Things are different these days. Agreements between two or more nations, contracts between international companies have become more important these days, and if China wants to be regarded as a reliable partner in these relationships, also China must accept that it is bound to the terms and conditions of an agreement and/or a contract.

There is a working difference with regards to a contract between countries, businesses, both home and internationally, and people on a face to face basis.

China didnt feel the need to hold tight to a contract on a face to fact basis, because China has always been a more static society where relationships have traditionally been intimate due to the closeness of living. Knowiing, knowing that you know that person and trusting that person was / is more important. Western societies were more mobile and the chance of negotiating with strangers was far greater; therefore, a contract was deemed necessary.

Educational institutions in China, especially when employing foreigners, have the relationaship model. There are signs that these institutions are changing to a contract-based relationship, but their efforts are new and inexperienced: sometimes they get it wrong and miss the target all together. However, a contract is between two or more people and that is why a balance, a working relationship where mutual understanding and respect must be in place or strived for.

However, for the time being, I would advise any foreigner to work on their relationship with a college, not scrutinize the contract as soon as there is a problem.