Job Discussion Forums

esl_jimi · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 35

Hi again,

This question relates to my last one. I'm wondering if anyone knows about the possibility of teaching at a college or university. I have a Master's degree in philosophy and minored in religious studies with an Eastern focus. I think I'd be well suited to teach a comparative philosophy class.
Is it just a matter of going through a list of Taiwan universities and colleges and making some inquiries, or would a recruiter help in this regard?

timmyjames1976 · Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 148

I am pretty sure there is no demand for a Phil class taught in English in Taiwan. Most of the uni positions for English speakers are MBA/Business classes, and ESL/EFL classes.

romanworld · Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 388

forest1979 · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 507 Location: SE Asia

I doubt few universities teach philosophy classes. The places I taught at never did such things and they were both private and public institutions. Most just want bog standard classes conforming to a very run-of-the-mill/mundane curriculum, and what that means for a foreigner is instructing simple English classes conforming to a self-designed or easy to buy book. I would add to the comments about MA holders that whatever job appear in the higher ed sector they get jumped on by a broad range of applicants. So, unless you hold a MEd or a MA in EFL you wouldn't have a good chance in the contest. Indeed some places are getting PhD holders applying for any kind of instructing job when they come available.

esl_jimi · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 35

Thanks, everyone, for these useful, if discouraging comments. It doesn't sound like teaching philosophy at a university is very likely. Maybe I will find some luck at an English Language Center attached to a university.

forest1979 · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 507 Location: SE Asia

You can find a lot of info online about ELCs in Taiwan universities.

Once it was pretty easy to find work within them. Now it's much tougher not because the wages are better but because you teach much less for the same pay in a bushiban. Competition for ELC jobs is very tough now. In addition beware of what contract is being offered. There was a thread here a while back about someone who interviewed at a university and was offered a locals contracts, i.e. more teaching, less pay. Once solely for Taiwanese staff these contracts are being banded around for all and sundry to take up. As a foreigner on such a contract it will be financially tough, and importantly, you'll be at the bottom of the staff hiererchy. So that can mean first in and first out, and you'll be at the whim of the ELC director. Not the best place to be when the only escape is to teach dross to classes of up to 70 unmotivated students.