Job Discussion Forums

joandben · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 10 Location: UK

Ok, we're thinking about coming to Taiwan in about 3 weeks and have been doing our research by looking over this site (among others) to see what the views of others are.
I have spoken to people who have worked in Taiwan and have heard nothing bad.
However on this site there is just loads and loads of negative things being said with the main person being Aristotle who has even set up his own site about how awful it is.
Why are you still there if you hate it so much?

Could I get some positive experiences from people as i think it is always easier to moan than say good things about a country.

Than maybe i can make an informed decision as to whether to come and where to go.

I have also heard mention of joing talent agencies - anyone done this and know any thing about it?

Thanks

jason_seeburn · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 399 Location: Toronto

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Fortigurn · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 390

Don't listen to people who don't live in Taiwan (Aristotle, Seeburn, and anyone else). They don't know what they're talking about. Those of us who live here, do.

My personal experiences here have been overwhelmingly positive, and so have the experiences of a number of people I know.

jamesallan · Joined: 24 Jun 2005 Posts: 36

Have lived in Taiwan 11 months now and have enjoyed most of it....

But doing buisness with Taiwanese ( Agents & Schools ) is like have a tooth puled. They will attempt to screw you at EVERY opportunity.

Come to Taiwan - Do not sign with an agent and watch your step with schools.

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

Dear Jo and/or Ben,

You show good sense to question Aristotle's Chicken Littleism. The sky is not falling, just the rain is.

But, more than taking Aristotle's posts with a grain of salt, you should do all you cam to ignore Jason Seaburnt. The guy is a reactionary dolt who knows nothing about living in Taiwan. You should dig up his posts about how he never heard anyone give him the standard greeting all shop workers utter each and every time someone enters said shop. I know this is small potatoes, but it is surely indicative of his personality and therefore, enough cause to give his "advice" a very wide berth.

Taiwan is fine. Save some seed money and head on over. You'll have your pick of jobs in no time and be on your way to making money, learning some Mandarin and experiencing the truly great countries of Asia as Taiwan makes a great jumping off point to tour places such as Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia. India, etc....

And whatever you do, don't join an agency. Rip-off artists, each and every one.

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

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

As someone who has questioned the posts of Aristotle and Seeburn on more than one occasion, I too join the chorus of taking their comments with a grain of salt.

Aristotle does not live here any longer apparently, and he has always been an advocate of working illegally. In my opinion he fails to support what he says, and it seems clear to me that he can't support what he states as it is incorrect.

Seeburn was here in Taiwan for under a year, some years ago now. He lived in a small country town and was involved in a single school. Despite this he pertains to be an expert on everything Taiwan.

In answer to your question about Taiwan, well it is not for everyone, but from my point of view it is a great place to live. You can get everything you want, earn good money, and live an interesting lifestyle.

Don't commit to a job before you come, but be sure to line up some interviews for when you arrive.

AP · Joined: 02 Jul 2005 Posts: 6

People b@#$ch and moan about everything under the sun. From Atlanta to Zimbabwe there's something to complain about.

I'm planning to come to Taiwan in a month or two. Right now I live in S. Korea. When I first read all the horror stories about this place I was terrified. People not getting paid, abuse from (mental and physical) from their academy owners, and generally being completely miserable about everything under the sun. I'm glad I didn't listen.

I love/hate asia. But the money is good, the people are respectively as good or bad as anywhere else. The most important thing to learn in asia is what to take seriously and what not to take seriously. Don't take the corruption too seriously, you're country probably has its fair share. Take immigration seriously, because they can burn you hardcore. Don't take kids to seriously, they study way more than they should have to as it is. As a rule of thumb I never get angry at children. Punish them, yes. Get angry, never. Take adult classes seriously, because they're the ones who will complain if you're not working hard enough. Take the money seriously, your school won't make a dime unless it has some white faces in the mix. Which makes sense. Would you rather have an anglo-Texan or a full blooded chinese person teaching you chinese.

Peace

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

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

zandmoloney · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 16

Clark, isn't it risky to fly over without a job? I am v interested in Taiwan (still considering whether to go there or Korea - Taiwan ahead on points), you don't think I should get a job first or do you think it is too risky to commit to a job before you know (properly) who you are dealing with?

Chris Smith · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 86

Clark usually advises to contact schools from where you are currently residing. Set an arrival date and arrange interviews with these schools. If several of them are interested in hiring you, then your timing to arrive should be good. When you arrive, visit these schools + others you come across. Based on your experiences from these visits, you should be able to make an informed decision on which school to choose.

That's very sound, common sense advice.

Chris

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

Chris has summed up my opinion pretty well.

junkmail · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 377

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

It sounds like you are getting cold feet.
Much of the information put out by teachers, my fellow members and myself is there to let you know the best and worst things that can happen to you when you come to be a teacher on Taiwan.
There are great risks and rewards but there is one other thing that so many of my colleges seem to disregard. That is our responsibility as teachers to teach in a manner that will have the greatest benefit for our students.

You've done your homework now take the plunge.
Like they say at Nike....
Good luck!
A.