Job Discussion Forums

Scott G · Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 10

Ok, there are so many positives and negatives as to whether or not to teach in Taiwan or Thailand. I like them both from what I have read. I have never been out of the USA and 2005 is the year for me to make some changes. I have a degree in Kinesiology but not a teaching degree or certificate. My background in teaching is based on coaching and also on being a substitute teacher for all grade levels. I have heard about getting one's TEFL by either learn and you work programs or the fully intensive method of CELTA.
I have heard about the illegal method of buying the certificate on some road that starts with a K. in Thailand. I know, this is a Taiwan discussion board. This relates to Taiwan too, be patient. Very Happy

Now that brings up about this point. I have done the researching, and checking out the different threads on the big chain schools in Taiwan. I have read about Hess, Kojen, and Kid Castle. I have even gotten response back from some of these schools on what the requirements are for teaching in their facilities. But, many of you (experienced teachers) have said that just going there to Taiwan or Thailand and finding the job once there, is much better method. This sounds all fine and dandy but which country is easier to do that type of method?
I am very athletic and outdoorsy type person, where can I keep those values still in my schedule?
I don't want to be so busy that my physical body gets out of shape. That is what makes me who I am and it would show in my teaching.
It would be nice to hopefully find a cute thai or taiwanese girl to brighten my days, which country seems best for this? This is not a huge decision breaker, I was just curious.
So, let me just get to the point. I am planning on leaving the good ole USA in August 2005. I don't see this as just a short vacation. I need change, I need culture shock.
I want to start out with something that will carry over into something bigger. I am not just wanting to teach English in one year and then do something else. I actually like to teach. Making a career out of this would be a goal.
The question: Taiwan or Thailand or a combination of the two?
Thank you for your help. Sorry for my drawn out explanations and stuff. I like to express myself in words.

Scott

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

I would choose Taiwan over Thailand as a starting point. Strangely a lot of schools in Thailand ask for actual teaching qualifications which are not justified by the pay however if you get a good location that would make up for it.

From talking to people in both countries turning up and finding a job is easy in both countries however Taiwan is the place you are more likely to be approached to teach on the street. (This hasn't happened to me for a while though).

Gyms are widely available in Taiwan. However outdoorsy types in Taiwan are drawn to the East Coast.

I have no idea how easy it is to get a girl in Thailand. (One that is genuinely interested in you). However in Taiwan it is quite easy for many.

A lot of people save while teaching in Taiwan then move to Thailand for the better lifestyle and continue teaching. Dress codes differ greatly. Thai schools usually require male teachers to wear a collar and tie while in Taiwan shorts/jeans and a T-shirt are often the standard teaching uniform.

junkmail · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 377

I second that.
I love Thailand but alot of people go thinking they will get to enjoy Thailand, only to find themselves working fo quite long hours and no money or not enough to buy a return airfare for instance.

Taiwan and Korea (my current home) will both have you working long hours if you like money, but you'll have enough to enjoy your vacations.

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

junkmail · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 377

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

Who said anything about going to the middle east? Shocked

Scott G · Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 10

I love how this post has gone off onto some tangent in the middle east. I actually have no desire to teach there nor do I want to teach in Korea. Now Vietnam...that would be cool, then I could be number one. Cambodia, not sure yet. Malaysia, undecided. Japan would be cool but cost of living is high there. Taiwan, I am seriously considering that one with an added plus of studying Mandarin Chinese at an university there.
Thailand would just be a stepping stone for me but I am afraid to I might find some cute Thai girl that will occupy my mind. Gotta be careful on that one.
But as said earlier, interesting tangent this post has gone.

Scott

junkmail · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 377

Gather some money and come for a holiday, Look around some of the places you've mentioned as they're very different to one another.
In some of them TESOL would be an advantage but as TaoyuanSteve said, it's not at all needed in Taiwan or for that matter Japan. If you need to pay off debts forget SE Asia though.

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

Work in Taiwan, live in Thailand. That has always been my motto.
Just got back from weekend of helping some friends try to rebuild their business in Phuket. It looks like Thailand is going to be a lot worse off than they care to admit in terms of , economic prospects in the immediate future.
The end of the Lunar New Year (Valentine's Day) is the next big hiring season in Taiwan. The job market is a little a strange this year with the various government ministries fighting over regulatory control of the lucrative ESL industry on Taiwan.
Good luck and please read this,
http://www.geocities.com/taiwanteacher2002/Success.html
A.

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

Agreed. Taiwan and Thailand are like black and white. I've worked in both locations (including Korea) and even though I like the lifestyle and attitude in Thailand, the teaching environment is a little shaky unless you really know your way around, have a lot of money, and take your time before settling on a school.

I live in Taiwan now, and the teaching environment is better than Thailand (more money, less hours), and as stated above, jeans and a T-shirt is accpeptable work attire. In Thailand, most schools require a shirt and tie in the awful humidity. I was very uncomfortable with the formality in Thailand.

I would definetly shoot for Taiwan, and vacation in the Philippines or Thailand. It's a short flight to either destination, so you could check out the job in Thailand first hand if your really want, and be happy knowing you have a job here in the sub-tropical clime of Taiwan.

And be prepared to baby-sit/teach kids. It's the best ESL market in Taiwan, opposed to Korea where there's scads of adults schools.

Best advice for you? Work in Taiwan for a year, save some cash, then check out Thailand for a few months and make your decision.

On the same note, you'll need some start-up cash in Taiwan too. Consider $2,000 US for a comfortable start because you'll need a scooter (outside Taipei) and enough cash to rent a short-term apartment or hostel/hotel for a good month.

That way you won't have to take the first job offered to you. Cool

Scott G · Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 10

What about Korea as a startup and then move around from there?

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

Korea is a good starting point as most Korean schools offer free airfare and accommodation (which is usually nice). However be warned many first time teachers don't last a full year in South Korea. I didn't.

You say culture shock is part of what you after. It is one of things you are looking for you will find in South Korea.

If you have enough money to sustain you for a few months Taiwan is better as the returns can be greater. However if you have little money Korea is better. Eat Korean food a lot before going and make sure it has kimchi as you'll be easting it more than you want. Same thing goes for Japan, which is the reson I've never lived in Japan.

This should really be in the general asia forum.