Job Discussion Forums

Pisces · Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 1

Hi,
I am interested in working as an ESL teacher in Taiwan, as I have personal reasons for going there. I applied to Hess but was told that I would be placed on the waitlist as there were "...many, many very qualified applicants." I meet all the basic qualifications (university degree, US passport, native speaker) and I also have prior teaching experience as well. However, I did mention that I was half Taiwanese in both my telephone interiview and my application. Although I don't really look "Asian" ( most people are surprised when I reveal that my mother was born and raised in Taiwan), I am wondering if this aspect of my heritage is the real reason why I was rejected from Hess, or if there were perhaps other factors. As I am browsing through other peoples' posts, I am wondering if I would be better off looking for a job once I arrive in Taiwan? Any advice will be appreciated.

brian · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 299

It seems to me that you have hit the nail on the head with the fact that you are part Taiwanese. There is definitely a preference for teachers that can fit a certain mould here in Taiwan. As Hess is obviously the most visible school when it comes to recruiting, it stands to reason that they would receive more choice of applicants. They are therefore hoping not to have to use you, and hope that some other applicants that fit the mould will come after you. Sorry about that.

My advice would be to keep your name on their �waiting list�, and then get out there and see if you can get some job offers from other schools. You mention that you don�t look Asian, so I wouldn�t mention this to them. Let them judge you on your CV, the fact that you meet their requirements, and your appearance by way of the inevitable picture that you will have to send. Find a few jobs that sound like what you are after, and that sound interested in you, and then arrange a time to interview with them when you arrive. Don�t commit to anything before you get here. Just interview when you get here and make a decision from there. You should have no trouble finding a good job.

Finally, when Hess calls you back because they really need you, let them know that you have found a job with a great school thanks very much, but that you will keep them in mind if you are looking for a job this time next year!

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

Unless your desperate don't work for a chain school. Many chain schools including Hess will blacklist you if you try to find a better job, they also offer the lowest possible pay on the island.
If you are applying from the US file a complaint with the American Civil Liberties Union. Hess has large assets in the US and as such is subject to US civil rights codes and liability. Just record your telephone call.
Please read this.
http://www.geocities.com/taiwanteacher2002/Success.html
Good luck
A.

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

Actually chain schools are a freat place to start as most have lesson plans already written and a set curriculum. Things that can be very intimidating at first for the inexperienced teacher. Hell, after three years I still sometimes wonder whow the hell do I spen an hour doing that?

brian · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 299

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

Mozilla · Joined: 16 Mar 2003 Posts: 90

I strongly recommend you do not give notice before you quit. You will not only find yourself blacklisted but unpaid as well.
Welcome to Taiwan,

Wow. This is the first time I have disagreed with Aristotle!! I've got a friend that recently quit Hess, she gave one month's notice and the 20,000NT fine for breaking the contract was waived.

brian · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 299

I think that most chains doin fact respect teachers who give notice, even if they are breaking their contract prematurey. They recognize that to penalize those that give notice in the same way that they punish those that just up and run away, is encouraging teachers to do the latter. It most certainly isn't a blanket rule for every school but I think that it is a good guide to follow. Provided that you do all of this you can always pursue the employer through the right avenues for the payment of any outstanding monies. If you simply up and run away you would be hard pressed to find anyone that would assist you.

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

If you have a deposit you want back, then giving some notice is a good way to get it back. I would suggest a lie, though. Anything to do with an ailing relative back home is good. I don't think telling the truth about wanting another job is very wise. Most people lie, and these lies are accepted, even if everyone knows the truth.

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

brian · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 299

It isn't uncommon for people to get their 'deposits' (for want of a better word), back from chain schools provided that they are reasonable in their leaving. In fact this is the norm. Those that don't get all their money back tend to be those that do something wrong by the school or runaway.

jason_seeburn · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 399 Location: Toronto

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

Work deposits are illegal and anyone with verifiable proof of a school taking one from their pay please contact me ASAP.
The majority of Schools that take work deposits do it for one reason that is theft. The head office doesn't have a clue and the manager will make your life miserable so that they can pocket it.
Rest assured we at SSETT are very effectual in these matters.
A.