Job Discussion Forums

[ska2002]

Hi all,

I'm a recent college graduate, 22, in the middle of getting my TESOL cert. I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to look for a teaching position in Beijing or Taipei, basically I've narrowed it down to those two cities for right now. I was wondering if anyone might have some advice for me? Here's a little more info about myself, and what I'm looking for:

Never taught before, am very nervous about it, particularly cuz I don't speak a lick of Mandarin.

I expect to be met with some racism wherever I go, I am a brown skinned Indian-American, but was wondering if there would be any difference between the two cities I should be aware of in that regard.

I have a friend in Beijing, and a friend in Taiwan (although not Taipei) with contacts in the capital. Not sure what kind of a role that should play in my decision, if it would be a good thing to know people or not.

Anyway, if anyone has more information on either city and what it is like to live there, what I should expect, and/or even tips on finding a good position, I'd really love to hear your advice:) I've read all the tourist websites about them, but would love an insider's view.

[tedkarma]

Racism may be a bit of an issue but if you avoid labeling yourself with a hypenated nationality and just call yourself an American you will stop a big part of it before it even starts. My wife looks Indian (the country) has dark eyes - olive skin - but it has not prevented her from finding good jobs in four different countries. Part of it is that she chose not to burden herself with labels like Hispanic-German-American. Also, in terms of racism - if you are in a big city in Taiwan - it may be less prevelant than in Beijing as I found educated Taiwanese to be some of the more worldly people I have ever met - at least in Asia anyway. Partly because many of them have relatives in widespead parts of the world.

That said, I lived in Taipei for two years and loved it. You will be able to save some money in Taiwan - perhaps as much as $800-1000 a month - and you won't be able to save in Beijing.

My understanding (I've never lived there) is that mainland Chinese can be quite jingoistic and at times anti-American. Conversely, Taiwan was the most PRO American place I have ever lived.

From the Taiwan side, I wouldn't worry about not knowing Mandarin - your school should help you get settled and simple daily usage of Mandarin (how much? where? thank you, sorry, numbers, etc) is not really difficult - though I never got far past that!

Good luck - I am sure either place will be a great experience - though I don't think I could handle the bitter winters of Beijing. BTW, if you don't like rain, don't go to Taipei.

Small edit: I should add that - ever so slowly - people in Asia are coming to understand that Westerner - or American - does NOT automatically equal blond hair and blue eyes. I teach seven months a year in a medium-sized town in Korea - and even here we have had black Americans, Chinese-Canadians, and several other varieties of hyphenated whatevers. Asia is catching on . . .

[ska2002]

Thankyou so much for all of your input! I agree, it would probably be best to simply call myself American, which after all is true.

Taiwan right now does seem much more apealing, however I have one more concern. If I decide to get into a career working in politics, which is very likely, do you think that having lived in China vs. Taiwan would be more valuable experience? I know that China seems to be all the vogue in the US right now, and due to waning economic and political influence Taiwan is becoming less valuable. Do you think that this is significant enough to take into consideration, or probably not?

Thanks again for the advice!

[teacherger]

Taiwan is great and you can make awesome money here. Taipei is more expensive than other cities in Taiwan. If you to a different city other than Taipei you would make more money and experience more. There are many jobs throughout the island so dont limit yourself to Taipei.

[Tiger Beer]

[tedkarma]

If China decides to do anything really dramatic - it may well have to do with Taiwan (I lived there during the "live fire" exercises) - thus it might be a good place to be on the scene. But,yeah, probably Beijing.

Personally, I like saving money . . .