Job Discussion Forums

jenro · Joined: 05 Aug 2004 Posts: 4 Location: NYC

Is it actually necessary to get my Diploma certified by TECO before I go out to Taiwan? I don't feel comfy mailing my diploma to Kansas, and time is running a bit short.

I don't have a job lined up yet, per everyone's recommendation, and I would like to know if it will work to just bring a color copy of my B.A. out there with me. Or should I get a Notary to sign off on a copy?

Also, are there any treats that people are dying to get out there that I could bring?

ScottSommers · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 82 Location: Taiwan

Diploma certification is required for employment at a university. I have never had to have mine certified for bushiban work, but then I haven't worked in a bushiban for 2 years. If I were you, I would bring the original rather than a colour copy. Even if a copy is what's necessary today, there's nothing to stop the regulation from being changed overnight.

MTurton · Joined: 10 Mar 2004 Posts: 107

Yes, it is safest to get everything certified, and you must have original copies supplied by the university you graduated from.

MTurton

jenro · Joined: 05 Aug 2004 Posts: 4 Location: NYC

Thank you for the tips! I will bring the original if I can't mail it out in time.

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

Please note that the requirements and procedures for certifying your degree are in a transitional state. The Ministry of Education no longer has any influence over the visa application process unless you are employed by them.
What that means is that very few people whose job it is to verify degrees will know exactly what the process is. You can expect long delays and repetitive rejections for the most ignorant and obscure reasons. Largely because no one in government here on Taiwan knows or cares how to do their job unless there is bribery involved. One effective solution is to try stapling a read envelope with your contact information inside to the visa application.
With a little luck you will be contacted with bank account numbers and your visa will be approved in an expeditious and professional manner

ScottSommers · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 82 Location: Taiwan

Just ignore anything that Aristotle has to say on this matter. It is true that the issuing of work permits for English teachers is undergoing a transition, but as I stated above, notorization of diplomas is not generally necessary for English teachers, except those teaching at the post-secondary level. Teachers at my university have had difficulties, but this had NOTHING to do with the Taipei City Police Foreign Affairs Bureau or any branch of the Taiwan government overseas. In fact, the police have been extremely helpful in processing our work permits. As a result, despite the regulation changes, I know of no delays in the processing of visas either at my school or any others.

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

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

I just had my degree verified.

In some cases the country you come from, Australia, for example, will assist the Taiwanese government by verifiying the degree.

In my case, the Australian Department of Foreign Trade and Affairs in Brisbane assisted TECO by verifying and authenticating my documents. (They verified both the academic transcripts and the degree.)

Then, the documents were sent down to TECO in Sydney for a final stamp of approval.

It seems it may depend on the country you're from and the diplomatic relationship Taiwan has with that particular country.

kubulka · Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 14

[Then, the documents were sent down to TECO in Sydney for a final stamp of approval.]

Why would you have your degree approved by TECO? Frankly, I don't understand that.

When I was applying for my 60-day visa, all I needed (or perhaps even not) was the job offer only. No one asked me about my degree or a verification of that degree.
All they asked me was why did I need the extended visa.

As I understand it, one presents one's academic credentials to the employer. From then onward it should be the ministry of education issuing the work permit (or turning it down).

I hope I understand it correctly, or have I not?

ScottSommers · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 82 Location: Taiwan

This discussion is getting all screwed up. You will only ever need a notorized diploma when you are applying for a work permit to teach at a post-secondary institution. Aristotle knows nothing about this procedure, so completely ignore anything he has to say about it. Don't worry about notorization unless you need a work permit to teach at a college or university.