Job Discussion Forums

freebeacher · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 76

Thanks to all who posted regarding my agent question. I have another question. Is 500 NT per hour too low for me with a B.A. and no TEFL? I took the advice and contacted Williams and that was what they said they pay. I actually made more than that in 1991. Did pay decline or is it Williams? Do you think they would sponsor me for the work visa or would it be under the table? Thanks again.

Taylor · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 384 Location: Texas/Taiwan

Dear Teacher,

It seems 500 NT per hour has been the average for at least 15 years, as you mentioned. Of course, with exchange rates at 33NT=1US, it is definitely a cut in pay for many teachers who were in Taiwan before 1997.

If you are being offered a full-time job with over 25 hours per week (all in one air-conditioned location), this might be a decent offer for a rookie.

It just all depends on how willing you are to look around and/or negotiate. If you are being "contracted-out" to other locations, it is likely that the agent is earning 300+NT for every hour you teach!!

If you have already lived in Taiwan--that long ago--I am sure most things have improved considerably, especially in Taipei. I see no reason why you need to use an agent.

Keep us posted.

Clint
Kaohsiung (1995 to 2003)

brian · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 299

Adults classes have always paid less than children's classes. I wouldn't recommend that anyone accept a job paying only NTD500 for kids classes, you may have to accept it for adults if you can't find yourself a better offer. Check to see if there are any regular pay raises and if not try to negotiate for this to be included. I agree with Clint that if they can offer you some good hours in a convenient location, and you like the work, then money isn't everything.

Confirm with William's that they can offer you a work permit. I seem to remember reading something about some problems in this regard.

freebeacher · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 76

Thank you both. Is NT 12,500 per week enough to get by on AND save for onward travels working in in Taipei? I don't remember from 1991, and my hours were never regular then anyway. If I stayed in a hostel instead of a flat would I save? Oh, I forgot to ask, is it normal for schools to provide a free small unit (flat) for their foreign teachers these days? Thanks again.

brian · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 299

I would think that NTD12,500 would be enough, but a little on the low side. Upwards of NTD15,000 would be more comfortable.

Don't know much about hostels but hopefully someone else can fill you in on this.

No it is'nt standard practice for schools to provide accomodation, nor is it a good idea to accept such if offered. Schools in small towns probably offer this more than in cities. Most schools offer free accomodation on arrival, followed up by an accomodation allowance of around NTD5-10,000 per month. This would be enough to share a place, but you would need to add some of your own money to rent your own place.

Mozilla · Joined: 16 Mar 2003 Posts: 90

I would think that NTD12,500 would be enough, but a little on the low side. Upwards of NTD15,000 would be more comfortable.

What the hell? I could off of 12500 NT for a MONTH!!!! What the heck do you people DO with all your money???

brian · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 299

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

500NT per hour is about average for a chain school. You have to take into account all the unpaid hours you will have to put in. Training, meetings, shows and or mandatory social functions.etc... Also ask about the time delay between the last day in the pay period and payday, 10 days is the maximum allowed.
Keep looking you can do a lot better.
A.

freebeacher · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 76

Thank you all again for your advice. You are helping me sift through what I am reading elsewhere. I think after all is said and done I will make a good decision.

refazenda · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 1:55 pm Post subject: Decent monthly salary?

So is something in the range of 50-55,000 plus a housing subsidy of 5,000 reasonable to live on? Would this work for a single person only, or would this be good enough for a family of three (small child - no daycare needed)? Would this be a livable wage in Taipei, or do I ened to be in another city?

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

I wouldn't support a family on that alone. I'm sure plenty of local families do, but you didn't come here to scrape by. Get the spouse working.

refazenda · Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 3:27 pm Post subject: Working spopuse

I am sure that at some point we will do that, however, there would then be the expense of child care. In the US, the cost of child care can easily eat up a second wage, in effect negating it. How is the cost of child care in Taiwan?

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

I do not have children, so I cannot give an answer to your querie about that. Anyone else know what daycare would cost for a foreigner?

Separately, and this is my opinion (do with it what you will), I believe Taiwan is not a suitable place for small children, especially foreign ones. The environment is borderline toxic, it's crowded and dirty everywhere, and the roads are extremely dangerous. If I were in your shoes, I'd really think hard before coming here. Try to meet people over here who've been here and get them to fill you in on what it's like here.

refazenda · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:19 pm Post subject: Not for small children

You know, it funny you mention that. We have friends from Taiwan, and we asked them about the pollution factor. One of them responded that it is no worse than Manhattan (New York). Well, as a New Yorker, I was somewhat relieved to hear that, as I don't think I've suffered any irrevocable brain damage Smile

.

They did mention that Kaoshing (sp?) is worse than other parts of the island, but they said Taipei is not that bad.

Can anyone else comment on the NY-Taiwan pollution comparison?

wood · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 202