Job Discussion Forums

[kait]

I am seriously considering transfering my contract to a different Hess location in August. I am hoping someone can give me some useful feedback on locations I might like.

I would love someplace less poluted than Taipei and Taoyuan. My eyes have been irritated since I stepped off the plane, and my asthma, which back in the States, is hardly a problem, has become much worse here. I would also love to be someplace with more Asian culture and more things to discover. I love to browse and wander around taking in unique shops and scenery. Certainly, easier access to nature and possibly the ocean would be awesome. I like to have a larger city accessable but I don't think I need to live in one.

Lukang sounds really interesting in The Lonely Planet, but I suspect it may have poor air quality and a lot of pollution as well. I understand that Taitung is beautiful, but The Lonely Planet makes it sound pretty dull and isolated there. I would like to have some access to Western amenities (like movies, a grocery store with some Western choices and maybe a TGIFridays or something), but those things can be a short bus/scooter ride away.

I'm trying to make this decision without seeing much of the island. Perhaps I'm just thinking the grass is greener somewhere else. Should I just stay where I am? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[matchstick_man]

Why not try Ilan? If you're desiring TGIF though you'll still have to get on a train and go to Taipei. Personally I've never eaten there as the prices have me fleeing.

[TaoyuanSteve]

You are going to have trade-offs and disadvantages in most places. Ilan and Hualien are less polluted, especially Hualien. But they are really small (again, especially Hualien) and could seem boring. Your selection of western goodies will be substantially reduced as well. In Hualien, I didn't see much more than the ubiquitous KFC/McDonald's outlets.

Asian culture? I honestly think the capital has the advantage there, with it's museums and universities. Really, apart from Temple festivals and funerals, there isn't much authentic culture going on anywhere. Most places won't seem all that much different from Longtan.

Another factor to consider if you are thinking about the east coast: These areas get the worst of typhoons and earthquakes. Typhoons and earthquakes will be much more severe than they are in Taoyuan county.

If I were you, rather than changing cities, I'd just look at renting a house in a pretty area outside of city limits. Longtan has some nice areas nearby.

[Ilanian]

[Pop Fly]

[Ilanian]

[Pop Fly]

[mr.bojangles]

Once upon a time in a land far far away called Korea, I did an ESL gig. The school was in a small rural city. Pleasant for the first fifteen minutes, but I was jonesing for a city. The only thing that kept my sanity from the boredom was the trips into the city on week-ends, but trying to keep oneself from going mad in Korea is an art! By the way I am now teaching primaryt school in a small New Zealand town which obviously very different from a remote or small Asian community.

[Wonder]

Kait, you might want to try Tainan. I think it's the third largest city in Taiwan and the air seems clean to me. It also has a beach relatively close. And there's enough culture here to keep you busy, with regard to markets and uni's and temples.

The other place I might try it Chiayi. Although it's a smaller city and not really much to do, the air is clean and there's a couple lakes nearby. Lots of western people and a fairly decent grocery store for people like us.

Both cities above have at least two Hess locations. Hope that helps.

[matchstick_man]

I went to Tainan for the first time last Sunday. ALthough I didn't see much, as I was there for friends' wedding I was impressed and wished I'd gone sooner.