Job Discussion Forums

Vancouver Jim · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 23 Location: Shanghai

Hello Experts;

i am a 50 year old Canadian male, very entrepreneur-oriented, with 10 years ESL teaching experience in several countries and 2 teaching certificates totaling 100 hours. I also have certificates in Construction-Technical areas along with years of experience including instruction.

I would like to meet a local, perhaps get married, and form a language or business consulting company. Of course first I'll need to pick up some private classes and work at a language school in the beginning. My last job was Director of Studies here in Shanghai.

I would like to hear from someone who has been in China, Korea, and Taiwan to get your perspective. Also from those who can comment on getting a work visa other than as a teacher. However any feedback on Taiwan and Korea would be appreciated.

I look forward to your comments and appreciate your taking time to do so.

wood · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 202

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

I worked in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and now China.

I knew people in all countries working without a degree.

It is possible, just be careful.

wood · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 202

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

Hello Vancouver Jim!

I am also from Vancouver, and have been teaching in Korea and Taiwan for the last few years. I am now in a smaller city called Chiayi, teching children.

I have to say I am a little baffled by your post. The headline reads "no degree..." but your message rattles off several impressive credentials, including director of studies.

What the heck would you want to come here for (with no degree), if you have such a good thing going elsewhere? And you're certainly planning ahead! You want to meet a girl, get married and start a business?

In that order?

Perhaps you should check with the Taiwan embassy in Shanghai on starting a business here. There could be a special visa you could apply for. I've heard of others getting a business visa before they come here and it seems to be no problem.

However, if in fact you wish to teach here and gain the much needed knowledge regarding the ESL industry in Taiwan, you'll have to find a school that will hire you without a degree. This is possible, but not recommended, especially if you want to use that school for a reference when setting up your business through the normal channels.

On the other hand, I may have the wrong impression from your post. Hope all goes well.