Job Discussion Forums

[young_whippersnapper]

I'm a soon-to-be recent college graduate (A.A., B.S.) and soon-to-be TEFL certification holder who is looking for jobs overseas. As I have some passing knowledge of Chinese language, I am considering teaching jobs in Taiwan, possibly in Taipei or Tainan. I would be looking at teaching at either the higher secondary/high school level or vocational/technical/adult education schools.

What are some decent schools that regularly hire EFL instructors in Taiwan? Additionally, what are some things a person should know about Taiwan before applying for jobs there?

[Taylor]

OK, young_whippersnapper:

There's not much demand for classes taught by native English speakers in the areas that you mentioned.

Classes like those would have an average of 45 student--and you'd be lucky if 3 of them were paying attention to you.

It wouldn't matter if Justin Beiber, Pink and Tom Cruise all showed up to help teach the lesson--you'd get apathy from 80% of the bunch.

Of course, I'm exaggerating a little. But there is just no system for teaching at that level--simply because there is no demand to speak of.

You'd have students of wildly varying levels of competency, anyway.

Thus, most teachers teach children in the afternoons and evenings. Classes average about 10-12 student, I'd say. You always have air conditioners, too! (That hasn't always been true at public schools, colleges, etc.)

Well, I'll stop here. Best wishes!!!

Taylor

[romanworld]

Good schools in Taiwan = oxymoron.

[braindead]

do you guys mind sharing your experiences? where did you teach? what kind of school? for how long? i've been doing research as well on what schools are out there (that are, at least, decent and tolerable). i've heard all the HESS stories.