Job Discussion Forums

[h2oshore]

I see that it is mentioned that a backround check is done as a part of the visa process in Taiwan. Does this mean that a marjuana conviction that prevents me from teaching in the States will come up and prevent me from working in Taiwan as well? I hope not. I would appreciate any feedback.

[brian]

No.

Contrary to other posts on this board a background check (police report) is not required to get an ARC, but I am unsure as to whether this fact would prevent you from getting a visa to arrive here in the first place. On most of the visa application forms you would need to answer questions of this nature and if it was found later that you had lied on your initial application then you may find that you get deported and/or refused re-entry.

Best check this out with your local Taiwan representative office before you apply for a visa.

[jason_seeburn]

][[

[WorkingVaca]

[h2oshore]

Hey thanks for the replies, I'm still not sure if I will have a problem with a backround check or not.
To teach in the states (at least in my state) a complete FBI backround check is done and even if something from the past was erased by the courts it will still show up in an FBI check. Nothing can be denied or hidden.
Any more helpfull information would be appreciated.

[jason_seeburn]

][][

[Pop Fly]

My understanding is that you only have to have a criminal record check if you are applying for permanent residence, whether you are doing it because you've lived here for 183 days/year for 7 (5?) consecutive years or becuase you fell in love and got married.

I have had 3 ARC's and never had a police check done...

As for the lad with the pot bust, sure, it's not a big deal in most countries...but your record is in an American computer....I'd say you're screwed.....how's that war on drugs coming anyway? Win any battles lately?

[Aristotle]

The only background check done for prospective foreign teachers applying for an ARC is to see if you name is on the black list. A criminal past in no way disqualifies anyone from teaching in Taiwan unless you are a gangster and a known organized crime gang member.
Just last year a wanted fugitive from South Dakota was found teaching at the National University in Chung Hwa with a valid ARC and work permit.
Many members of the ROC legislature are in fact convicted violent criminals as are many senior civil servants.
Having a criminal background may actually be of great benefit to those who choose to live and work in Taiwan.
Welcome to Taiwan!

[h2oshore]

Thanks for the feed back. I'm concluding that the pot record will have no effect on my teaching in Taiwan. I'll bet the same can be said of Japan, Korea and Vietnam as well.....don't you think?
As for being screwed due to being somewhere in American computers....thats certainly true. Try renting an apartment or getting a job without a backround check nowdays in the U.S. America just loves unnecessary wars doesn't it!!!!!

[Pop Fly]

[Fortigurn]

Well this has to be the most positive thread on Taiwan I've ever read.

From the rest of the stuff I've read here and elsewhere, I had the idea that you can't trust the people, the agents are scams, the schools are tyrants, the kids are brats, the government is totally corrupt, and you can't drink the water.

Mind you, I was still coming anyway. Brian, this 'little bushiban' business sounds ok to me, very chummy, my kind of thing.

Any idea though how I get in touch with one from Australia? And then how do I get from the airport to a tiny county bushiban, alone, carrying a years worth of belongings?

[brian]

Actually it's not as bad as it seems. Like anything in life the negatives seem to be said more than the positives, and this board has its fair share of scaremongerers. Sure some people run into trouble, but provided that you research as best as you can and be reasonable when you get here you should do okay. Afterall, if you dont expect too much then you will be pleasantly surprised when everything works out.

If it is your first time here you might be best to start out in a city, either Taipei, Taichung or Kaoshiung. Country areas can be a bit difficult and complaints from schools in these areas far exceed those in cities.

I am pretty much a proponent of the large chain schools for new arrivals as they are probably the easiest in which to get into the teaching gig. Feel free to move to smaller schools in your second year if that is of interest to you. Most of the large chain schools have websites so check these out before you come and send them emails to let them know your details and when you will be arriving in order to have interviews lined up. You will no doubt find that you will get job offers in this first round of interviews and can take things from there.

[Fortigurn]

Thanks Brian, that's a big help.

[dez]