Job Discussion Forums

[mhumble]

After much reading and thought I have come to the conclusion that for my situation the best way to find a job in Taiwan is to jump on a plane and check out Taipei. I have a few question if any of you can answer I would be appreciate it.

About me:
I have no BS or BA so it'll be tough to get a "legit" job. I am an Information Technology professional. I attended The Institute for Computer Studies in Toronto; all I received was a diploma.
I have taught numerous classes on computer, Internet and email usage.
I have also created and taught lessons on using Call center software.
My target audience is kids I am incredible with them.
I used to help my mom run a day care for 10+ kids a few years back.


Hostels are the best place to start off at I assume? What are the hostels like clean, dirty etc? Is there a cost to stay at them per night?
How much money should one bring to make sure I can still eat etc for a few weeks without a job?
I am really going to try and learn the language while I am in Taiwan; no seriously I want to actually attend a school for it. I understand I can work on a student visa is this true?

Hmm I think that is about it. Best place to search for jobs still local English stores etc?

Thanks again

Martin

[WorkingVaca]

With no B.A. you're not eligible for a work permit from the government, hence no ARC (resident status). You'll have to leave every month to renew your visa.

OR

Attend a language school on a student visa and pay fees to get it renewed at the police station every 3 months. But even then, you'll have to leave Taiwan after about 6 months to get another visa. OR, you can attend a university on a one-year student visa. HOWEVER, IT IS NOT LEGAL TO WORK ON A STUDENT VISA.

The hostels are small and dirty and cost about NT$250-400 a night.

Best place to search for jobs is the Enlgish newspapers and www.tealit.com. You can also just wander around leaving your resume at various places. Taipei is saturated with English cram schools and kindergartens.

I'd advise you to bring no less than $3,000USD while you look for a job. Don't accept the first crappy thing that comes your way. Also, after a few weeks in a hostel, you may want to upgrade to a budget hotel or get a room in an apartment somewhere. You'll need first/last rent and all that. AND, you'll need cash to sign up for three months of Chinese lessons (the min. if you want a student visa) and any emergency visa runs you might have to make.

[mhumble]

Thanks for the heads up appreciate it.

Martin

[TaoyuanSteve]

If your diploma was a two year college diploma, you may be able to get an arc in some jurisdictions with that in conjunction with an ESL certificate of some sort. I've heard of this combination satisfying requirements. People on other forums have said they've been successful in obtaining a work permit this way. Check around. Ask schools if this will suffice. I've seen ads where they've asked for either a degree or the diploma/tesl alternative. No guarantees, though.