Job Discussion Forums

Fredy · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

Hi,

I'm just about to sign a contract with Shane English Schools to be based in Taipei. What I'm worried about is how much money I'll have to live on. I think (after tax and my graduate loan replayments which are unavoidable) I'll have just under $30,000 a month to pay for everything like rent/ bills/ socialising...

Is this enough to survive on if I'm not stupid with it? I don't plan to be out every night- far from it, but I will want some social life. Am I going to be able to manage?

Would really appreciate some advice!!!

Thanks a lot.

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

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

Fredy, don't take this guy's advice. Wait for suggestions and help from others on this forum who really know what's happening in Taiwan. Aristotle is regarded here as a nay-sayer and anti-Taiwan zealot. His advice is not to be taken seriously.

Fredy · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

well thanks anyway to both of you for replying.

ill wait and see what other people think!!! its so boringly stressful this money business!

(perhaps unfortunately for my pocket) im all set on taiwan as i was born there (im from UK) so its more for sentimental reasons than financial that im going there.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

The folks who are in Taiwan currently will help you, I'm sure.

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

Wow. Your loan repayments will be at least half of your salary? I do hope you will be paid at least $60,000. Visa runs and illegal school deposits are a very real possibility, but you should be able to get away without them if you stay ahead of the game. You can survive quite well on under $25,000. Even less if you don't drink.

You will probably need two months rent for your home deposit. A scooter is unnecessary though helpful in Taipei. $15,000 for the deposit and $10,000 for the scooter as startup costs. NOT monthly expenses.

dvasas · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 138 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

It is a good school. They require you to do some actual, real teaching compared with some other schools and you are well trained and supported.

True, you do start off making a bit less money, but that should pick up as you are given more trust and hours.

Northwood · Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 66

I can only agree with what is being said.

Shane Schools have a good reputation. I know this because people that work there speak well of the guy that runs the operation (Dave). He is said to do things by the book (i.e. no funny business when it comes to pay, fair systems for everything else). Being western himself, he promotes western style management and open communication, so his teaching staff know where they stand.

The money alone may not lure you - but then it rarely does when thinking of working for a chain school.

However, don't let the salary alone influence your decision. Remember to factor in the other benefits (although not all chain schools offer all). E.g. job security, training, teaching a variety of age groups, welfare staff (take care of your legal paperwork, help you find accommodation, help and advise you when you run into any type of difficulty), options to join the company insurance/additional health schemes (in addition to the government scheme which provides fairly good but basic cover), academic support, interest free loans (really helps for house deposits), ability to book holiday when it suits YOU (chain schools will also usually find the cover teacher for you), organize social events. Non chain schools don�t have the resources to offer this size/scope of package.

Hope this helps.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

The phony Aristotle is proven wrong yet again!!

Fredy · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

Excellent!!

Thanks so much for your input! I'm glad I didn't just listen to Aristotle then....

I'm so much happier about coming now!! Its great to hear about the company's reputation too, I went with them because they offered so much (other than good wages) and I met Dave too and thought he was a good guy.

Can't wait, all I need to do is pack and panic! I'll be there in 3 weeks. AAHH!

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

Fredy · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

no it was dave roberts, the head guy of shane english schools in taiwan.

so far id definitely recommend them, they've been really helpful and answered all the stupid questions that ive bombarded them with!

ill keep you posted on what they're like once i get there...and whether i sink or swim on the salary!!

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

You will be fine Fredy, you have definitely chosen a good and honest school Smile

Your first few months you may just scrape by financially, but you are moving your entire life to a new country, after all.
Once you are settled in and comfortable you should be able to save the money you need.

Have a great time, Taiwan is really a great place to live!