Job Discussion Forums

[Shroob]

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking about my next career move and have a few questions about Taiwan and what opportunities there may be for me.

I'm currently a student on an MA Applied Linguistics course in the U.K (finishes late summer 2014), I have 2 years' experience teaching at a university in China, I've taught on university pre-sessional courses and am working part-time at a U.K. university teaching English. I've also got a CELTA. Native speaker, UK citizen.

Job questions
1) I really like university level education - are there many university positions going?
2) What sort of salary should I be aiming for?
3) Is housing generally included? Holidays paid? Airfare?

Taiwan questions
As much as I liked my time in China, I can't see myself there for a long period (mainly due to the environment). For those that have been to both countries - how is the environment in Taiwan compared to mainland?

Thank you for your time.

[Spelunker]

You are more than qualified, MA and celta puts you well above those with a degree, your uk teaching experience and china experience will also help. I reckon you could write your own salary. Problem is getting the work is not easy, it is getting harder in taiwan, not easier.

I'd get something in writing before you come out. Good luck.

[Shroob]

[Spelunker]

To be brutally honest, I feel you would be better off staying in the UK.

China and Taiwan see foreigners as expendable, but if it is your last option then yes.

As for taiwan, hunstman spiders can be found inside apartments. The locals can also be as herd minded and insular as mainland chinese, noone will stop to help others as they think they might be arrested. DUMB!!!

I'd only consider it if your last option....good luck.

[Shroob]

[Solar Strength]

[Spelunker]

You are very well qualified, so if your heart is set on it, the good jobs will come to you. I just think you are at an age where you should build a base first. I am now 37 and homeless in the UK, I have never been to Taiwan, but my experiences based on those met in China, is that they can be gruff and haughty at first meeting, and prefer to make friends over time. Different from mainland chinese where they will be friendly and smiley on first meeting, then quickly forget about you.

[Shroob]

[romanworld]

[doomer]

I don't teach uni, but I've been in TW for 15 years and have read quite a few threads on forumosa. Search.

There are uni positions, but I'm not aware of current supply/demand.
Salaries from what I've read are: NT65-80K/mo. Notoriously low compared to other countries, so TW has a problem attracting PhDs.
Housing: Unsure, maybe.
Paid Holidays/leave: Yes.
Airfare: Unsure, but probably not.
Contact hours: 9-15.
Pressure to Publish: Some places yes, others no.
Extra classes (eg, extension): Not higher than 800/hr (?).

The general sentiment I get is: not that good. Quite a few say cram school pay for experienced vets is better + less hassle (and some do supplement with other P/T work).

Again, only from what I remember reading.

Environment is better than China. But here in Taipei, many people still wear face masks (scooter pollution).

GL in whatever you decide.

[Shroob]

Thanks for all the input.

It seems my vision of Taiwan being a cleaner, more professional yet still lucrative version of China is misguided. I will continue my research and think about it.