Job Discussion Forums

Rooster_2006 · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 984

I'm in Taiwan right now, in Kaohsiung. It's one of the most popular cities in Taiwan for foreigner teachers, and often 20 people will show up to interview for one buxiban (eikaiwa) job. I have somehow managed to claw my way into a job that gives a whopping 11 hours a week (monopolizing my MWF, preventing me from working elsewhere) and pays a stratospheric $600 (US) a month.

I've heard that Japan's situation is awful, as well.

I guess my question is this: which has a worse EFL situation, Japan or Taiwan?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

People in Japan have reported similar if not higher numbers of applicants at interviews.

Pay is going down, with an entry level job currently running 200,000 to 250,000 yen/month (don't use US dollars because the exchange rate changes daily).

There are other factors to consider, too, and some are very subjective based on an individual's tastes/experiences/background and on culture.

It might help to know exactly what you are using as a yardstick and what you want/expect in a first job.

ghostrider · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 147

Well, the exchange rate seems much better in Japan than Taiwan. For that reason alone, I'd aim to get a job here instead. $2000-$2500 USD/month in Japan, though historically poor by standards here in Japan, beat Taiwan's $600 USD/month if what you say is correct. That said, you're looking at far more applicants per job atm. Thank the combined double whammy of Nova collapsing and the poor economy, both here and abroad. Obviously, many working here are from the US and UK, and both areas are doing poorly right now, and the exchange rate working in Japan is in our favor, so far fewer are returning home than usual.

robertokun · Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 199

Yeah, the money and exchange rate in Japan is better . . . but you spend a lot more, so are you really going to be able to save and send money home to take advantage of that? I think it might be wise to think about your personal motivation for teaching in those two countries and not just concentrate on which market is worse. (which you're probably doing in addition to this question that you pose here.) On a side note, I was just in Taipei and it seemed like a cool city. Maybe there is more or better opportunity there than where you are now.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

Is the job situation worse in Japan or Taiwan?

Depends on your job situation, I guess.

Regards,
fat_chris

ghostrider · Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 147

Well, the days of coming to Japan or Asia to make easy money and pay off debts are long gone. Cost of living may be much cheaper in some less developed countries, but then you have to think about exchange rates. You may be living fairly well in that country, but not be able to afford to travel much or even escape. I'd choose the country you're most interested in and that fits your situation.