Job Discussion Forums

luoldeng9 · Joined: 12 Feb 2012 Posts: 2

I am a 1.5 generation Korean American and I'm thinking about spending a year in Taiwan to work as an English teacher. I was just curious if anyone here knows how common it is for Asian Americans to move back to an Asian country (for example, Taiwan) and enjoy it so much that they decide to live there permanently, instead of moving back to America?

I've heard mixed opinions regarding how rude the people in Korea would be towards a Korean American like me considering that I have an American accent and can't speak Korean. Anyone know what kinds of reactions I'd be likely to face if I were to go to Taiwan, considering that the people there would assume I'm Taiwanese since I look like them?

Vendetta · Joined: 29 Sep 2011 Posts: 10 Location: Taiwan

Koreans are more nationalist, but unsure if they are racial nationalist.

But here in Taiwan, it seems that Taiwanese are preferring to hire their own kind over foreigners. At least where I live. There are a few adult schools south of Changhua City that hire Asian Americans/Canadians over European Americans and others; perhaps they feel more comfortable around their own kind. I am not sure why, but I have a few friends down here that share the same sentiment. One South African has been here for over 12 years, and he can only muster up to 40 hours per month to support his wife and child. However, his wife teaches some classes, too.

Maybe things are better in the cities like Taipei and Taichung for European EFL teachers, but seems much better for Asian EFL teachers in the southern parts or smaller towns.

Rooster_2006 · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 984

luoldeng9 · Joined: 12 Feb 2012 Posts: 2

wayne1523 · Joined: 02 Apr 2010 Posts: 100 Location: Toronto, Canada

Whatsup luoldeng. I take it you're a Bulls fan. How bout them the last 2 years huh?

I taught in Korea for a year. Now I'm in Taiwan (2 months so far) trying to make it. I'll make it quick. Taiwan is way better than Korea for me personally, and I haven't even done anything yet. But you'll find it harder to find work here since Korea is a goldmine for anyone who just has a degree and wants to make money while having their roundtrip flight and housing paid for. Also, because you have an Asian face, you'll have your opportunities cut. I know from first-hand experience. That doesn't mean you can't make it, you just gotta be more creative and network.

Also, if you're cool with kids, then your chances are much better than if you only want to teach adults. The large majority of english teaching in taiwan is to kids.

But in terms of lifestyle, Taiwan wins. Most foreigners who have been to both places would support that claim. Personally, it's not even the tangible things like most people say (nice people, weather, not ethnocentric, which are true), but I just like the overall feel/atmosphere of it better. I'm happier here and that's all there is to it.

Hope it helps.