Contracts - Learn from other's mistakes!

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When signing a contact in another country to teach, there are a few things you need to consider. I am teaching in China and want to help others learn from a few mistakes I have made. Please feel free to share what you have learned.

1. Curriculum: Make sure the contract specifies that the school will furnish all curriculums for all classes, and you are not responsible to create or purchase them. This should include all materials, Xerox’s, and supplies needed. A reimbursement statement of supplies needed.
2. Contract Signing: The English contract is the only contract that is binding, if another contract exists and it is written in another language other than English both parties consider that contract invalid. (They signed the Chinese contract for me. I did not know they did.) Make sure that you add a place for both parties to initial on all pages at the bottom, state if not initialed by both, than void.

Your recruiter does not hold all the answers to what you might run into. However, I have found out a monthly report to them stating if the school is meeting the contract and if not the recruiter will help you when there are problems. I send a copy of this to the school that hired me also, that way they can read your concerns and can not put all the pressure on you.


I hope this helps! Please feeel free to contact me.
3. Hours: Average number of students per class and number not to exceed. How many hours to teach and a limit on hours not to be exceeded. (You will be asked for lots of overtime and class crowding is very common.) Have your hours to include all school activities, programs, and meetings. Make sure your preparation time for class is also included in your hours. Always be over and never short.
4. Over time: Define the hours you are willing to give extra beyond they above define hours and the rate per hour, not just a small amount for unlimited overtime.
5. Airfare and Travel: Make sure the reimbursement of airfare going to and from is clearly stated when it will be paid, how they will pay it, and how much. All transportation to and from school sponsored activities will be provided by the school if you are required to attend.
6. Apartment: Repairs will be made within 36 hours from being reported broken. (I went three weeks without hot water to shower with in winter over a fuse in the electric box). All bill associated to the apartment will be paid by the school and both heating and cooling of apartment will be provided.
7. Free time: When your monthly/weekly hours are met your contract is fulfilled and the time is free time or off time to you. They may want you to go sit in an office everyday or assign you to another school.
8. Penalties: Both parties suffer the same consequences if contract is broken and paid before departure.
9. Visa: You and your spouse are responsible for the initial visa into country. The school should furnish them after this.
10. Documents: You will be given all original or certified documents and licenses necessary to teach in the country. These should be paid for by the school.
11. Payments: Make sure your paydays are defined and if payday falls on a holiday, you are paid the full amount proceeding the holiday, also you receive a full salary wither the hours of teaching are met or not. Do not forget to define your amount of sick days and that you receive a salary during this time unless they exceed the amount of sick days defined.