Job Discussion Forums

mr.bojangles · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 58

I may head off to Taiwan in the next couple of months. I am not interested in a one year contract, although they may have advantages, I am interested in finding work once I get there. Any ideas which reputable institutes may be good to work for?

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

Most places are going to ask for a one year contract. They are necessary for work permits. You won't get much more than part time without a contract/work permit. How long do you plan on staying? If you plan on staying at least 6 months, you can get some places to bite on that. They may be willing to get a work permit for you for that duration (actually, it'd still be technically a year work permit they get, but they'll just cancel it). Work shorter term than that will have to be under the table, so to speak.

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

I don't like your chances of getting steady work during a short term stay here. The most you could hope for would probably be fill in gigs and subbing for teachers who are on vacation. All of this would be illegal of course. I would recommend trying to find a semi-regular job for a period of at least six months. As TS says, very few employers will consider you for such short term work, particularly considering that there is so much competition these days from people who are willing to stay the full year or even longer.

mr.bojangles · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 58

Would you recommend a school like HESS?

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

It is possible, especially if you have prior experience, ready to teach straight away. Don't necessarily tell them your length of stay, but tell them that you are unsure and to not sign a contract, unless you are able (and willing) to sign for six months.

There are a couple of recruiters willing to sign you up for six months although like most other experienced teachers here I would recommend being very very careful with them. There is even at least one recruiter you will sign you up for part time casual work in Taipei.

Not sure about you signing a six month stint with a chain school like HESS. Unless you were already here and they were desperate to find some loser to send to some one scooter town. (No horses here.) They may however to decide to undercut your pay and benefits even more though. Email them to find out. Let us know when you get a reply.

For six months you may be better off going the "student" route and enrolling in Mandarin classes.

mr.bojangles · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 58

hmm...mandarin classes? so a student visa wpould allow me to work?

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

You can't legally work on a student visa but that doesn't stop everyone. From what I've read they don't really start hassling you about student visa renewals until you hit the 2 year point. Mandarin classes in Taiwan are only 2 hours per day, so even if you went and studied it wouldn't take up a lot of your time.

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

Hey, I mentioned about enrolling in mandarin classes. I didn't say anything about attending them. But if you have to pay for them anyway then why not attend?

A student visa would not allow you to work illegally but hey, I have an ARC and am still working illegally at my school.

mr.bojangles · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 58

Any classes that you would recomend?

mr.bojangles · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 58

a little too quick on the 'submit' button! What are some institutes that teach Mandarin and what are the fees?

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

CLI and Pioneer are two well known schools. Both advertise often in the China Post (English newspaper). Just check them out when you arrive. It may be best to find a job first so that if you do actually want to attend classes you can sort it out around your work schedule.