Job Discussion Forums

Curtass · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 7

Hello all,

I am coming to Taiwan in January. A few people have said that one should go to Taiwan without a job, and find one once you get there.

For those people, how did you get around before you got a job? I speak very little mandarin, and I don't know anyone in Taiwan, so I am imagining that I would have a lot of troubles with accomodation (until I get a job), getting around the city, etc.

How did you survive? Any suggestions? Thank you.

Fortigurn · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 390

I spoke no Chinese, and had a job on my third day here. I already had friends here, so finding accomodation and getting around wasn't difficult.

But getting around isn't too hard anyway (once you get used to the almost useless maps). I'd suggest asking around at Forumosa.com for advice on accomodation without Chinese or friends.

phil82 · Joined: 25 Apr 2003 Posts: 37 Location: Taoyuan

I couldn't speak a word of Chinese when I got here so don't worry about that, you get by. I know plenty of people here who still cant say anything more than thank you.

I stayed in a hostel when i first got here and it was a hell-hole but i got to meet loads of people, who'd also just arrived, and got a lot of help finding a job. I think there are better ones around but i'll give you the address if you want.

Again, don't worry about finding a job it's easy enough to do when you get here. I had no experience and no teaching qualifications and still had a job within a week. Some of my friends turned down 2 or 3 before taking a job, all within 2 weeks.

Good luck!

travelinbri · Joined: 25 Mar 2003 Posts: 29 Location: South Korea

What do you think is the biggest advantage of arriving without a job? When in country, are the salaries of the jobs offered so much better than those advertised online? 10000 better? 20000 better? Are the hours better? Or is it just about picking a location and scholl you will like?

I am really curious...

Thanks in advance,

-TBri

phil82 · Joined: 25 Apr 2003 Posts: 37 Location: Taoyuan

I don't think that the salaries are always better, but it's just a case of seeing what you are getting yourself into.

If you come here and then find a job, you can see where you are going to live, see what the school is like, meet the people involved and then decide if you want to work there.