Job Discussion Forums

lambchops · Joined: 24 Feb 2009 Posts: 2

Hi,

I'm hoping some of you Taiwan ESL experts can help me out!

I am a Canadian citizen with a college diploma and TESL certificate. I am flying to Taiwan in mid-April in the hopes of teaching ESL to children.

I applied to HESS in Feb and got approved for hire but was put on their waitlist for a job, since all postions have been filled for their June Semester. Since then I've applied to various schools and recruitment agencies although nothing seems promising thus far. I want to work in Taipei City or Taipei County and have been looking online everyday on this site, forumosa.com, tealit.com and other sites for jobs.

When I get to Taiwan, I plan to hit the streets and visit as many cram schools in person as I possibly can within my first 2 weeks. My question is: Do you think it's possible for me to not find a full-time job? I am excited but, very nervous because I am leaving everything behind with no concrete plans.

I am only looking at Taipei City and Taipei County as locations because I have a few friends in that area, and it would be an easier transition for me.

My friends say I should not be worried, because they know a lot of people who land and just find jobs out of the blue. Is mid-April a good/fairly easy time to find jobs? I realize it is mid-semester...

Sorry for rambling...just wanted to put all the details out there. I would appreciate any input from anyone!
Smile

Mr. White · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 36

Right now, people that encourage others to come over and look for work are not in tune with market realities. There are also no signs of when the market will turn. There are lots of teachers on the websites you mentioned all talking about this problem.

You don�t hold a degree and while it is possible for you to get a work permit with a diploma and TESL you will not be the most attractive option within the competition. That isn�t your biggest problem though. The biggest problem is there still might be very few jobs around.

If you find a job quickly that will be great. If you don�t you will need plenty of survival money and be ok with paying for visa runs. As Clint would say�. you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

I suggest you wait and see what happens.

BigWally · Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject:

April is not a peak time either, because many schools are winding down before the summer break. You may be able to find some sub work over the summer, but that will probably just be temporarily replacing a FT teacher who is spending their summer off the island when work is limited.

lambchops · Joined: 24 Feb 2009 Posts: 2

Can I still get a work visa if I am only doing a summer replacement?

Well, I'm hoping I will get lucky :T
Hope I'm not making a huge mistake too...

BigWally · Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 9:49 pm Post subject:

Not likely, schools arent going to get work permits for temporary staff, and without a work permit you cant get a resident visa.