Job Discussion Forums

[MBee]

Hi,

I'm thinking of coming to Taipei in July to look for a TEFL job. I have an MA + TEFL + 1 year TEFL experience.

What's the best way to start searching once I'm there? I've been to tealit.com, but I think there are more schools out there. How do you find schools that might not be posting their jobs online?

[dr. caligari]

Stay at a cheap hostel and ask around.

[rebelsatellite]

What about the Visa? Is Taiwan a good country to teach TEFL? Can one just show up and get started?

[teacher4life]

Just arrive, find a job, and plan as a "worst case scenario" having to make a visa run to Hong Kong for a day or two if your timing isn't quick enough. No big deal.

[doomer]

Coming here & finding a job on your own is usually better than going through a recruiter.

Besides tealit.com & forumosa.com, there's also the classifieds in the English newspapers (China Post & Taipei Times). That's how I got my first one.

The best way is to hit the pavement & cold-call. Find an area where you want & can afford to live, dress appropriately (but not formally), find the local public schools, and then scout the tons of cram schools nearby (they'll usually be clustered together). Tiny mom&pop outfits (which look the part) usually don't offer ARCs, so just identify the smaller/larger chains. Inquire, leave your resume (something may open up unexpectedly), and offer to sub.

Good luck.