Job Discussion Forums

[patchwork]

hello,

I am thinking of going to this city to teach english in the month of december.

Just how badly is the pollution there? If you could compare it to, say, New York City or Chicago, USA, if you have ever been? Or Toronto or Montreal, Canada?


Or how is it compared to Taipei or Taichung? Or how about downtown Kaoshiung compared to just outside the city?

I generally don't mind pollution to a certain extent. Those north american cities I mentioned are not too polluted for me, however, I don't want to live somewhere that may make it impossible for me to breath!

thanks everyone,
Ravi.

[Taylor]

Dear Ravi,

Having lived in Kaohsiung for 7+ years, I would say the pollution is bad...but not terrible. If you ride a scooter (which most people do), then pollution is worst from 4 to 7PM. Hopefully, you can teach in a single location during these hours and not be out driving around. Kaohsiung's pollution is worse than that of New York city because so many people choose to ride scooters instead of public transport. This might change in the future, but don't count on it!

Outside the city, things might be a little better. However, that is where most of the factories are located, so it's not a pleasant place to live. Try to teach in a single location and wear a mask while commuting. You can make it!

Taylor

[patchwork]

hi Taylor,

thanks for your response.

Have you been to any other big cities in Taiwan? For example, Tainan or Hsinchu? How would you compare those cities, in terms of air quality, and quality of the city in general?

thanks,
Ravi.

[TaoyuanSteve]

May I suggest you actually get here before you finalise your living arrangements? Nobody is going to be able to give you any real idea of what life here is like. You'll have to find that out for yourself.