Job Discussion Forums

[scrone]

Hi all,

Long time reader, first time poster.

My situation-

I'm currently thinking of traveling to Taiwan from late November to late February (University summer break). I have been to China before and enjoyed learning the language, but would prefer to go somewhere different this trip. I'm currently a graduate law student and hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology. I travel over summer breaks and live off my student allowance (approximately $800 USD/month) that is supplied by the Australian government. I have extra reserves if necessary but would prefer to stick to my budget.

My questions-

1. I have some friends in Taiwan and they tell me i could live outside of Taipei on my budget. I'm thinking Taichung. What kind of lifestyle could i lead?
2. I don't have any experience teaching nor any ESL qualification. I'll only be around for 3 months as well. Given this, would there be any opportunity for me to make a bit of money teaching English whether legally or illegally? If so, should i organise it before i go or wait till i arrive?
3. I was planning on spending a lot of time doing language exchange with people to improve my Mandarin as much as possible. Have people had good experiences with LE?

Thanks in advance.

[scrone]

No one?

[scarab1169]

Hi,

To answer your questions :

1. I think you should be fine with 800 per month. Converted into TWD it's not a bad amount. Take into account that you'll have to pay for lodging of some sort, transport, etc. But , I think it's do-able specially in Taichung.

2. You won't be able to work legally at all, as every school on this tiny island only gives one year contracts. There are no short term gigs availalbe, so your only option would be to try and get private students/sub for teachers. Unfortunately that you won't be able to organise before you come.

3. LE - can't really comment, but if you really want to learn the language - why not enrol at a Chinese Language college /school ? LE, can be very fickle and you're often subject to to their schedule and not yours.

Hope that helps.

[scrone]

Much appreciated.

[JZer]

You could enroll at TLI in Taichung. You can find their website online.

[scrone]

Hi again, i'm back to square one in some respect.

I have been speaking to a friend of mine from Taiwan and she tells me if i get an apartment in Taichung i will need to hire/buy a scooter to get around. I'm only planning on getting an apartment for 2-3 months and can't really see the point in buying a scooter for that period of time so am now considering Taipei instead so that i don't have to purchase a scooter.

Questions are:

1. Do i need a scooter if i stay in Taichung? Do i need a scooter in Taipei?

2. Is the cost difference between Taichung and Taipei completely different? Or is Taipei just generally more expensive?

3. I like to drink. Often. Does this have any bearing on which city i should go to? ie. club/bar/pub scene + cost?

Sorry for the questions but having trawled through the forums i couldn't find specific answers.

Thanks in advance.

[JZer]

[aahz]

I can suggest the following;
Getting a scooter really depends on the person, the area, and your goals. If you want to get a scooter and then sell it later you won't lose as much money (but you will still lose some). If your school is close enough to where you will live then you won't really "need" a scooter, though it's kinda hard for things like laundry, clothes, or just hanging out with friends.
Me, I chose not to have a scooter. I have to walk everywhere, and it's awesome. Because in doing so, I have lost about 45 pounds...

[scrone]

Thanks for the replies. I would've thought all the apartment buildings would have a laundry?

[creztor]

You wish

[JZer]

If you move to Taipei it would be good to rent an apartment within walking distance of the MRT. If you don't want to spend a lot of money you can live in Sanchong. The MRT in Sanchong should open in October.

[NEP]

[JZer]

You can go to one of the all you can drink clubs for $350.

[123Loto]

Be very careful of the "all you can drink" bars in Taipei. I've heard recently (this year) of some people going there and being ok, but for years people would get horribly drunk (like alcohol poisoned-drunk) on only a few of their spirits drinks. I suspect they were mixing some nasty crap into their beverages. I only went once, had one drink, got very nasty head spins, etc and received a pretty good hangover the next day.

If you do go, one option is to stick to the beers, and watch them open each one in front of you...

[scrone]

Wow great feedback thanks all.

Pretty surprised it's $6 a beer, although i'm sure i'll be able to find a cheaper and dirtier place to frequent. I guess i'll have to check out this 350 all you can drink.... hopefully i don't send them broke

Looks as though i'll be staying in the guts of Taipei as per advice.

Thanks again.