Job Discussion Forums

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

I know that this topic has probably been exhausted on here before, but I have some specific questions about moving from Korea to Taiwan.

My wife and I are Korea veterans with eight years of ESL experience between us. We've done our research, but would really appreciate any feedback from anyone who is familiar with both job markets.

Thanks.

1. When all said and done, what is the real difference betwen the costs of living in each country? How much can we realistically expect to send home after we've been taxed, paid rent and bills, fed ourselves, and been on the odd night out?

2. Can we expect to jump the pay ladder and get a better salary (3-5 years exp + TEFL), even though we're newbies in Taiwan? If so, what kind
of salary should we look for as experienced teachers?

3. How is the attitude of Taiwanese people towards foreigners, compared with that of Koreans?

4. How does the management style of English schools in Taiwan compare with that of Korea?

5. How much should I expect to pay for a newish, furnished, officetel style one bedroomed/studio apartment in Taipei/anywhere else, respectively?

6. How does the style of teaching differ from Korea?

7. Any more pros and cons of each place?

Thanks again

BigWally · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 4:23 am Post subject: Re: Moving from Korea to Taiwan

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Thanks for that. It's very helpful.

Are you in Taiwan now, or Korea?

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

The salaries in Taiwan are lower and it does not seem that any really high paying jobs are advertise. Maybe there are some high paying jobs that are not advertised.

renzobenzo1 · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 85

BigWally wrote: 'I can't tell you about Taipei pricing, but in Kaohsiung you'd probably be looking at about $20,000NT/mth. It could be higher if you want to be downtown or anything like that. My friends recently moved "downtown-ish" and they have an old apartment, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, and a tiny ass kitchen, and they are paying $16,000NT/mth.'

I am also considering Taiwan for teaching.......Is this much of a downside though that almost 1/3 of your monthly salary goes on your accommodation?
Some jobs provide accommodation though right?

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

BigWally · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:19 pm Post subject:

very true, i'm living with my girlfriend, and we share the $10,000 on our place, so really only $5000 each a month (plus utilities), so its totally managable...and my friends that I was talking about are also a couple sharing the $16000/mth so its a bit lower there too....

I do however have a single buddy, who is living in a bachelor pad and he's paying about $7500/mth for a place that has a loft bedroom, bathroom, and living area, and a 1/2 kitchen (no stove/oven/microwave)

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

$8,000 - $12,000 downtown Taipei. It's going to be small, old and not all that great but good enough for a single person.

Financially, it does not make sense to move to Taiwan. Unless you're coming to Taiwan for other reasons (to learn Mandarin, enjoy milder winters, to be with a girlfriend / boyfriend, etc.).

The housing in Korea, based on my personal experience, is much nicer and either free or subsizized by the instructor's school in Korea. Some of the free apartments thrown in as part of a teacher's contract that I've seen in Korea have been pretty darn nice.

Don't expect either free or subsidized housing in Taiwan - or even nice or clean, modern housing.

The Chinese are probably the cheapest people you'll ever come across. And they'll do anything to save a little money - forget about free housing!

demaratus · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 38

When I was in Kaohsiung, good accomodations could be had for 7,500nt to 25,000. I never paid more than 6000nt a month including a cleaning lady once a week. I lived in nice areas, and in two very sweet appartments. Prices may have changed a bit but with roomates you can live in a palace for cheap. Taipei is at least twice as expensive as everywhere else, but is also nicer, and has more to do and see. $1000 CAD was the average amount people where sending home, but that was before the CAD was at $1.09 US.

I think Taiwanese people are nice, somewhat shy people, I never once felt unwelcome or intrusive with Taiwanese people. I think school managers will all be different to some extent. Most directors of Buxibans are the owners or have a share in the business so aside from the native staff there is no middleman in dealing with issues and getting things done. This is of course not the case at big chains like Hess. Overall Taiwan offers good weather, a great ex-pat scene, lots of amenities, good travel opportunities, low costs, bad pollution, real Chinese food, less money and benefits than Korea/Japan and an overall easy-going lifestyle.

smashjack · Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 7

Hey David...
I just moved from Korea to Taiwan this summer and found it to be a total dream in comparison. I was in Seoul and the pollution made me so sick that I had to get out. Not that it doesn't exist here but my body rejected Korea... literally. Everyone else has covered a lot of the other things here but one thing I'm going to say is this: The food is a lot better than in Korea, in my opinion. Things taste differently and not all like red pepper paste. The everyday people are WAY nicer than in Korea and people don't stare, not even really the kids!! I live in Taichung, which is about 2 hours south of Taipei. It's a good area to be in, lots going on and lots of schools looking for workers. As far as the rent goes, it's quite inexpensive. I'm saving about half of my pay, paying rent and splurging when I find it necessary. But I wanted to focus more on the attitude of the people. I am SOOO happy I made the move to Taiwan and I don't think you'll regret it.

David Seoul · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Thanks everyone.

I knew about the money thing, but that's not my main motivation. Some good advice though, and some reassuring info, too.

I'm really looking forward to the fact that not as many people will stare at me. I know it's part of the package of being a westerner in Asia, but after all these years of it I just fancy not being stared at.

I can't wait to get there now!

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

BigWally · Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:28 am Post subject:

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

mangoholic · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 4:33 pm Post subject:

1. When all said and done, what is the real difference betwen the costs of living in each country? How much can we realistically expect to send home after we've been taxed, paid rent and bills, fed ourselves, and been on the odd night out?

You're in Taiwan. This is ESL "Ground Zero" -get out while you can

2. Can we expect to jump the pay ladder and get a better salary (3-5 years exp + TEFL), even though we're newbies in Taiwan? If so, what kind
of salary should we look for as experienced teachers?

Yes, you can -about $1 US after a year, and that's the limit.

3. How is the attitude of Taiwanese people towards foreigners, compared with that of Koreans?

Better

4. How does the management style of English schools in Taiwan compare with that of Korea?

Maybe better.

5. How much should I expect to pay for a newish, furnished, officetel style one bedroomed/studio apartment in Taipei/anywhere else, respectively?

NT 15,000, and don't DARE leave Taipei City proper, or you're entering southeast Asian squalor

6. How does the style of teaching differ from Korea?

Probably better

7. Any more pros and cons of each place?

More $ in Korea, more sanity here. 4 seasons in Korea, 1.5 here. 1st world, 2.5 world