Job Discussion Forums

nonsmoker · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 12:32 am Post subject: Prospective teacher

Hello. I'm interested in perhaps teaching in Taiwan. I'm your run of the mill 23 year old Uni graduate with a desire to travel to Asia. I don't have any real teaching experience but I am a fast learner and I have a positive attitude. How is the job market over in TW for someone like me? Are there certain times during the year when they hire more people? Also, I don't have much money but I could save about $2,000 USD to survive till first paycheck. Will that be enough? Thanks.

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

I would recommend reading some of the articles here:

http://www.geocities.com/allhou/taiwan.htm

about your questions:

I think you should be able to find a job, especially if you go to one of the big cities. As far as I know, there isn't a time when more people are hired. $2000 USD doesn't sound like a lot, but if you keep your expenses really low, you might be able to do it. Start looking for private students when you arrive, and ask them to pay in advance.

tedkarma · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 1:42 am Post subject:

US$2000 doesn't leave you much room in case your first job is a bomb or if you decide you hate Taiwan and want to bail out (living overseas in any particular country is not for everyone).

Will that $2000 include a plane ticket home - and will you have a place to go if you decide to return?

I'm a pretty conservative planner - but then again you are young adventurous - so what the h*ll - go for it.

Odds are that even if you don't like your first job you can tough it out until you line up something better. And, personally, I found Taiwan fascinating and out in the countryside - stunningly beautiful.

BigWally · Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 3:50 am Post subject:

craigzy · Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 87 Location: taichung

bring 3k.

mizzo · Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 29

i came here with $2000 Canadian and a job already secured and it worked out that I was just starting to run low on funds when i got my first paycheck. if you come here without having a job already lined up, you will probably need more.