Job Discussion Forums

LemmiWinks · Joined: 06 May 2013 Posts: 1

I'm brand new to teaching, and I am beginning to look for an ESL position in Taiwan (BA/Tefl Certified).

I've been going over job boards, and it seems that all of the job posts are from recruitment agencies or organizations who, upon further research, are very poorly reviewed. So, I'm left wondering if there isn't a better way to secure a job...

For people who have taught in Taiwan and had a good working experience, how did you find your job? Do you have any tips or recommendations on how to find a good position?

I'd appreciate any help here. Thanks for reading.

Coolguy123 · Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 132

I too have come across the same thing and would be interested in the responses. I imagine that applying to individual schools would probably be advantageous.

I'm always skeptical of recruiters/ contracting companies, but I'm sure some are better than others. It could be a good way of getting in the door, as long as you know what you're getting into.

Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

I would suggest coming to Taiwan in late July/early August. Without teaching experience Taipei City might be tough. Parts of New Taipei City should be possible. Taoyuan or Hsinchu would likely be easier though. Once you get there hit the streets with a stack of resumes and drop one off at every cram school you see. I would also recommend applying to ads on Tealit after you arrive. Most schools won't even consider you if you aren't in Taiwan.

For the record I have never hit the streets with a stack of resumes or looked for work in Taoyuan or Hsinchu. I've just heard that those are the two best areas to find work right now and that hitting the streets with a stack of resumes is the easiest way to find those jobs.

Good luck!

mw182006 · Joined: 10 Dec 2012 Posts: 310

Is there anything else beyond a copy of your resume, degree and TEFL cert that you'd recommend bringing Ferfichkin?

Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

No, that's all you need. Just make sure the degree is the original.

Coolguy123 · Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 132

Thanks for the info. Is cram school basically the only option in Taiwan? I've heard that university work is basically impossible to get. What about teaching adults?

I've got a CELTA, degree in English Lit, basically no experience.

KaiFeng · Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 11:22 am Post subject:

I also suggest bringing a copy of your college transcript, especially if you have more than just a bachelor's; I did this (had a master's) and it gave a real advantage. Same thing with copies of certificates.

Also, the cram school market tends to start surging after school gets out, very early in the summer. Build in lead time for getting settled and looking for work.

Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

For a university position you will need a master's minimum. The adult market is very small in Taiwan. There are some adult conversation and test prep schools, but not that many and the test prep schools will require experience. The job you are most likely to get as a first time teacher in Taiwan is at a cram school teaching children.

Coolguy123 · Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 132

That's unfortunate that a lot of the schools want you to be there in person. That makes the startup costs a bit higher - maybe it's worth using a recruitment place like HESS to get started?

Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

It's just a question of supply and demand. There are enough qualified people in Taiwan that school owners don't need to hire from overseas.

I worked at HESS my first year in Taiwan and had a positive experience. I learned a lot and made some great friends. I know not everyone has a good experience with HESS, but it worked for me my first year. I think you could do a lot worse.

In my opinion, for new people coming to Taiwan for the first time, start-up money is key. If you don't have enough money saved to sustain yourself for a few months and a possible visa run, I would seriously think twice about coming to Taiwan. I think if you're a nice guy with a positive attitude, whose willing to move to where the work is, you should be able to find a job without too many problems. The issue is how long it will take. You could get offered a job in the first week, but what if it takes a month or more? You need to have enough money saved that you can afford to wait it out until you find the job you want.

sokunen · Joined: 03 Mar 2011 Posts: 22 Location: Alaska

Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

Can't you just get your family or friends to mail the original to you?

sokunen · Joined: 03 Mar 2011 Posts: 22 Location: Alaska

Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

Coolguy123 · Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 132

Sorry to dig up this thread. I'm pretty much settled on Taiwan, it seems like the work situation may have advantages to other areas, pay is decent, it looks interesting, and I've heard good things about the people there.

Only thing - the prospect of pack up and go there to find a job seems a little strange. There are lots of job postings online, but many people seems to suggest going there and pounding pavement. Why, if there are schools posting jobs online? In that case, wouldn't you have more leverage for them to pay airfare/housing?

I have a degree in English lit, CELTA, I mean whats the advantage to going there and finding a job, while your losing money from not working. Plus, if you're already there, wouldn't schools have leverage over you since you are there forced to find a job? I mean, I have savings, but I'm thinking it may be better to spend it on training or something in the future. Would you be able to find a better or better paying job if you go there in person, so be able to recoup your moving costs?