Job Discussion Forums

TimkinMS · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

Hello,

Yes, I did a search and read many post on the first 3 pages.

I know without a degree teaching legally in Taiwan is not an option.

I do have a legitimiate BA from the US.

I have 3 steady years of experience in EFL.

My question:

Does someone have to have a CETLA/TEFL certificate to get work, or good work?

Should I get a CELTA before coming to Taiway, if I plan on teaching EFL for the next 3 years.

Thank you, TMS

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

If you have a degree then you don't need CELTA or TEFL. Very few positions in Taiwan will recommend such qualifications financially so do it if you want to learn something, but don't do it if you think that it will help you earn more.

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

Yes, you can find work without a degree but the jobs are scarce and the pay is low regardless of your credentials.
You won't get rich teaching on Taiwan but you can learn a great deal about Chinese culture living here.
Please read this,
10 Steps to Success on Taiwan!
Good luck!
A.

TimkinMS · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

Northwood · Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 66

........should I get a CELTA before coming to Taiway, if I plan on teaching EFL for the next 3 years.........

If you think beyond the immediate/short term earning potential, then there are a few factors that favour getting qualified (CELTA or otherwise) before you arrive in Taiwan.

1. You won't be able to get a CELTA while you are here. I am not aware of any training centers that run any recognised course/qualification in Taiwan (unless you can do a long distance course???). This means that when you are ready to leave you will likely not yet have a qualification and that will ceratinly limit your options to get a job in a country where qualifications do mean something. Think beyond Taiwan......where do you want to go after....will you be able in a financial position to afford a qualification down the line (cash/time/location)?

2. Depending on the company you work for, there may be the possibility of promotion in time (training, course writing, management, etc). A recognised qualification would put you in the running. No qualifications = limited opportunities/credibility.

3. Good jobs can be hard to get. When two equally 'able' candidates get interviewed for the same job, the one with the qualification will probably win. Logical.

4. Some schools have been known to pay a slightly higher hourly rate if you hold a recognised qualification. I'm not sure how much more you get, but but lets's say it was an extra NT$15 more per hour (not very much right?). Over a year, that's NT$ 19,500 (approx, based on a 25 hour week). Over 3 years (your intended length of stay), that's NT$58,500. Congrats, your qualification just paid for itself.

Hope these alternative views help. Good luck.

Northwood · Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 66

..........What can a single man who lives fairly simply save in Taipei if he goes out for beers a couple night a week? ..........

You can answer that question for yourself. Work out how much you want to save each month and then drink the excess away.

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

Worked over there in January in Taipei. I went out to a bar just once and could not believe the cost of drinks. My suggestion is to learn to severely limit your drinking if you plan to save any money.

Also, if you like to go dancing, find out when the cover/minimum drink charge kicks in and get there early. I arrived at one club at 9:05 and wound up paying a 500NT minimum drink charge. Had I gotten there before 9:00, then no charge. A lesson never to be forgotten.

DirtGuy

TimkinMS · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

Thank you everyone for all of the replies.

To add some more information about me, I have children, adult, TOEIC, and TOEFL experience.

In general, if I am working and living in Taipei.

What will be my -average- salary?

I will make the deductions based upon my lifestyle, which is actually quite simple.

But what can I expect to earn on -average- ?

Thanks again.

And yes I am on forumosa and Tealit, also.

Thanks.

Northwood · Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 66

trukesehammer · Joined: 25 Mar 2003 Posts: 168 Location: The Vatican

773 · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 213

I would recommend taking the CELTA first. I did it after a year of teaching in Taiwan, and I felt that it really helped me to improve my techniques and gave me more confidence.

Also, because I have the cert, I have been able to IELTS examine. You can apply to become an examiner 3 years after you have your CELTA (or other TEFL), and examining pays approximately nt1000 to 1200 per hour (speaking and writing). I really enjoy it, too. This past year, I made over nt75,000 from examining (one or two Saturdays a month).

Also, when you are ready to leave Taiwan and move on to a position in another place (if you decide to do this), it will help you to get a better position. For example, the British Council hires in various countries throughout the world. Minimum requirements seem to be a bachelors and a TEFL cert (preferably the CELTA), some positions requiring that you have a few years of experience POST certification.

You don't need the CELTA for Taiwan, that's true...but when it comes time to move on, if you want to stay in the profession, it's better to have the cert plus some post-cert experience under your belt.

My husband didn't get the CELTA and is kicking himself now as we are ready to move on from Taiwan. He wishes he would have done it years ago.

Just my 2 NT!!!! Very Happy