Job Discussion Forums

stirge2210 · Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 22

Hi all,

I have about 2 years experience teaching ESL in Taiwan, but I have not been to Taiwan in about 2 years. I bought a flight ticket (for $884, roundtrip!!!! wohoo!!) for arrival on January 17th, 2007. I know that Chinese New Year starts on Feb 18th next year. My question is...........do you think it will be hard to find a job that starts BEFORE the Chinese New Year? I'll be heading down towards the Kaohsiung area and staying with a friend. I just don't want to get there and have the schools tell me that they will hire me after the new year. If that's the case, then I will change my flight arrival. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Smile

cheers

Cory

Toe Save · Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 1:51 am Post subject:

In my well documented opinion, you will have a job offer within 3 hours of beginning your search. It won't be the best job offer out there and you should turn it down only after taking the laoban to the mat, negotiation-wise. Spend a few days, even a week honing your interview/negotiation skills. Then, when you find the right fit, jump in for a year.

Cheers Big Ears. Wink

stirge2210 · Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 22

Thanks Toe! I guess I shouldn't be too worried, I am a certified teacher in the States and my certification is in Elementary Education, but I've never arrived this early in Taiwan before so I wasn't sure if it would be a bad time to arrive according to the semester calendar. I'm hoping to start at least towards the last week in January, but just not sure how many schools are hiring at that point.

BigWally · Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 2:56 am Post subject:

I personally know of 4 teachers whose contracts end either the day or the week after Chinese New Year, and that is just within my chain of schools. I dont think you will have any problem finding employment, especially if you're coming down to K-Town.

Cheers/Ganbei! Surprised

stirge2210 · Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 22

Thanks Wally, however, I'm not too worried about the fact that I will find employment. My arrival date is January 17th and my worry is that I will need to START work soon after arrival (within 2 weeks). Chinese New Year is on February 18th next year, I cannot afford to wait until after February 18th to start work. This is my dilemna and I'm just wondering how many schools out there will be offering employment before the Chinese New Year break? Thanks again for your wonderful follow up.............it's really helping me Smile

stirge2210 · Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 22

Does anyone else have any suggestions on this? Wally, can you ask around and see which would be better? Arriving on Jan. 17th or Feb 13th?

thanks

BigWally · Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 2:59 am Post subject:

I'd say it'd probably be next to impossible to find employment before and during Chinese New Year. Its basically like Christmas back home, and there isnt much school going on during this time. Thats why most teachers get a 2 week vacation (or something close to that) around this time. If you're really worried about sitting around, not working you'd be better off showing up on Feb 13th, if thats the other option.

switzer · Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

switzer · Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Hi

I am off to Taiwan - hopefully - in December. Where would I be able to get the best flight rates? An asian travel agency? Any help would be great I am new to this and this is my first time teaching. Thanks a lot.

stirge2210 · Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 22

Here is a great travel agency that will give you GREAT rates. If you are departing from the US, then you should be able to get a RT ticket for about $800-$900, which is a great deal!!

Nova Travel Inc. (www.novatravel.com)
27 South State Street # 230F
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
800-646-6683 ext. 306
Ask for Grace