Job Discussion Forums

[jhsu009]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for advice on my chances of getting a job in Taiwan for this school year. These are my details:

age: 21 years old, recent college grad

degree: BS in Sociology Administrative Studies

nationality: US born and have a US passport, as well as Taiwan passport

ethnicity: taiwanese

Experience: none

I will finish my TEFL course on Aug 5 and am leaving for taiwan near the end of august

I am wondering what are my chances of getting a decent job and what the pay would be like. I would like to live in Taipei or i heard taichung is a nice place to stay too.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :]

[yamahuh]

This probably isn't what you want to hear but I'm going to throw it out there anyways. Taiwanese cram schools pay the 'big bucks' (take that for what it's worth) to Western looking, native English speaking teachers.

Your grammar knowledge and native fluency notwithstanding, the fact that you look Taiwanese (I'm assuming) may mean that you are relegated to the 'native speaker but looks Asian' sub-category. That doesn't mean you won't be able to find a job but it might mean you don't make as much as your fairer skinned colleagues.

Sorry to say, but when it comes to making money and selling a native speaker to a chequebook holding parent, the Taiwanese want a 'western face' and are as racist as they come...

Experience counts for essentially zero here, which is why a no-experience first year teacher can make as much as someone who has been here for 5 years. Mommy and Daddy are paying for someone who looks American to teach their princes and princesses. That means white skin and preferably, blonde haired, blue eyed and handsome / pretty.

It's all about bragging rights and appearances - the concept of 'face' permeates everything...

[jhsu009]

ahaha yeah i already knew that by reading a lot of other posts. but do you know how much i'd get pay though? (after calculating in the fact that im not white )

[creztor]

I know two ABCs that work at the "prestigious" Wall Street International school here and they make a whopping 450NT an hour and are holders of a CELTA certificate. Does this mean you won't make more than this? Of course not, anything is possible. It will be an uphill battle, though.

[yamahuh]

[JZer]

[ptm234]

I think you can find jobs with a decent wage. I'm living proof. There are schools that hire ABCs. I've had schools telling me "we're looking a for a foreign face". It may take some time but you'll find a job that pays a decent wage. Mind you as you don't have experience, you may have to stick it out at a lower wage as there are lots of teachers with experience looking for work. Once you finish your first year, then you can negotiate a higher wage.

It's best if you come to Taiwan and start applying. Email if you have any questions.

[yamahuh]

If you don't mind me asking - how much are you talking about when you say 'a decent wage'?

[jhsu009]

hmm.. im thinking 25,000 usd/year minimum?? but thats like bare minimum. i'd like to make more but i dont have experience :\

just an update:

i decided im just gonna go to taiwan and hopefully find a job. i have family there so at least rent wont be a problem. ill keep this updated on how long it will take for me to get a job

thanks for all the help people

[yamahuh]

Actually my question was intended for ptm234 who stated that he was making a 'decent wage' and is an ABC.

$25,000 US a year = over $2,000 US / month or right around $62,000 NT a month with slight fluctuations depending on exc