Job Discussion Forums

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

Is there anyone in Taiwan right now who falls under this category? I've read that you can get a legal work permit with an associate's degree if you have TESOL certification. I know Hess will accept applicant's with these qualifications.

For anyone who is in this boat do you have schools you would recommend applying at? Does it seem to be a *lot* more difficult? I've been checking ads all over (like tealit.com and others) and most "require" a bachelor's degree. I'm not sure if this is actually an absolute requirement or a preference or if most institutes aren't aware that visas can be obtained for people with an associate's.

That said, would I have an easier time finding legal work with an agent or should I still do my own footwork?

As much advice as possible would be greatly appreciated. I'll be arriving at the first of June next year.

Thanks!

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

Apparently, you can work with that combination of qualifications. Unfortunately, I do not know anyone who currently works with an AA and tesl. I think there is a definite preference for BAs. Perhaps they are easier to certify. Or perhaps there are other reasons. If Hess will take you, I'd say do it. If you are seriously contemplating a recruiter, I'm sure dealing with a large orginization like Hess directly will be better than dealing with a recruiter from overseas. Hess also tends to acquire work permits for teachers ahead of their arrival in Taiwan, the only company I've heard of that wil do this. But, whatever you do, try to avoid recruiters while you are still out of the country.

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

Thanks. I don't intend on having a job ready by the time I get over. I'm actually really doing everything tight together. I'll be leaving for Taiwan 6 days after I finish the TESOL course I'm going to take.

Hopefully it won't be a huge deal to find legal work. I really if at all possible don't want to work illegally but may if needed or go the student visa route.

Does anyone else have any advice or first hand experience with job hunting with the 2 year/associate's degree + TESOL combo? Keep it coming!

Smile

Thanks!

canadiangirlsrock · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 14

Hi there! I actually came to Taiwan about 2 months ago with a 2 year College Diploma and the Tesol course. I came without a job and had no problems finding work. I went to several different interviews and got several offers and so I picked from those...so don't feel like you have to settle for the first offer that comes your way because of your qualifications. Yes, I am working legally and I love my school and the children. I hope this helps you, if you have any more questions PM me.

zealflyer · Joined: 22 Sep 2004 Posts: 13 Location: Winnipeg, MB

Hi canadiangirlsrock,

Can I be a little nosy and ask what kind of diploma you hold and what kind of TESOL training you took (course hours, etc.)? I'll be leaving for Taiwan in a couple of months and have very similar credentials - 2 year Creative Communications diploma and 60 hr. TESOL course. I am a little apprehensive about finding legal work and am thus heartened to hear of your success.

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

I just got this off a post on the Tealit forum. Don't know where it comes from mind. Hope it helps.

steeevieboy · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 50

My wife and I both have ARCs:
3 yrs College (aka Associates Degree?) + TEFL
My friend who just arrived was told by Gloria Schools that his 2 year College + TEFL would be enough to get an ARC.
It all depends on the school's connections!

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

I got it off a post on the www.tealit.com forum that was posted within a few days of me posting it here. If you cut the quote from here and search for it on the Tealit forum (teaching section) you'll probably find it.

I am 99% sure it came from Tealit. If you can't find it try searching the forums at www.forumosa.com

Better still copy and paste the quote and start a fresh post asking where it comes from. Start one on Forumosa too.

I still think its a bit ambiguous, as I think what they mean by people with less than four year degrees is people with three year university degrees (mostly Europeans and maybe Canadians I think). I don't think they mean diplomas. but this is just my interpretation and I guess it could be argued either way.

Cheers

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