Job Discussion Forums

[SandyG20]

Planning on being in Taiwan in Fall 2008 - teaching in the public schools - - most people are placed in rural areas.

We can indicate preferences for location - I am thinking the north would be better.

I have BS in Elementary Ed. and various teaching experience.

I am 50 and female (will be 51 by the time I get there).

I have been researching for a long time about this - so know it will be a big change - but one I am ready for.

Any positive information is going to be helpful at this point in time.

I am going to get my international driving license before coming over.

I want to get a motorcyle license - but cannot because my state is so rescrictive on getting one - long complicated process.

Thanks everyone.

[surrealia]

In my opinion, you should go for the larger cities, or at least a rural area that is close to a city. There is not much to do in the rural areas and simple things such as finding a decent laundry are difficult. In addition, you will probably get tired of all the constant attention.

I enjoyed living in Taichung and Tainan, so you might consider one of those places.

These websites have more information about things to do in the cities:

http://www.taiwanfun.com

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

http://www.forumosa.com

http://www.eslisland.com

[rmarqua2921]

I would strongly recommend Hsinchu. I am in my second year, am 60, retired in the USA, and find this to be one of the easiest jobs and best paying in Taiwan. If you are looking for a job let me know...I work for the public schools...40 hours a week, with 24 hours in the classroom. I have a co-teacher in every class, average class is around 30. You must have a teaching certificate. The nice thing about this work is that you pay no income taxes if you teach elementary. Starting pay is better than 65,000 NT per month, about $2000 US per month. I have a very nice apartment in a very nice part of town, fully furnished, all utilities including internet for less that $275US per month, 9000 NT.

The public transportation here is very good. However, I have a scooter to get around town...If you are from the USA the driving is quite crazy. With the new High speed train that travels at about 200 miles per hour, you can travel almost the length of the country Taipei to Kaoshung in 90 minutes. We are 1 hour 15 minutes by train or bus from Taipei...You will fall in love with the people, they are the most helpful I have met. I have had 6 co-teacher, presnetly three, and they are all very pleasant to work with. The students are the most motivated. I teach Grade 3, 4, 5, and 6. Anyway I like it! Benefits include health insurance travel expenses. You recieve about a months vacation the middle of January...sorry no Christmas vacation time.

robert

[SEndrigo]

Hey Robert,

It's cool to hear from guys like you, I mean to hear such overwhelmingly positive things about Taiwan.

While I won't be teaching at an elementary school in Taiwan, what you've written helps me out since it's really important for me to be around helpful and friendly people.

Thanks again!

[forest1979]

I think Robert's story is very significant as it demonstrates that you don't have to be 30 years of age or less to be a success in Taiwan. Lots of older people look for a change and a new experience can take much heart from stories like these.