Job Discussion Forums

[ghost]

Ghost taught in Taiwan (2005-2006), and is now looking at Japan as a future venue, after completing a commitment in the UAE (United Arab Emirates, Al Ain).

Has anyone taught in both countries and able to offer comparisons of the two, with regard to people, teaching conditions, money saved and other points of interest.

Thank you for any feedback you may have.

ghost

[Brooks]

where do you want to work?
At a high school?
At one of the big chain schools?

[Glenski]

My earlier attempt at posting this apparently didn't work.

http://seamonkey.ed.asu.edu/~jonb/

[Big John Stud]

I've taught in both countries. Taiwan is a lot easier to shave money. Tokyo and Osaka are the most expensive cities in the world. I find the rest of Japan is more expensive except for rent.

Taiwanese like Chinese have an easier time learning English because Chinese sentence structure is the same as English. Japanese is opposite of English. "When in doubt, say it the opposite as you would in japanese." I often tell my students. I am now teaching in Japan, but would one day like to return to Taiwan.

If you had specific question please post them and I will try to answer them from my experience!

[gaijinalways]

Hmm, lived in Taiwan in 1995-1996, so some things have changed, like Taipei having a subway now.

Japan

generally make more money (1.5 -3x varies depending on job and school type)

things are about 50% more expensive

visa is not connected to your school and is carried by you for 1 or 3 years normally

great transportation network in many areas

people are generally helpful, friendly is another story


Taiwan

may have to cobble more part-time work and privates together if you wish to make more money

cheaper living costs, especially restaurants and rent

transportation network not as developed, may have to use a motorcycle or a scooter

friendly people, even in the cities

visa can be cancelled by the school, and you have only 2 weeks to find another job after leaving employment at one school