Job Discussion Forums

[vallillo1983]

Hey guys, Looking for some info on teaching/living in Tpe against tokyo! apart from Tokyo is more expensive whats better?! Oh My main purpose is not money, so the ammount i save is not an issue!

Cheers

[Big John Stud]

I would say TPE is a little easier going than Tokyo. Life can be harsh in Tokyo. Most people are too busy to have time for recreation. And the ones who do spend their free time drinking.
Of course there are a minority who do take up constructive recreational activities like skiing, judo and so on.
TPE I found to be much more relaxed. Money may not be an issue for you but for most people money is a major issue. That is why the life in tokyo is so much on the go.

[Chefintaipei]

I agree, the living is far less stressful in Taipei compared to Tokyo, but lets remember Taipei is a lot smaller and although the population is high it never seems as crowded as Tokyo. I think Taipei is a lot easier to get around than Tokyo, again because of its size, and also way more affordable. Taxis are relatively cheap compared to Tokyo and the MRT and buses are also very reasonable.

With regards to work, the language schools here in Taipei seem much more relaxed, the dress code is way less strict than Tokyo and you'll also be working less. I found the work load in Tokyo pretty full on but at least I got two consecutive days off unlike here where it's six days a week. Sometimes it doesn't even feel like I've had a day off!

On the social side, I'd say Tokyo was better than Taipei. For example, here you'll probably only teach kids so at first it's hard to make any "local" friends, especially if you don't speak the lingo. In Japan I taught mainly adults so I could get loads of good quality info on what to do, where to go etc. If you're a drinker/clubber, Tokyo is good as there are places you can find if you want a cheaper night out, whereas here everywhere seems expensive. Don't forget you don't work as much in Taipei and you know what less work means. Karaoke is much cheaper in Japan too if you like singing, and there are plenty of "all you can drink" places there, but KTV in Taipei is pretty pricy, especially if you go on a saturday night and don't smuggle any booze in (not that I condone that sort of thing, of course!). You'll find you have a lot more cash in your pocket if you enjoy any of these things when living in Tokyo.

I have found the people to be more friendly in Taipei than Tokyo, you get stared at in Tokyo but not here - well, only by the odd kid here and there. They seem more accommodating towards foreigners here and there's definately a lot more English spoken than in Tokyo. My Mandarin is bloody awful and the amount I've been helped out by people translating on my behalf has been awsome!

Well, hope some of this info is of use to you and good luck with making your choice!

[Aristotle]

I have to agree. Tokyo is much more competitive than Taiwan and it's an open playing field. Very little is under the table in Japan like nearly everything is in Taiwan.

Japan is also much more stringent on credentials for your work visa but once you get it it is yours and not your employers like it is in Taiwan.
If you have got what it takes, Tokyo is one of the best places for ESL teachers.
If, on the other hand you are looking for something a little less professional and more willing to overlook certain inadequacies, Taiwan is the place for you.
The pay is not that great but they don't ask a lot of questions either.
Please read this,
10 Steps to Success on Taiwan!
Good luck!
A.

[Solar Strength]