Job Discussion Forums

[jobe3x]

I'm just right now starting to embark on a post graduation teaching program here in the states. I'm be certified to teach english in a year. Right now I'm debating whether to go overseas to teach in china, taiwan, or stay in the states. I love to travel as well as teach. I feel like there's really nothing holding me back in the states. So here my short list of questions:

1) Could I make a career out of this? Are you guys worried about no benefits or retirement?

2) Pros and Cons?

3) What is work enviroment like? How many hours do you usually spend working?

4) Are any considering going back to states? If so, why?

[Sunpower]

[Okami]

1. Easily, In Taiwan you'll have about $500US less of expenses a month, plus you can defer your student loans for 3 years while you're here. The key thing is to set up a Roth IRA. I have the IRS publication website that says foreign earned income is ok for contributions. Because you make foreign income and with that exclusion you can use a lot of your disposable income to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, and money market accts without paying taxes or just paying a very low amount in taxes versus how much you make. My yearly tax bill in Taiwan is $4US for both Taiwanese and American taxes. Student loans are the big problem for most people(Americans and Canadians).

2. It's a different place to live and you get more dpth to your friends. In the US your friends are mostly from the same place/same age group. In Taiwan, Your friends will be all over the place. The down side is you slowly get out of touch with home. I've been here 3 years and I see myself having a harder and harder time fitting back into the US. One of my friends experienced culture shock back home for the first time after going back to the US for a visit.


3. I work anywhere form 11-35 hours week. I've been here for almost 3 years. Depends on the time of year, the job, the pay, and what my needs are at the time. The work enviroment is what you make of it. Always take care of and talk to your Chinese co-teachers and learn the language and culture.

4. I'm not considering going back. I need to save about $10,000+US besides what is in my Roth IRA before I even think of it. It's expensive to start over again in the US and I have a very good life here with a lot of good long term friends here. I have a small name for myself from the tealit and forumosa forums. I have a lot of contacts to call on in a pinch. I have everything I need and a lot of freedom. The only thing I would really like is a western gf versus a Taiwanese one. But most western women come over with their bfs or husbands, so I'll just have to wait for an opportunity.

Good luck,
Okami