I would never sign with anyone who would not answer some general questions first.

Any legitimate recruiter should be happy to allow you to ask questions: it is your own peace of mind after all ! 

I did manage to speak to one teacher prior to reviewing the contract (unsigned) in one school. Speaking to him made me change my mind 

Another place tried to pressure me to sign a contract that had a blank space where the salary should go.

I would never sign without being fully satisfied about things like:

  salary - amount and when and how it was to be paid

  Accommodation (with pictures)

  Holidays

  office facilities

   utilities (who pays)

to name a few things.

when someone i don't know says 'trust me' take what they say with a pinch of salt

Ditto Sorrel.

And a few questions. All rhetorical. Keep the answers to yourself for something to think about.

Are you in China now?

Where is the Western recruiter?

Is the money (and conditions) too good to be true in order for you to sign a contract "in good faith"?

What's your gut feeling about the Western recruiter? A tool of his Chinese lord and master? Or genuinely interested in your wellbeing?

Advice: If any of the above questions make you squirm, don't sign.

Good luck, man.

Recruiters generally don't give out much information to applicants, because if applicants then approach the university directly, the recruiter doesn't get paid.

If you know the name of the university, contact them directly and don't deal with a recruiter. Just tell them you are a qualified foreign teacher, and are interested in an interview. This is generally the best way to apply for university jobs.

If you haven't been told the name of the university, it's probable that the recruiter is just protecting his commission, though you should question why he is rushing you.

Universities (but not colleges) have standardised working conditions and pay, so if all the details (working hours, pay, visa, accommodation, utilities, travel allowance) are set out clearly in the contract, you're probably fine.

That said, if anyone in China ever says "good faith", smack them.

Actually, I'm not sure who to side with in this thread

Sino is right. The recruiter could be hiding something or just protecting his interest.

Make sure the contract has a probationary period. Check the school out before giving them your passport . As long as they have not finished processing your visa, you can walk legally. You would not need any documents from them. But document the issues that you have (photos and emails). Any hint of a problem, leave right away. 

Don't sign it. Insist that you have to be able to ask questions first

Contracts exist because good faith does not. 

Why is this a question??? Ill just be direct and say that you are a moron if you sign a contract without knowing what your getting in to.

Recruiters and schools want to protect their interests, like above ,  recruiters want their cut and schools hope that having you sign a contract before you come will make you actually show up. Often schools hire a teacher , stop looking, then the day comes and no one arrives. So they have valid concerns  BUT

You should have detailed information about where your working and salary and housing and bonus. And anything else that will make you feel comfortable. The recruiter wants his money, so make him earn it, get clear answers to everything.  If he tries to rush you , tell him to screw off. There are tonnes of recruiters and tonnes of schools. Why set yourself up to be miserable???

On the other hand... You havent experienced China unless your first year is a miserable bag of shit. It builds character and puts hair on your knuckles.