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Is teaching enjoyable in Taiwan?
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JZer



Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh

PostPosted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 4:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:

No, it sucks. The jobs aren't stable, the people apt to use you, and the environment, crappy. Plus, you NEVER have job security.


That is completely true. I even got showed the door at a job in which I was probably the kids favorite teacher. I didn't show up to work late or drunk. One two occasions at the school teacher's made unsolicited comments on how much the students liked me.
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StayingPower



Joined: 18 Aug 2006
Posts: 252

PostPosted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The meat of the matter is, you're a product, not a person/personality. Many here are sucked into this, particularly those under 'high command', ie, the big chains.

Don't let this mishap rile you though. It probably had to due either for legal reasons or because of finances, not because of you. The Taiwanese are great people, have no malice in their hearts. I don't promote hate.

I promote justice as employees/individuals, meaning, ALWAYS HAVE AN ARC! You can fight such antics, in the name of the law, which these employers know quite well.

If you got ousted illegally, nothing you can do. If legally, seek 0800-024-111.
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StayingPower



Joined: 18 Aug 2006
Posts: 252

PostPosted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Who?

Last edited by StayingPower on Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:55 am; edited 1 time in total
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StayingPower



Joined: 18 Aug 2006
Posts: 252

PostPosted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

A ghost?

Last edited by StayingPower on Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:54 am; edited 1 time in total
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StayingPower



Joined: 18 Aug 2006
Posts: 252

PostPosted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Computer problems, or. . .?
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123Loto



Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Posts: 160

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 11:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

StayingPower wrote:
No, it sucks. The jobs aren't stable, the people apt to use you, and the environment, crappy. Plus, you NEVER have job security.

Then again, I LOVE THESE PEOPLE. I have a friendly disposition, or am GOOD NATURED. Compare that to this.

A group of grown men staring at my girlfriend's ass, laughing. Another wench screaming at my dog BECAUSE I'M A FOREIGNER. Cuthroats, trying to swindle me for extra money due to electrical problems. Open markets, squeeszing you more food than you paid for in order to make more.

Bottom line: This is Taiwan. ALWAYS BE ON YOUR TOES! Forget the niceties, don't explode. They form groups, but are not courageous enough to stand up one on one.

Family defectives.


I don't mean to be disrespectful but the Taiwan you describe bears no resemblence to the Taiwan I live in. I just don't understand what might have happened to you to create such a powerfully negative outlook. Or is this some attempt to scare away potential teachers to Taiwan? I wonder if you can understand what this kind of post looks like to the average reader; what an impression it makes on them of your own personality.
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Taylor



Joined: 24 Oct 2003
Posts: 384
Location: Texas/Taiwan

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 7:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dear Readers,

Several years ago, an individual with the username'Three Dog Night' would post some really wacky things on the Taiwan forum. It got so bad that he was forced to start posting under 'AKATDN'....which seemed to mean 'also known as Three Dog Night'.

Anyone remember those days?

Taylor
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JZer



Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 9:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
I don't mean to be disrespectful but the Taiwan you describe bears no resemblence to the Taiwan I live in. I just don't understand what might have happened to you to create such a powerfully negative outlook. Or is this some attempt to scare away potential teachers to Taiwan? I wonder if you can understand what this kind of post looks like to the average reader; what an impression it makes on them of your own personality.


I would have to say that StayingPower's comments are not that far from the truth. Jobs are definitely unstable in Taiwan and one can be replaced at anyone's wim.
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123Loto



Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Posts: 160

PostPosted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 5:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

JZer wrote:
I would have to say that StayingPower's comments are not that far from the truth. Jobs are definitely unstable in Taiwan and one can be replaced at anyone's wim.


Yeah, I think it's fine to have an opinion about something; while expressing it with references to your own experience.

Therefore, of course, it�s at least as valid for me to say that in 8 years I have not really experienced the kinds of things he is describing.

Everybody's opinion is valid in some sort of way, after all.

My point here is that using overtly negative language will create a deep impression on your reader - and not just about the topic you are discussing.

Personally, I think a more proactive approach would be helpful. Tips and information on how to handle unjust situations, for example. Phone numbers for relevant support institutions etc (and I acknowledge that Stayingpower seems to understand this to a degree).

I would also lean towards to more proactive advice for newcomers to Taiwan. To stay positive, look out for the best in everyone and work hard.

If there's a better way of handling our problems then I'm all ears!

However, what I won�t do is generalize from my own personal experience and try to make sweeping statements about the entire country.
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123Loto



Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Posts: 160

PostPosted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 6:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Taylor wrote:
Dear Readers,

Several years ago, an individual with the username'Three Dog Night' would post some really wacky things on the Taiwan forum. It got so bad that he was forced to start posting under 'AKATDN'....which seemed to mean 'also known as Three Dog Night'.

Anyone remember those days?

Taylor


I did a quick search, but couldn't find the guy - but maybe I got the spelling wrong or something?
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StayingPower



Joined: 18 Aug 2006
Posts: 252

PostPosted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 8:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Taylor wrote:
Dear Readers,

Several years ago, an individual with the username'Three Dog Night' would post some really wacky things on the Taiwan forum. It got so bad that he was forced to start posting under 'AKATDN'....which seemed to mean 'also known as Three Dog Night'.

Anyone remember those days?

Taylor


Now it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty Taylor/TigerBeer/BuddyBradley, or whatever other names you harbor.

I am ROCK, been on the Korean forum for 4 years. Why, however, do you float on over here to point this out?
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cspitzig



Joined: 01 Nov 2007
Posts: 56

PostPosted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 4:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think teaching is one of the things I like about being here the most. I've only been here about a year. I love probably 80-90% of my classes. I need to improve a couple of qualities as a teacher to improve that percentage. Most classes, if I go into them tired or in a bad mood, I come out with energy and in a good mood.

I realize there are problems with the nature of the job, though. Job security and future career options being the main ones.

But, yes, the two other foreign teachers seem to complain about the job a lot and don't seem to care much about it. The previous foreign teacher loved the job, and the boss was very sorry to see her leave.
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ESL Hobo



Joined: 23 Oct 2008
Posts: 262

PostPosted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

To the OP,

Most of the jobs here are with kindergarten immersion schools. Kindergarten, can be a blast to teach if you like kids. I very much enjoyed my first year here and focused all my energy on the kids and didn't have any problems with the school or the parents. After that I got caught up in all the politics of teaching in Taiwan and it took the joy right out of teaching.

I think if a teacher stays humble, doesn't try to change the system and has an open mind, they can enjoy teaching in Taiwan.
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romanworld



Joined: 27 May 2008
Posts: 388

PostPosted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The teaching is OK, but it's dealing with incompetent and unqualified administrators that is the problem. If you can keep them outta your hair, then you'll probably survive; if not, you need to move on.
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globalgourmand



Joined: 20 Feb 2009
Posts: 23

PostPosted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 12:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ESL Hobo wrote:
. . . I very much enjoyed my first year here . . . After that I got caught up in all the politics of teaching in Taiwan . . .

I think if a teacher stays humble, doesn't try to change the system and has an open mind, they can enjoy teaching in Taiwan.


This reflects my biggest concern in making the move to Taiwan-- I'm genuinely afraid that I cannot "stay humble." I have a tough time keeping my brain quiet and mouth shut when I see that things can (from my perspective) be better. Will I go crazy in Taiwan? Is 'open mind' a euphephemism for 'apathy?'

I suppose it will come down to my perception of the system. In your opinion, is the system truly bad or is it simply different?

I believe I have an open mind, but I don't think I have an apathetic bone in my body.
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