Job Discussion Forums

gemair · Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Posts: 14

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew the contact information, or website if there is any, for the Jump Start school in Taichung? I saw an old post of theirs in the taiwan information forum, but the contact email was old. Has anyone also had any experiences with the school? Thanks!

~Kristine

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

I have three reports on the school in question. All of which are negative in nature. I have no positive reports.
The school is a half day English program for kindergarteners and afternoon ESL program for elementary students. The pay is average to below average.
If you need more info email me.
[email protected]
Good luck,
A.

VJS1980 · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 3

Hi Kristine,
When I first arrived in Taichung (a few months ago), I spoke to a potential boss about employment at Jump Start. I don't think I can tell you anything that you wouldn't learn yourself by talking with them for 15 minutes, but I'll tell you my impressions. I know that yes, the pay is relatively low (I think 550), and there isn't much in the way of perks. I certainly wasn't impressed enough to apply for a job.
HOWEVER, that doesn't mean much. I did find the woman I spoke with to be honest and helpful, even to the point of offering to give me advice in the future, should be be working for another school. In addition, they're not a bushiban, and I think they can offer you and ARC and very consistent work...such things are not often easy to find here in Taichung.
I know there are several JS branches here in Taichung, and chances are the quality of the school varies with each branch. You may also want to check out the Kojen...I looked at the one located near People's Park. I was greatly impressed by the men who run that branch (One canadian, one American), and I'd probably be working there if it didn't interfere with my Chinese classes. It's certainly not the best job you can get in Taichung, but I felt like I could trust the bosses there, and there's alot to be said for that.
I'm hardly an expert on this stuff, but if you have any other questions, feel free to drop me an email. [email protected]
Best of luck.
Vincent

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

You cannot legally work at Jump Start. It is a kindergarten and all English is banned from kindergartens. They may be able to give you an ARC but that will put you at greater risk of deportation than if you were on a student/ tourist visa.
Good luck.
A.

gemair · Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Posts: 14

Aristotle and Vincent, thank you for your comments. I did see the previous negative comments about Jump Start on the Taiwan Info page, however I think those were based on Jump Start in Tapei, not Taichung. Vincent, would you happen to have a contact email for the JS administrators you talked to? Thanks.

~Kristine

VJS1980 · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 3

Hi Kristine,
Sorry that I'm getting back to you ages and ages later...I really don't go onto this site too much any more. The man I spoke to was named Ian Fletcher. His email is [email protected] I dunno how familiar you are with Taichung, but their office is located right near People's Park, on the side opposite from Ying Sai (sp?) road. I'm guessing that this info is useless to you now, but best of luck and sorry for the late response.
Vincent