Job Discussion Forums

[Aristotle]

I was reading an announcement made by someone posting under the name of a Mr. Scott Sommers in the job information journal advocating work in Taiwan's disreputable higher education system.
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobinfo/asia/sefer.cgi?display:1070455090-79528.txt

[brian]

Aristotle what exactly is your problem?

It seems that Scott is someone who is choosing to share his experiences with us all, and by all accounts his summation of things seems to be well thought out and based upon facts. He has more than answered the concerns that you had raised in an earlier post, and basically called your bluff. Is that the problem - that he actually knows more about working in a university here in Taiwan than you do? From my understanding you have never worked within a university here in Taiwan so why not let someone who knows something about the subject share their knowledge?

I wont be surprised if Scott doesnt reply to this post as he made it quite clear in the earlier bout that you had within him that he wouldnt entertain your unsubstantiated claims.

[Aristotle]

I understand that Mr. Sommers is giving reliable information concerning working at Ming Chuan University. What I don't understand is how he can with a clear conscience advocate employment by any other school or University in light of the serious labor rights abuses so prevalent on Taiwan and more specifically in so many of the Universities on Taiwan.
I have much better substantiated my accusations than he has his rationale for misleading people in light of so many complaints made against University employers on Taiwan.
I would even go so far as to say that his motivation is his own personal gain in regards to his career and future employment prospects.
A.

[brian]

Well I have to be honest and admit that I have no idea behind the motivation of his postings and his own website, but it isn't clear how he could be benefiting himself from his posts. He gives the university contact details so people can contact them directly, so obviously he isnt an agent or anything.

He is the first to admit that some universities are shocking places to work. The point that he seems to be making is that there are some good quality universities out there, and he is just pointing those looking for this kind of work in the right direction. This is obviously an effort to counterbalance negative comments that are made by posters who often generalize about universities.

In the earlier discussion, I suggested that you forward onto Scott some of the negative info that you have about universities (without releasing any confidential information about individuals). Did you supply him with this info as it would certainly vindicate your position against universities as employers.

Scott, if you are reading this, what is your motivation for posting about university work here in Taiwan? It may help to knock this furphy on the head to know this!

[brian]

Just an update to let everyone know that Scott has been in contact with me via PM.

As expected, his reason for posting information regarding universities is just to set the record straight. These boards are full of negative postings and it is important that we do hear both sides of the story.

As someone who has worked, and still works, within universities here in Taiwan, it is great that he has taken the time to post from his first hand experience. Although the fact that he is someone that has some considerable knowledge on the subject may be threatening to some, I for one appreciate the knowledge that he is sharing with us.

It seems that universities may be a good option for those with the relevant qualifications and experience, who want to break out of the bushiban scene.

[daily chai]

Just want you all to know I went through an excruciating hiring process only to find the pay really is NT$40k/mo. for new staff, and NT$60K for senior lecturers. Awful. All for teaching convo classes with 60 students or more. Wall St. Institute offers $60K for experienced/educated teachers for 30 hrs/mo = $500/hr, but for a handful of students per class. Yes, still a low wage but much better. Teaching younger students will net you $600/hr. easily, but not look as nice on a resume. How can these unis hope to keep good people when they pay so low? My guess is my uni friends are teaching the minimum hours and taking privates.

[EOD]

The purpose of this board is to provide information and share experiences that people have had.

I suspect that the Universities on Taiwan treat their employees no better or worse than any other third world country in Asia.

Scott Sommers is a highly respected English instructor and as such is more than welcome to post any information he feels is relevant.

[mjed9]

Taiwan ... third world???

[Aristotle]

[MTurton]

Yes, our status has recently been downgraded. Scott, if your university hasn't contacted you regarding this, you should contact your HR office. You now have to do the health thing annually -- no matter how long you have lived here.

Aristotle, unless you can demonstrate a fund of knowledge as wide as Scott's and a point of view as restrained, thoughtful, and balanced, your proper mode of interaction with Mr. Sommers should be respectful silence, not childish provocation.

[Aristotle]

[brian]

[Aristotle]

Are you blind? I am the one who started this thread...
Good luck,
A.

[brian]