) ; even though you're not working, you're still getting paid. Sometimes "travel allowance" can also mean an end of contract bonus.

If the English is not clear in a contract, potential employers are usually amenable to letting you change the wording so that it makes better sense (before you sign, of course).

[kev7161]

It's just a long-time extra to encourage foreign teachers to travel within China and soak in the culture. At the end of each semester, many schools will give you an extra 1100 "travel allowance" and you can use that to help offset the cost of train tickets or domestic airline tickets. Obviously, 1100 is not going to get you far these days, so it's more of a token offering than anything else. Just think of it as free money.

[eslteach]

[kev7161]

Never expect anything in China. Always make sure it's written in your contract.

[The Edge]

[kev7161]

To be sure, but having it written IN MOST CASES is better than assumptions or verbal guarantees.