Job Discussion Forums

DARTMAN · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 5

I will be arriving in Taiwan toward the beginning of December and I just have a few questions for those who seem to be old hands at this Taiwan deal, namely Jason S. and Aristotle. From what I can gather Taipei is a good place to start out for a newbie. I can tell that it's near the coast, does anyone know where the best beaches are, I'm looking to do some surfing and diving if possible. I'm a water-fanatic. Also, are there any extra vaccines I should get while I'm still state-side?
One last thing: can anyone reccommend a good hostel to stay at when i initially get there? a good place to start networking?
thanks alot,
dave

Gstyles · Joined: 07 Jul 2003 Posts: 15

I've heard Fulung beach is pretty good.

jason_seeburn · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 399 Location: Toronto

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

Fulong and Honeymoon bay are fairly decent and unpolluted surfing spots closest to Taipei. You can get to both by train, takes about 45 minutes. As a general rule if the surf isn't at Fulong it will be at Honeymoon bay. Honeymoon bay is about another 20 minutes up the road or you can take the same train to get there.
For diving I would recommend Penghu Island or Kenting National Park. Both have some very nice reefs.
Taipei is best for a Newbie as far as work and night life. There are some very good opportunities down South but they are very risky for the uninitiated. Spend some time in Taipei first.
Please note that there are currently two travel work advisories for foreign teachers in Taiwan. They are for the Southern counties of Chaiyi and Taidung (Taitung).
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=2532&highlight=advisory
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=1669&highlight=advisory
Good Luck
A.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

And don't forget the vaccine for Japanese Elephantitis as well. Wink

Please excuse this naive question from an ESL mainlander: do the Taiwanese locals speak and use Mandarin when dealing with each other, or do they stick with a local dialect?

killian · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 10:27 am Post subject: both

both. they'll speak in which ever langauge they deem fit. most everyone can speak mandarin. the accent isn't harsh like shandong. it is pretty easy on the ear. not much of the beijing "-er". funis "hao wan" here not "hao warrrrrrrrr".

jason_seeburn · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 399 Location: Toronto

jason_seeburn · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 399 Location: Toronto

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TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

I think that your chances of experiencing isolation and culture shock increase dramatically if you go too far afield when you get here. You won't know anyone and won't speak a word of the language when you first arrive here. Think carefully about that. Some locals in Taipei speak English. Very few do anywhere else. Also, most west coast cities outside of Taipei are dull, dirty places. Taipei has some parts that are approaching clean and comfortable. There's a reason why rents are higher in Taipei and foreigners flock to the place. It's the preferred place to be. Yes, you can possibly save more money in other places, but Taipei offers the best quality of life.