Job Discussion Forums

[camerado]

Hi--

I'm new to the Cafe and somewhat new to ESL, although I taught on a volunteer basis some years ago and I have other relevant teaching experience in related areas.

Anyway, I'm now at a juncture where I would like to take a year off at least and teach in either Vietnam or Taiwan; these two places have materialized as the options in which I'm most interested.

Consequently, am wondering if anyone would mind providing me with an overall opinion--potentially and preferrably from first hand experience--regarding the quality of life, the quality of the overall experience I might expect from each country were I to teach there for a year or so.

My stats: I have a BFA and some teaching experience ranging from K-5 to Masters level. I'm a M in my mid 30's, native speaker from the US; have been active in design, acting and filmmaking, just want to take a break for a variety of reasons.

Obviously, there's no way to quantify everything on any sort of rigid scale, but if anyone might take the time to address issues such as: salaries, job stability, environmental quality of life, ability to secure work in other fields, co-workers and field saturation, etc, respective to each country--along with any incidental thoughts or info which might be important, that'd be greatly appreciated.

All the Best,

JR

[jibbs]

I worked in Taipei for a year 2001-2002, and now I am a newcomer to Saigon, here just a month, working only 2 weeks so far. I found Taiwan boring but the money not bad, and easy to save $500 or even $1000 or more per month, simlar to Korea or perhaps Japan. End of August is a good time to go to Taiwan. There are lots of schools, though you may have really young kids, under 5 sometimes. Not much adult teaching there. I think University jobs are hard to get there too. But still the work is often easy and the schedule often light. Check www.forumosa.com and www.tealit.com for info.

My opinion of Saigon so far is that it aint so bad. It has its pros and cons. It's crowded and dirty but cheap and friendlier than Korea or Taiwan. Actually the Taiwanese can be quite nice too. After years in Korea this place is a welcome experience for me. Lots of jobs here too. Not all great, but enough to pay the bills and save a few hundred per month, and hopefully have a good time.

I don't know anyone else who has lived in both places, but I'm sure they are out there.

[Rice Paddy Daddy]

agree - the Taiwanese are easier - no, much easier - to live and work with than the Koreans.

The pay is also similar to that of Korean TEFL wages.

Make more in Japan but the cost of living is higher and the Japanese are more difficult to live and work with.

I'd say earn your money in Taiwan and take your R&R in Vietnam.

but if it's only a year - not matter, imo

[Guest]

If you decide to teach in Taipei, watch out it is very polluted!

I taught there during 2000-2001. The people are very nice. But, I think Taipei is one of the most polluted cities in Asia. Everything is made in Taiwan!.......there are an infinite amount of manufactures in Taiwan AND also motorbikes in which the government probably does not regulate in terms of environmental laws.

If you teach here try to get a job in the South or central areas: much cleaner here. There are an infinite number of schools in Taiwan. I do not think you should have any probs landing a job here.

Vietnam, on the other hand is a little more cleaner. Not certain on the teaching scene, but feel you should have no probs as well.

The nice thing about Vietnam is the beaches .......you can swim!, the people....very nice. Beautiful ladies!...hahaha!!

Personally, I prefer VN over Taiwan.
Good luck!

[Waldorf Salad]

[jibbs]

I think HCMC is more polluted than Taipei.

[Rice Paddy Daddy]

but has the guy who's lived in Kaoshung or Taipei lived in HMC?

Has the guy who's lived in HMC lived in Kaoshung or Taipei?

Even if they have, how do you know Kaoshung is more polluted than Bangkok and Seoul is more polluted than Taipei.

How can you show posters the difference between the cities?