Job Discussion Forums

[Muu]

Many writers state that an ESL teacher is able to save $10,000 + U.S. annually working in Taiwan.
How does one typically go about converting quantities of Taiwanese dollars to U.S. $ and get them safely out of the country upon leaving?

Also, if one works in Taiwan first and later moves on to China, does the Taiwan visa on one's passport cause any problems in China?

Thanks!

[markholmes]

Most people transfer money home by bank transfer. Its fairly cheap. US$10,000 ayear savings is definitely achieveable.

No, the Taiwan visa won't effect your entry to China.

[Aristotle]

The money isn't what it used to be and I not just talking about the exchange rate. Taiwan in general has been in a steady rate of decline for the last five years and few expect the local economy to get better any time soon, if at all. Many foreign corporations have left as well, reducing the demand for English language skills.
You can still make good money teaching in Taiwan but it is a lot harder than it used to be.
Good luck,
A.

[Chairman Roberto]

Oh, for the love of...

Money grows on trees here. The first few months are bumpy, but if you're charming person, a competent teacher, and are good at cultivating guanxi (relationships), the sky's the limit. If you come here without a job and avoid those get hired over the internet scams, the rough average wage here would be about 70,000/month. You can make alot more if you work your *ss off and hustle up privates. I'm an editor myself, and my wage is roughly HALF of what a good teacher makes, and I'm doing alright...saving at least US$1,000/month.

There's jobs up the wazoo here, at least in Taipei. My advice...come here jobless with about US$1,500 in your pocket to get set up. Be chipper and professional with a nice resume and good interview suit. Learn a little Chinese. Eat Chinese food.

For the rest of you jokers moanin' and groanin' about Taiwan or Taipei in particular, try living in the Philippines for two years like I did. Then you'll realize what a paradise this place is. Manila would eat you alive and spit you out like last night's chewing tobacco.

And you can take that to the bank,
The Chairman!

[WorkingVaca]

Relativity. Maybe some people think 50,000-70,000NT (about 1,000-2,000USD) is big money if they didn't have a well-paying job in their home country. And people making more than 70K generally work in kindergartens all day and buxibans at night. So it's not that you can make a killing here, it's that you can SAVE if you're frugal:

Are you already debt free?

Do you mind living with 1-3 roomates?

Do you mind staying in Taiwan all year with only one week vacation at Chinese New Year to spend sleeping and watching TV like the locals?

Do you limit your entertainments to going out just once a week or less?

Can forgoe buying a scooter and ride the bus and MRT?

Can you find a girlfriend that doesn't expect you to pay for everything?

Will you not be taking Chinese lessons?

Do you mind working more than 8 hours a day, sometimes 6 days a week?

Then you can save $10,000 or more living here. Otherwise, you'll be spending it on all the things that involve having a life.

[markholmes]

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

I taught in Taiwan.

I'm now in China.

'Nuff said on that question.

[Muu]

[Fortigurn]