I think there are no detractors here. And I would NOT sign any contract that did not pay me for all the 12 months in case of a one-year commitment. And I don't want to find myself in a position to argue over contract details AFTER signing a contract; everything should be fine BEFORE signing a contract. In case it is not, then simply do not sign. As simple as that.

That sounds reasonable, but there's often the case of the "bait and switch." You get there, and then, surprise, they can't really get you a residency permit. Or, suddenly they shorten your contracted period… There's all sort of tricks. If one lands someplace where that stuff can be fought off, I guess one's lucky.

As for detractors, well, when two people make the nonsensical "sense of entitlement" charge (and one is obviously dittoing the other), and another calls one a fool… it can seem less than generous, especially when it's way off the mark.

Some posters can admit when they're wrong – as I openly did about the 10 month contract being the standard initial contract for inexperienced teachers – and others won't admit any mistake. Those that won't admit getting something wrong may have been in China so long they can't stand to lose face.