China Travel Forum

[smith]

During the tour I came across a chance to be a teacher there,but the school wants us to sign a 10-month contract, with a penalty of between USD 500 - USD 2000 for breaching this. That sounds like a huge amount of money to me, especially when we'll only be earning RMB 5,000 per month! Firstly, does this sound like a normal condition of employment, and secondly has anybody heard of anybody trying to get out of contract early and if so, was the employer able to claw this money back?
Second question, I've been advised that RMB 5,000 may be a little low - comments from anybody on this?

[kamal]

Having a breaching clause in the contract is a little unusual, but this will only apply if you do exit the contract early, they catch you and decide to take action against you.
5000RMB is not out of the ordinary for first time teaching in China (providing the fully furnished accommodation, utilities (ex. phone) paid, return airfare reimbursement after 10 months, internal transfers within China, holiday pay etc is on top of the contract salary). 5000RMB/month should also be for about 12-16 hours per week teaching contact (classes and not preparation time).
If you have taught before in China, have more than a bachelor degree or your degree is education, it will possible get more. If not, its okay for the first contract.