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jamesallan · Joined: 24 Jun 2005 Posts: 36

Anyone been to both?

What are the differances?

I spent last year in Taiwan and am thinking of Thailand next.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Tell us a bit about Taiwan, good and bad, and why you want to come to Thailand if you would.

I can tell you a lot about Thailand, but I can't compare with Taiwan as I've never been there. But I'm thinking about going there soon. Should I?

wix · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 250 Location: Earth

Currently teaching in Thailand. I have also lived and taught in Taiwan. Tell me a little bit more about your background, goals and expectations and I might be able to better answer your question.

wix · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 250 Location: Earth

Currently teaching in Thailand. I have also lived and taught in Taiwan. Tell me a little bit more about your background, goals and expectations and I might be able to better answer your question.

wix · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 250 Location: Earth

Currently teaching in Thailand. I have also lived and taught in Taiwan. Tell me a little bit more about your background, goals and expectations and I might be able to better answer your question.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:30 am Post subject:

I've worked both places - liked them both for different reasons.

Thailand is certainly more kick back - the people are friendlier - and the lifestyle is more fun.

I lived in Taipei and I think the traffic there was worse - and the pollution worse - than in Bangkok.

Overall - quality of life I like Thailand. If you want to save some decent money that might tip the scales to Taiwan.

jamesallan · Joined: 24 Jun 2005 Posts: 36

What I enjoyed about Taiwan was the respect that the culture still has for it's own people and others. Respect was ok in class but the kids can act up sometimes. I can say the people are friendly enough but I met a few guys who didn't take to foreigners. The medical system was as good as any Asian country perhaps better than some western countries I could mention ( Mr Blair.. )
Transport was excellent. Travel was cheap enough but all in all Taiwan is not as cheap as you may think.

Bad things were pollution, crowds everywhere and the schools & agencies ripping you off every month.

I would like to do perhaps 4-5 hrs in class per day, maybe a couple of nights of private lessons a week & the rest relaxing and enjoying what Thailand has to offer.

I am not interested in anything that crawls,slithers or bites!!!

If I could send home US$500 a month as savings then all the better.

Cheers

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Thanks for your comments about Taiwan.

I think you'll find Thailand similar or better in most ways, other than the salaries, something that you have already heard about.

Thai culture is fairly unique and interesting.

The people are generally friendly and enjoy a good time.

Medical system is fine. at least in big cities.

Transport is good. I wouldn't say 'excellent'

Food can be quite good if you're willing to spend a bit more.

Travel in the region and domestically is quite a treat.

The bad things are similar: pollution, crowds, rip-offs, heat, sanitation in addition to the low salaries.

Relaxing is certainly possible in Thailand, but the financial situation can cause a bit of stress. Also, if you get a bad job you will have a lot of stress. Or a bad girlfriend.