Job Discussion Forums

Chris180000 · Joined: 01 Sep 2010 Posts: 2

Hi there,

I hope to be coming to Taiwan in the Autumn to teach English. This is a sort of a change of career for me. I mainly see it as an opportunity to get to know a part of the world i have never lived before.

I have lots of questions but i'll restrict myself to a couple for now Smile

I'm undecided which city to live in

Taichung OR Taipei?

Priorities are

standard/cost of living
feasibility of finding a job within a few weeks.
things to do, environment, weather.

Ohh one thing. I'm 37 years old (but i look about 30 to be honest) would i have more trouble finding work than a youthful 20 year old?

I kindoff stand out even in the UK tbh. tall, ultrawhite, thin, bright strawberry blonde hair...

At the moment i am learning a bit of mandarin and i have a Taiwanese teacher, she is recommending Taichung to me. (she is been really helpful as well- emailing her friends to enquire about jobs and accomodation)

thanks!

EG in Taipei · Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Posts: 12 Location: Taipei , Taiwan

It is always smart to leverage someone who is familiar with Taiwan. Taipei is a very convenient city, especially if you don't know a lot of Mandarin. Taichung is not as big or as English friendly, but that's why many people love it. Ask your friend to compare the two places to cities you are familiar with. It is a little warmer in Taichung in the winter, but Typhoons hit there much harder than in the North in the summer and fall.

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:21 am Post subject: Re: Taichung or Taipei

I have lived in Taichung for 2 years and it is very English friendly, not as much as Taipei that's for sure, but I get by quite well with English and a smattering of Mandarin.

As for your priorities...

standard/cost of living = Taichung

feasibility of finding a job within a few weeks = Taichung, or maybe Taichung county. The competition in Taipei is much heavier as that is where most Westerners go.

things to do = Taipei

environment = Taichung has less air pollution than Taipei.

weather = Taichung.

Chris180000 · Joined: 01 Sep 2010 Posts: 2

Thanks for the replies guys Smile

im hopefully going to be doing the CELTA June to July then fly out straight afterwards.

I should have about �4k or �5k with me. (fingers crossed)

Things to do beforehand

Get business cards done?
Lots of copies of my CV
loads of passport size photos?
Apply for UK tax rebate

Apply for visa here?? or when i arrive?

Ohh and just to confirm: if i have a uk driving licence and get the IDL then i can ride scooters but not motorcycles in taiwan yeah?

Nip · Joined: 23 Feb 2011 Posts: 7

chaiplz · Joined: 20 Mar 2011 Posts: 108 Location: Boston, MA

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

Can't say specifically for Taichung but the weather on the island during the summer months i.e from about May to November is very hot and humid.

Sometimes ridiculously so...

chaiplz · Joined: 20 Mar 2011 Posts: 108 Location: Boston, MA

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

'fraid so but don't worry - I myself have that red-haired, pale skinned Northern European gene and although I've overdone it a few times, so long as you wear a decent sunscreen and are conscious of the sun's intensity you'll be fine. The humidity takes some getting used to but you'll get there.