Job Discussion Forums

maeha · Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 2

I spent 1999-2001 in Hsinchu. Within three months of my arrival and with little effort on my part, I secured several part-time teaching positions in different schools and more private students than i could comfortably handle.
Fortunately, this situation continued for two years. Some of the schools changed and different students came along but there really was more work available than I could handle.
I found through experience that most schools were happy for me to work unofficially and this gave me the freedom to pick and choose my employers.
Incidentally, I am 50 years old and never experienced any problems with regard to my age. I also have an English accent and I actually found this to be of benefit to me. Apparently, it was very trendy at the time for Chinese teachers to lose their American accents.
I will be returning to Taiwan next month and will be considering Hsinchu or Kaohsiung.

My question.....

Have things changed? I will very much appreciate any reply.

Thank you

Toe Save

Forumosa Maoman · Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Lotus Hill

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

There are a lot of schools in Kaohsiung looking for teachers right now.

BigWally · Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:46 am Post subject:

maeha · Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 2

Thanks to all for your feedback. Kaohsiung here I come.

The only real problem I had last time was finding suitable and affordable accommodation. Any pointers in the right direction (Kaohsiung) would be very much appreciated. To complicate things I have a wife and badly behaved dog in tow, so shared accommodation is out of the question.

Up to now, I have only checked out a few job offers but it seems that rates of pay have not increased greatly over the past five years. My hourly rates ranged between 600-900 an hour back then. Recent offers are coming in at 600-700 an hour. Any comments?

Thanks

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

You might want to think carefully about bringing your dog here. It is not easy to bring dogs into Taiwan, and is incredibly stressful on them. There is a lot of paperwork involved, plus a mandatory quarantine that can last up to six months. Check out forumosa.com for their pet advice.

http://forumosa.com/taiwan/viewtopic.php?t=16663

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

You are correct in that wages haven't changed much in recent years. The economy hasn't been going gang busters lately. Of course, as you know, the best paying jobs have to be found from this end. You won't see them advertised frequently and they won't recruit from overseas.

As for accomodation, while I don't live there, I've been to Kaohsiung frequently in my time here. My gf has family there. Reasonably priced housing is readily available. Although second largest in terms of size, Kaohsiung is a lot cheaper than the capital. I'd recommend getting a job there first and then getting your employer to assist in locating --and, more important, negotiating rent for-- housing in a decent area nearby.

Forumosa Maoman · Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Lotus Hill

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

Yeah, sorry I forgot...any rabies where you come from?

Toe Save · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:59 am Post subject:

dracotei · Joined: 22 Aug 2004 Posts: 48

What about cats from the U.S., and don't laugh because I'm serious. If anyone knows first hand, post please.

Thanks

dracotei · Joined: 22 Aug 2004 Posts: 48

Never mind, I just saw that. Thanks

BigWally · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:44 am Post subject: Re: Rates of pay

JohnConnor · Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 35 Location: Crystal Peak