Job Discussion Forums

CndnEnrgy · Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Toronto

Fresh out of undergrad (will graduate in April), looking to come over to Taiwan for a year, Taipei or Taichung sound good, either way. I have no paid ESL experience, and no teaching certificate.

Just like to know, how much in either CDN or US $ will I probably need to get by until I get a job/home and my first paycheck? I will have my BA from a reputable school and have on my resume a few months of volunteer work at an ESL centre.

Any ballpark amounts? Because if its too high i'd have to take the paycut and find a job before I leave....

thanks.

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

I would say Us $1500 but it's alway better to have more than you think you need rather than less. This is one of the great re-occurring thread subjects on esl message boards. Sift through past threads.

Ilanian · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 21

It can be done for less, say 500USD (I came many years ago without a job and 400usd in my pocket and have survived quite nicely) but that would require you to take a job that provides housing thus cutting down your potential employers. It also puts you in servitude of your employer until you can get on your own two feet. Depending on the school, sometimes it is not a bad idea. But research, research, research, and don't believe everything that you read as most people are more apt to write about the bad rather than the good.

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

Now is not the time to come to Taiwan "jobless" and "homeless". The market for teachers is pretty low. There are jobs out there, but there are also a lot of teachers out there too.

The job market will be a lot better in late June. June is one of the peak hiring monthes. Most buxibans start their new semester July 1st. If you want to come now try to at least set up and interview or two. That way you can see what schools are generally like and possibly make some conections with other expats. Other expats are some of the best leads on schools that are looking to hire a teacher.

As for the money, if you don't mind staying at hostels and eating "cheap eats" you will be able to do just fine on 1200-1500 dollars.

CndnEnrgy · Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Toronto

Thanks for the advice guys.

I was actually thinking of coming in late may/early June, which sounds like a better plan, conveniently.

Hoping to get work before the July 1st tax cut off, but we'll see.

Cheers.

mikokozak · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto

Hello,

Whoever I'm writing to, I'm in Toronto as well and planning to go to Taiwan. I will be as you say "fresh out of undergrad". I was hoping to show up in Taiwan after the beginning of July, but it looks like I should be there before, hmmm...

Anyways, it would be great to share ideas on Taiwan.

NK
www.nickkozak.com

freebeacher · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 76

When I first got to Taiwan in 1990 I had a one way ticket from the US and about $USD100. cash to my name-that was it. No bachelors degree, thus no work permit possible. Checked into a backpackers in Taipei Sunday afternoon, walked around Monday and Tuesday and was offered a job late Tuesday. Worked Wednesday through Sunday and was paid about $USD300. in TWD Sunday afternoon. It was teaching young kids which I did not care for so point taken about servitude to the job until you get what you want. I got a better job the next month teaching older kids and also found adult private students. The second school provided an apartment for little money. I proved it CAN be done but it is cutting it too close.

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

mikokozak · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto

I have not seen anyone as negative as this Che character who responds to everyone's post with a highly negative one. Can anybody verify his claims of a very poor market? IS the situation as bad as he says it is? Very strange.

NK

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

mikokozak,

I think we all would like to know who that "Che character" is! If you find out, would you be so kind as to let us all know? However, do not pass up his advice just because of his negativity. I have been to Taiwan several times and am heading over to work at a summer camp in July. Based on my experience and what others post, you need some bucks to do this. Unless you already have a place to stay, I would not go over without at least $1,000 US and I think $1,500 US is more realistic.

A. is right about the days of showing up with nothing but $100 and a backpack being over. Sigh.

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

freebeacher · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 76

Yes, josephP I'm realizing that is how the "kids" feel!! I feel old now!!! But that is how it went for me then, and many others. I realize time moves on which is why I am seeking current advice on this website and others about whether going back to Taiwan for "round two" is something that is in my best interest. Would you go back, or are you still there?