Job Discussion Forums

VelaenOscuridad · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 10

So, I've read a lot on these boards about people's bad experiences, especially with illegal bushibans, so now I know what to avoid. Many people have also defended organizations that get bad raps, such as Hess and other large companies.

I wanted to give all current and former ESL teachers the opportunity to tell everyone about their good experiences, especially if they worked at a school that they would recommend. I know this is just asking for corporate plugs, but hopefully I will get some genuine feedback as well.

I'm hoping to move to Taiwan next year after I graduate from university. Thanks in advance for advice!

archon121176 · Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 15

Everyone wants to go to Taipei, but really, the nice relaxed jobs are outside of that city. (By relaxed I mean less hectic)

Now, I worked for the Taiwan (ROC) Ministry of Education, which is different than Bushibans. But I really miss my time in Taiwan. It's not to say Taiwan's a perfect country, but there are many places to see, people to meet, experiences to have and work to do.

If you are open minded, willing to learn (Chinese and anything), want to make friends with Taiwanese, and are interested in becoming a defacto Taiwanese (as opposed to being a tourist), then your time in Taiwan will be mostly very positive.

I say, prepare for initial culture shock, pre-learn Chinese, take appropriate vaccinations, learn to use chopsticks and read up on Taiwanese history and culture. You will be very prepared for this beautiful island, the Ireland of Asia!

goodbye · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 17

I've had a mostly good experience here. So many ups and downs at work, though I've stayed at the same place for nearly a year. A challenge and a lot of work and stress, though I'm sure it greatly varies from school to school and person to person. I'll be happy to finish my contract, but I'm really glad for the experience.

Taiwan in general is a great place for foreigners. You can go on countless weekend trips traveling around the island. It's very affordable. The culture, language, and history are things to soak up while you're here. I also recommend visiting other Asian countries in the area while you're nearby (especially if you're from N. America).

Good luck!

BigWally · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 9:08 pm Post subject:

After 2 years....my favorite things...

-the kids
-the people
-friends
-the food
-travel (japan, malaysia, singapore, thailand, cambodia, vietnam, hong kong, macau)
-travel (taipei, hualien, taroko, taidong, maolin, kenting)
-kaohsiung
-my scooter
-cheng ching lake
-the glass box
-taiwan beer
-betel nut
-blue trucks
-7/11
-hilarious attempts at written English
-my hilarious attempts at speaking Chinese
-"Hello, baby!"
-"Waiguoren!"
-HSR
-KMRT
-the 85 story building (which I think is better designed than the 101)
-chijin island
-family mart
-grapefruit green tea
-monks

VelaenOscuridad · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 10

Thanks everyone! It's nice to have some positive comments. More responses would definitely be appreciated!

housecat · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 104 Location: usa

[quote="BigWally"]After 2 years....my favorite things...

-the kids
-the people
-friends
-the food
-travel (japan, malaysia, singapore, thailand, cambodia, vietnam, hong kong, macau)
-travel (taipei, hualien, taroko, taidong, maolin, kenting)
-kaohsiung
-my scooter
-cheng ching lake
-the glass box
-taiwan beer
-betel nut
-blue trucks
-7/11
-hilarious attempts at written English
-my hilarious attempts at speaking Chinese
-"Hello, baby!"
-"Waiguoren!"
-HSR
-KMRT
-the 85 story building (which I think is better designed than the 101)
-chijin island
-family mart
-grapefruit green tea
-monks[/quote]

I used to live in the Tuntex Tower! One day I came home to find Wu Bai giveing a live concert in the street in front of it. Those were some good times.

I had some very good and some very bad work experiences in Taiwan. I have a friend, though, who has only worked for one buxiban. She started out there and then left the island for three years. When she was ready to move back, she contacted her boss and she offered her the job back. They just seem to get on well. And it's a very small school where she is the only full time teacher.

So, you never know. Most importantly, even if you think you've gone to Taiwan to have a kind of working holiday/asian adventure, you will improve your experience by attempting to be the most professional teacher you can. If you don't know how to do that then fake it until you learn. Show respect for your job, students, and coworkers in your personal appearance and set a good example for your students by being courtious and respectful. If you don't know--ask.

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

I am bumping this thread up.

Taiwan has been on my mind recently, and I am considering a possible move there in the future.

When living abroad it is easy to find little things to complain about concerning one's host country. Please share more of your positive experiences here if you have them?

Thanks!

enoch83 · Joined: 02 Nov 2007 Posts: 69 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

I currently work for WSI and its a very enjoyable job, stress free, great students, great staff, great pay and benefits. if u want a stress free job then try a school with their own curriculum. if u want creative freedom, try a school without curriculum. DONT teach illegally at a kindy, there are lots of legit jobs here.
at my school, i teach adults, working hours are 3-930 on weekdays, and 11-6 on saturday (i'm off sunday/monday, which i love since i like to take day trips out of town and usually there's no one at the places i go on mondays which is super sweet) we have our own curriculum so i just come in and teach (practice speaking) with the students. we also do conversation classes and social clubs where we can create our own classes and be as creative as we want. once a month we have a big party/class with a theme, this month i'm throwing a summer party (p. diddy's white party at the hamptons style). so the job's not totally robotized but its definitely stress free. i definitely recommend my school, and i'm leaving at the end of the year so u could prob take my position if u tried. if u dont want to live in taipei, they have a school in Hsin Chu (hour south) and one in Kaohsuing on the southern coast. if i could do it again, i'd probably choose Kaohsuing to live. personally, taipei's weather doesnt really suite me. its overcast almost every day, and rains A LOT! i prefer KS's blue skies.
Outside of work, i spend money without caring much about how much i spend and i still save money. i take weekend trips ALOT, all over the island. to see what's out there, u can visit my blog [url]web.mac.com/enoch83[/url] . i also posted about life here just below this thread. oh ya the great thing i really love about taipei is the ease in which u can escape all the people. the city is surrounded by mountains, partly responsible for the weather i hate, but it allows for some great hiking, and get this. you can take the subway to the trailhead, how sweet is that?! once ur on a trail, u are surrounded by green and silence and totally forget you live in a metro area of 10 million people. provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle.
some other schools i'd recommend are David's, Kojen, and Global Village. i have friends who are/have worked for all 3 and they were satisfied with their jobs.

BigWally · Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:32 pm Post subject:

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

Just curious, what is the least polluted city in Taiwan? It sounds like the entire west coast is a smorgasbord of smog.

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

Taidong and Hualien have much lower pollution rates, but I don't think it's as easy to find a teaching job there as it is in the bigger cities.