Job Discussion Forums

[A.Lion]

Okay, I've read pratically the entire recent message boards for both countries! so I have a vague idea of things, but still, I am stuck. Anyway here goes:

I'm a total newbie, and I have an offer in Taiwan (Hess), and an offer in China. I am hoping to work for a year, and then do some (limited) travelling afterwards, so hoping to save a LITTLE at least.
Salary in China is around 7000RMB excluding accommodation, bills etc, salary Taiwan is 560NT p/h hour on a 20hr contract, again excluding accommodation etc.

Above all else, I am hoping for a good experience for the year, travelling afterwards comes secondary, but is a bonus.
Taiwan attracts me as it seems friendly, with many expats, lots of varied things to do, and great-looking beaches!
China attracts me because of the less westernised lifestyle, and intriguing culture, at a time of significant change?.

Anyone got any advice? it's desicion time, and I have no clue any tips or thoughts are appreciated!

[mandalayroad]

Where in Taiwan and China would you be located? That will make a big difference.

[A.Lion]

Taichung and Hangzhou

[Anda]

Hangzhou

http://www.mountainstorm.com/travelogues/Guanzhou/guangzhou200602-07.html


http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/448097925/m/72900336316



http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/07-08/changing-china-in-2007-asia.html

tart by visiting one of the main attractions of beautiful Hangzhou is the West Lake; surrounded by hills and gardens, its banks are dotted with temples and pavilions. Hangzhou is the centre of one of China's most famous tea-growing areas and home to numerous traditional teahouses. The city is also known for its superb food.On Day 9, visit Lingyin Si one of the largest temple complexes in China, founded in 326. It is set in a vast park with hundreds of Buddhist sculptures, rock formations, spend the day exploring here or head to Dragon Well village on the outskirts of the city is the origin of Longjing Tea, the finest green tea produced in China.
.....................................................................................................

Taichung

http://blogs.bootsnall.com/tmags/scooter-craziness-taiwanese-rockers-and-more-bloody-steps.html

[Girl Scout]

You can do better than Hess. You can do better than 560/hr. Taichung is a fun city. I assume you have read the boards regarding the ups and downs of Hess.

You did not say much about the China job, so I have no comment. Although without accommodations, 7000rmb could be tight to live on and have money for travel.

[mandalayroad]

That's a tough choice, they're both attractive locations to be for a good while. Like others, I'm not so crazy about Hess, but it might be fine for a short stint to get your feet wet in Taiwan. You're bound to find better teaching opportunities there after getting your network going. Hangzhou is beautiful though, so it will depend on how you feel about that job.
As for when this choice faced me many years ago, I chose Taiwan primarily because they still use the traditional Chinese characters and that's what I wanted to learn, not the simplified characters on the mainland.

[773]

I think that around 550/hr. is the going rate for new teachers in Taiwan these days, but there are jobs to be had for 600/hr. Anyway 560 /hr. sounds pretty standard.

Taichung is one of the nicer places in Taiwan. It's central and there are mountains all around. I found it to be one of the more pleasant cities there...it's smaller (and less polluted) than Taipei and Kaohsiung, with some fun nightlife and decent restaurants. The layout of the city is also a lot nicer than other places I've been in Taiwan.

[lou_la]

I agree with the previous posters, Taichong is a really nice city. A lot of friends I had a Hess there though were struggling to make ends meet because of too few hours (the minimum hours didn't really seem to be kept to). But the city itself is very nice - much more spread out and open than other places.

Bear in mind the nice beaches are on the east coast - and there's a huge mountain range in the way! You can get there, but it'll take a while.

[surrealia]

I'd recommend you read the articles at both of the pages below so you can compare the experiences of teachers in China and Taiwan:

EFL in Asia - China Links
http://www.geocities.com/allhou/china.htm

EFL in Asia - Taiwan Links
http://www.geocities.com/allhou/taiwan.htm

[naturegirl321]

Does money matter? If so, then you might want to choose Taiwan.
Do you mind living less like an expat? China will offer you that. I choose China because is was less Westernised and I wanted to learn the new Chinese characters.

You'll have to do a bit of research and see what appeals to you.

[mandalayroad]

I chose Taiwan because I wanted to learn the traditional Chinese characters. Though many Taiwanese probably wouldn't want to admit it, the island is closer to traditional China and its culture than the mainland which went through the convulsions of culture-stripping communism and now capitalism on steroids.

[killian]

i started in china, moved to taiwan and later again in china.

start in taiwan. better money. if you still like things sinitic after one contract then do china.