Job Discussion Forums

nomadder · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2003 2:29 am Post subject: Taiwan versus Japan

Hi! I was wondering how Taiwan compares with Japan. I'd like to hear from those who have taught in both or just have good info. Would it be worth it to stay in Taiwan for only one year or would set up costs etc. make it a bad idea? You hear that you should come to Taiwan to look for jobs so I was wondering can you get the work visa there? In Japan if you come on a tourist visa you have to fly to another country to get it changed to a work visa.

Sunpower · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 256 Location: Taipei, TAIWAN

There are a lot of Canadians in Taiwan.

I didn't see so many Canadians in Japan, they're there though, I guess.

Big money in Tokyo. But cost of living is high.

People are nicer in Taiwan.

They Japs are really difficult to deal with compared to the Chinese/Taiw.

tjpnz2000 · Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 118 Location: Japan

There are heaps of Canadians where I live, Nagoya. Good thing for me I like Candaians.

I have never been to Taiwan but here is some impressions on Japan.

If Japan has one objective advantage I would say it is the visa system. Once you get a working visa your visa is between you and the immigration department, by this I mean that your visa is not dependent on your employment at a particular school so you can change schools with no problems, you could even be unemployed and retain your visa (I do not suggest being unemployed for obvious reasons). Changing from working holiday to working, don't know about tourist but I guess it is the same, does not require you to leave the country. This a big advantage I think, just read all the posts from countries other than Japan that start `I want to leave my school but I can't because my visa is dependent on them...etc`. On the other hand your visa is not the only factor in an enjoyable experience.

Any cultural generalisation is bound to have exceptions. However, in my experience the Japanese don't ever cheat or try to rip you off because you are a foriegner but on the other hand there is never ever any flexability in any rule what so ever.

Travel is expensive in Japan. I spent 20% of monthly salery in one weekend trip to Tokyo. If you want to save here you really have to watch your spending. Of course it can be done. I am currently trying to save 40% of my salery every month and not falling to far short. Depends how much of a life you want.

Bottom line, either country will be completely different from your home country. Some things you will love, some things you will hate.

Good luck.

IamtheWalrus · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 20 Location: San Francisco

I have heard that Japan is great for the single, white American guy when it comes to girls. I even got a response from one american over there that if i come, to "Pack a ton of condoms!" Wow...I didn't quite expect or require that...but..ok! Laughing

How is the social scene in Taiwan in this sense?

Also..I know this may sound odd...but is baseball at all popular in Taiwan? I know they have it there...but how are the games? Is it fun? I am a big baseball fan, so I know Japan does offer this in a huge way!

TheyCallMeTrinity · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2003 7:51 am Post subject: Naughty Fred

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

Munchen · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 76

What a coincidence! About 10 minutes ago, I just got through submitting a message on the Japan page under JAPS men/women.

Sunpower, if you're interested, please flip over to that post.
Thanks.

Sunpower · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 256 Location: Taipei, TAIWAN

First, I LOVE Jap women.

Second, I LOVE eating JAP food.

I also plan on moving back to Japan to be with my Jap friends when I am finished my contract here.

Thks.