Job Discussion Forums

[Snib]

I'm planning to visit Taiwan for 6 months starting in February of next year. I hear that teaching is a good way to get a Visa that will last me for this period of time, but I'm trying to figure out what other options I have.

I run my own online business which can support me just fine, so I don't really need a job to pay my expenses, but this is where it gets difficult. I can get a multiple-entry visitor Visa which will give me 2 months to stay in the country. I can get a work visa by getting a teaching job which is an option. I can also take a class learning Mandarin which I may or may not want to do.

I'm also curious if there is any type of business visa I can get that will allow me to stay for 6 months while I run my business. My main purpose for visiting is to be with my girlfriend who lives in Taipei and maintain my business.

Can you offer any advice or tips for somebody in my situation?

Thank you!
- Scott

[Taylor]

As far as I know, you should apply for a visitor's visa in your home country. This topic comes up quite often....I hope someone in Taipei could offer more advice.

Upon arrival in Taiwan, just sign up for Chinese classes at one of the schools which advertise in the China Post. (This should suit your needs fine). If your girlfriend is Chinese, then I am sure your Mandarin or Taiwanese could use some improvement.

There are very few places who are willing to employ a teacher for only six months via ARC. There is too much paperwork, and the parents see this as instability....Hope this helps.

Best wishes.

Taylor

[Snib]

Yeah, I read on another site that only working for 6 months won't be good, but apparently the trick is not to tell the employer this is your plan.

If I did take a class, will it be difficult? I really just want to spend this time relaxing and not worrying about tests or midterms.

I know I need to get a Visa in the states, I just want to verify that the information I have is correct. I'm also curious if I do get a 5 year multiple entry visitor visa that I can leave the country at any time to get an additional 60 days? This is sort of my backup plan in case I need to stay longer. I'd like to have the option of staying over 6 months and I'm hoping it'll just take a trip to Hong Kong or Japan to refresh my allotment.

[Taylor]

As far as I can tell, everything you have posted is correct. The six-month period you mentioned (Feb thru Aug) would be a good time to seek employment--with regard to academic calenders. Certainly, teaching even 15 hours a week would not be 'relaxing'....

If your girlfriend is involved in the teaching scene at all, then she should be able to put you in contact with others who are already here.

Hope this helps. Let us know more about your plans/goals if you seek more specific info.

Best wishes,

Taylor

[Snib]

Thank you for being so responsive, I really appreciate it. One small detail that concerns me is going to Japan. We'd like to take a short vacation to Tokyo while I'm visiting in Taiwan, so is there anything I need to worry about in entering Japan? Do I need a visa or will I be able to get a 14 day temporary visa like in Taiwan?

Thanks again!!
- Scott