Job Discussion Forums

durks · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 26

Hi

I graduated last year with a 2:1 in Events Management and am registered to complete my TEFL course in June. Having recently graduated I am obviously in substantial debt and therefore after reading around this message board I am under the impression that my best move would be to either Vietnam, Taiwan or Korea in order to be able to live a decent standard of life and still be able to pay off debt back home.

With job oportunities apparently rife in Korea I have been leaning towards Korea but I keep coming accross a lot of negative feedback recently too which has been making me somewhat apprehensive! Im i right in feeling this way?? Can anyone give me any facts to make me lean towards Taiwan!!!!!!!!!

Also my main concern at the moment is that I have just recently been arrested for something ridiculous and am probably going to end up with a criminal conviction for assault and criminal damage!! Will this go against me???? Ive never been in trouble before and am generally very placid in nature but I am worried it will affect my chances of employment as a EFL teacher and my visa application.

Anyone help?????

Where are the best opportunities in Taiwan, with regards to employment and quality of life??? i am not really keen on living in a huge city as I am already escaping one of those but I dont want to be out in't sticks as they say either!

Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated on either Korea, Taiwan or the CRB check

Thanks

D

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

The facts huh? That might be a bit subjective. Teaching English maybe a nice way to pay off debts back home but you really should come here with at least some money. You don't want to accept the first crappy job you find and you are much better off finding a job here rather than accepting something from overseas.

I have never been asked for a criminal record check in Taiwan. Apparently the money is better in Korea but the standard of living is less. At least seen through the eyes of an expat.

I would say that your best bet in Taiwan is Taipei. Yes it is a big city which you said you wanted to avoid. But most of the jobs are here and it has good public transport and nightlife. Avoid accepting a job in a small town, unless you want to be entirely immersed in small town Taiwanese life, and never ever sign a contract with a recruiter.

You don't need the TEFL in Taiwan to secure you a job but you will probably find it useful to actually teach.

Just don't come here without enough money, or even a credit card, to use as an escape plan. Remember, you will need to wait for a few weeks before that first paycheck anyway.

durks · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 26

Thankyou Ki

Unfortunately I dont have a great deal of money...... I get paid about �1300 after tax in the UK per month and I am looking on taking about �1500 over with me! If im lucky and work my ass off this next month or so I might smash my commission boundries and be able to bring �2000 but is this enough to fall back on if all goes wrong!!! How much is a visa run that I keep hearing people say they need to do rugularly? Also do you get slammed for high tax in your first year in Taiwan?

I will need to send back �100 a month for my student debt, obviously survive and then I wanted to save something after that... Is this possible in Taiwan???

When you say dont sign with a recruiter.... Should I always look private then??? I have been predominantly contacting agencies for positions!!! Is this not a wise move???

Thanks again

D

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

Relax Durks,

1500 pounds should be fine. Though a credit card on reserve can come in handy, if only for peace of mind. You can use a recruiter. Just don't sign the contract with them. Reach to teach and dewey are two names which generally seem fine. I'm not saying that your experience will live up to your expectations but at least they won't screw you like others will.

Visa runs depend on your situation. If you can teach legally, like you can, and come on a 60 day visa, then you shouldn't need to take any visa runs at all. Sort out the visa at your local Taiwanese traid office or whatever they call themselves first. It is here that you need to prove your funds, plane ticket, etc. Just try to find a job soon after arriving. Getting your medical done should be a priority after arriving as it takes eight days to collect. The school should help you with any difficulties.

Oh and bring your degree with you when you come. You need it.

max power · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 12

I believe i've read in other postings that both Tiawan and Korea require cr record checks. Are you saying that this varies from school to school? Also, when you say that you need to bring your degree with you, is a copy OK? How about in China or Korea?

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

Durk, are your debts through government student loans? If so you don't have to pay them back unless you earn over 18,000 pound, which you are not likely to do in Taiwan.

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

max power · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 12

Might be time to break that diploma down off the wall then. What about other official doc. i.e. birth certificate, etc.....Same for China Korea?

Thanks

twinkletoes · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 76

I recommend ordering certified transcripts from your University. It will look just like your diploma but have a seal on it certifying it as a genuine copy. You can have it notarized as well. This is the safest route to go. I have my diploma here, but it never leaves my stash of very important things. I have a few certified copies, so if I ever lose my diploma (heaven forbid), I've got something to show them in a pinch.

I don't have a copy of my criminal background check, but...

Vhen I have to go to immigration I show them a clearbook with my diploma, copy of CELTA, University transcripts, bank statements, recommendation letters, etc. I'm able to flip through and show them everything they need, and they probably make a mental note that I sure do have a lot of stuff proving I'm a desirable foreigner, even if they aren't asking me for it. I always get treated politely and well. I see other people not getting treated so well, however. Sometimes the people at immigration are having a good day and sometimes not. It's just best to make the best presentation of yourself that you can.
But it wouldn't hurt to have a copy of a criminal check in there. However, just make sure that when you have to deal with officials you make yourself look as desirable as possible. (for chrissakes, don't look hungover) I had mentioned the criminal check on aother thread because I do believe things are getting more difficult lately, and everything that you can show them that is a reason for them to be nice to you is a good thing.

twinkletoes · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 76

I recommend ordering certified transcripts from your University. It will look just like your diploma but have a seal on it certifying it as a genuine copy. You can have it notarized as well. This is the safest route to go. I have my diploma here, but it never leaves my stash of very important things. I have a few certified copies, so if I ever lose my diploma (heaven forbid), I've got something to show them in a pinch.

I don't have a copy of my criminal background check, but...

Vhen I have to go to immigration I show them a clearbook with my diploma, copy of CELTA, University transcripts, bank statements, recommendation letters, etc. I'm able to flip through and show them everything they need, and they probably make a mental note that I sure do have a lot of stuff proving I'm a desirable foreigner, even if they aren't asking me for it. I always get treated politely and well. I see other people not getting treated so well, however. Sometimes the people at immigration are having a good day and sometimes not. It's just best to make the best presentation of yourself that you can.
But it wouldn't hurt to have a copy of a criminal check in there. However, just make sure that when you have to deal with officials you make yourself look as desirable as possible. (for chrissakes, don't look hungover) I had mentioned the criminal check on aother thread because I do believe things are getting more difficult lately, and everything that you can show them that is a reason for them to be nice to you is a good thing.

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

Oh yes. I forgot all about that question when applying for a visa. I don't think they will check so you might be better off ticking 'no'. Then again... it will certainly leave you open if you get into trouble later. I have never been asked to produce a criminal record check, either by a school or the authorities. I think the only reason how HESS can get away with asking is because they recruit from overseas. If you apply from Taiwan and conveniently don't have the check then you should be okay.

Yes it is a good idea to bring as many documents/proof that you can. One more item that I would add is a Taiwanese friend's contact details, including phone number and ID. It might not be so good for the OP to bring his criminal record check though. Unless he wanted to state that he does have a criminal record and wants to prove that it is only a minor incident. Forgetting one item but making sure you have everything else and sundry might be a good idea.

durks · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 26

Thanks, this is all very helpful stuff!

I think ill just tick no,I have never done anything else wrong and only plan to stay 12 months at the most!!! Out of interest though how do the police/government handle deportation, will I be detained there a long time if this issue causes me bother!!

Am I over reacting or should I be looking at other countries/options?