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A few quick questions before coming to Taiwan...

 
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jules03



Joined: 01 Apr 2006
Posts: 1

PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 4:28 am    Post subject: A few quick questions before coming to Taiwan... Reply with quote

Hello!

I was hoping if any of you may have time if you wouldn't mind helping me out with a few questions I have. Can anyone tell me what they think about Kaohsiung?..ie. is it relatively safe, are there enough foreigners that I might adjust a bit faster....things like that. Also, I have read not so hot things about Hess. Is that a popular consensus, and if so, what are programs that any of you have had a good experience with? I would prefer to sign with an organization before getting to the country, so any advice in that area would be greatly appreciated. Also, has anyone ever heard of John Dewey Free Service? The program sounds too good to be true. And one more question, as if my quick questions haven't already become a novel, but for those familiar with Kaohsiung, what is a reasonable price for a shared apartment? I obviously would prefer a cheaper rent, but does that sacrifice safety and location, or are they all pretty much the same? Thank you all for your time!

Julie
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twinkletoes



Joined: 05 Jan 2005
Posts: 76

PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

tealit.com
buxiban.com
forumosa.com
taiwanho

all have loads of info about the Kaohsiung, Hess, etc. You'll save yourself a lot of time if you just go over there and read what has already been written, using the search function. Better to read what 100's of posters over there have written rather than get a handful of responses here.
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Ki



Joined: 23 Jul 2004
Posts: 475

PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 12:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

A job with HESS would almost certainly mean commuting between two or more schools. Unless they send you to a small town in the middle of nowhere. And the pay is low. But for a new teacher they may be a good option.

You would be much better off coming here in person than trying to set something up overseas. That said, if you absolutely must get a job before coming here than make sure you sign with a school and not a recruiter. Re: John Dewey, you sign with the school, which is a definite plus. And the offers through them seem to be a lot better these days.
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clark.w.griswald



Joined: 06 Dec 2004
Posts: 2056

PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 12:13 pm    Post subject: Re: A few quick questions before coming to Taiwan... Reply with quote

jules03 wrote:
Also, I have read not so hot things about Hess. Is that a popular consensus, and if so, what are programs that any of you have had a good experience with?


What have you heard that concerns you? You have to bear in mind that many of the posts made about Hess are made in spite by teachers who are fresh out of school and undertaking their first job. Let alone the fact that they are living overseas for the first time in their life.

jules03 wrote:
I would prefer to sign with an organization before getting to the country, so any advice in that area would be greatly appreciated.


Why is it that you prefer to go this way? I assume that it is for security in knowing that you have a job lined up and someone waiting for you here. Fair enough. But bear in mind that with the exception of Hess perhaps, no other positions are guaranteed until you are actually here and acceptance is contingent upon a face to face interview once you get here.

jules03 wrote:
Also, has anyone ever heard of John Dewey Free Service? The program sounds too good to be true.


John Dewey and Reach to Teach are probably the only two recruitment companies that I would recommend. Both have proven track records with looking after the interests of teachers. As always you need to pay attention to what constitutes legal work here, but overall it is unlikely that you can go far wrong with either of these two companies.
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twinkletoes



Joined: 05 Jan 2005
Posts: 76

PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 2:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Something you have to remember about Hess: they recruit from overseas. Thus, some teachers who work for Hess tend to be people who wouldn't have found their way to Taiwan unless somebody held their hand.
So yes, lots of these people aren't going to have what it takes to stay in Taiwan, and gripe all over the internet. I do know people who are happy working there. However, they negotiated their contracts when they were already in Taiwan.
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