Job Discussion Forums

chopstix · Joined: 09 Jun 2005 Posts: 55 Location: tokyo

wondering if some of the more experienced people in Taipei can tell me their recomendations on a good Chinese Language School (evenings needed) and a good fitness centre in and around the TEAMU area?

thx.

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

Hmmm, I'm surprised no one has answered your question yet. When you speak of TEAMU, I reckon you mean Tienmu / Tianmu / Tienmu 天母, right?

Well, it's hard for me to answer this question because most private Chinese language schools in Taiwan suck. And I've tried plenty. They're usually filled with foreigners who are working here illegally and want to get a rubber stamp on their passports (you can claim to be a student of Chinese and be allowed to stay without doing the dreaded visa-run to Hong Kong every month).

Then you can attend regular university courses. Everyone swears by Shi-Da, which I have never attended but I can admit that every foreigner I've ever met who attended those courses can read and speak Mandarin like a pro.

The last course of action, although most frowned upon, are the ubiquitous Language Exchanges, which usually end up converting themselves into "inappropriate relationships." Most of the people looking for language exchanges are cute college girls, but I can't knock 'em. That's how I met my fiance! Wink

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

Forgot to answer your other question. There are about 4 of these establishments in Taipei. One is right in the heart of Tianmu, on Zhongshan North Road across and down from my little Catholic Church.

Although I think California Fitness's prices are too rich for my blood, my old buddy swears by it. He says they've got all the latest equipment, they're uncrowded, you make lots of friends, you can get help from a personal trainer, and it's a great place to pick up chicks. Rolling Eyes

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

Try http://www.tli.com.tw/tli/eng/en/1-1.asp.

They had a school in Tienmu three years ago. I assume it's still there, although the 'location' page for Taiwan is currently blank. Email them.

I have taught for them and studied with them in Taipei and Beijing. They seemed pretty good at the time.