Job Discussion Forums

wendy · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 1

I'm a Canadian-Chinese who have been to China to teach English earlier this year. When I started there, many people were shocked of my Chinese background and challenged me on several occasions.

Now, I'm back in Canada and have been exploring Taiwan as my next destination. I applied through Footprints Recruiting Inc and the response I received was that the schools in Taiwan would avoid hiring teachers of Chinese descent for the same reason as in China. They have invited me to visit the office once I'm in Taiwan to seek employment, but since I've never been to Taiwan and have no contacts, I'm hesitant to do so.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone currently teaching (or have taught) in Taiwan can shed some light to my situation and give me some suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Wendy.

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

My girlfriend a and I came here together. She is also of Chinese descent. It is true that it is much more difficult for Chinese westerners -- or non-whites in general-- to find work here. People here won't see you as foreign. However, work is possible. My girlfriend is employed.

Do you qualify for ROC citizenship? If so, that will make things easier.

I'm not sure how to advise you. When we arrived here, I had been prepared to support my girlfriend because it had seemed that she would not be able to find work. She did eventually find work.

Be prepared for let-downs and offers of less money based on only your appearance.

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

yeah i kind of got the impression that locals don't see Chinese Canadians as foreigners. Interesting.

I was at the gym the other day and a guy who works for Hess tells me that they had an open-house at his school and the 2 or 3 Chinese Canadians were told not to come in for it - it was advertising and they only wanted the White teachers present to mix with the kids and parents.

interesting, isn't it.

but he said the Canadian teachers didnt seem to mind too much.

strange deal but the the locals have notions of what a Canadian looks like and it aint Chinese or Black I guess