Job Discussion Forums

[torentosan]

This message is for anyone who has worked in two or more of these countries.
I am trying to decide which one to work in next and would appreciate some feedback based on your experience.

Here are some factors that concern me....
The country must-
1. Be accepting of a teacher in his 40s
2. The people must be somewhat accepting of foreigners
3. Relatively easy to find lasting work and/or change jobs
4. Good working conditions(Pay/teacher support/good contract)
5. Relatively easy for a middle aged white guy to find a sincere girl friend.
6. Low Stress daily living

Don't try to second guess me so much. Just answer based on your own personal experience and that will do. I appreciate it very much.

[FoundWaldo]

I'm happy to share my experiences in Taiwan. I taught there for two years and had a great time.

I'll address your questions in your order:
1. In Taiwan I think it really depends on the school you end up teaching in. From my observations, a school like Hess does not typically hire teachers in the their 40's. Look into a school called Shane. They are very good, but they do require all teachers to have some form of TEFL certification.

Socially, you might look into joining the China Hash running group based in Taipei. Great group of older ex-pats living in Taiwan.

2. Taiwanese love foreigners. No problems here.

3. Again, look into the Shane school to start off. Once you get a couple years of experience under your belt there are a large number of schools to upgrade to.

4. In Taiwan it is typical to earn $NT600/hour and work 20-30 hours a week. Definitely enough to live comfortable off, but not enough to save as much as you would teaching in South Korea for example.

5. There is a bar called Carnegie's. Wednesday night. Be there.

6. I can't say that I was ever genuinely stressed in Taiwan for more than 24 hours. The people are friendly, the expat community is great, and the food is delicious. I would go back if I could..

Good luck!

[FoundWaldo]

To follow up with you, if you are looking for teaching positions in any of the countries you mentioned, check out this site:
http://www.goteachabtoad.com

[tttompatz]

I can say (from experience) that Taiwan and Thailand both satisfy all of your requirements (assuming you meet the requirements for work permit/visa (degree and native speaker).

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