Job Discussion Forums

Jared · Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 319 Location: Canada

Hello. I'm wondering if any of you out there have any knowledge based on working in Taiwan. I've visited Taiwan once just as a tourist and I wanted to go back as an english teacher ever since. I only have a high school diploma in Canada and I always hear the odd rumors that you don't necessarly need to go to college to teach english in Taiwan. I also heard that some schools will train people with no experience at all and at the same time make them work and stuff. Is that really true? I was also wondering, is it possible that the Taiwan government will let you work/live there as long as you just get a Professional TESOL diploma? (which I don't have) if so, what do I have to do to get it, and what courses do I need? I'd appreciate any info you could give me. Thanks Very Happy

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

To work legally with a work permit and resident visa, you pretty much need to have a 4 year degree. I've heard it's also possible to get a work permit with two years of college and a TESL diploma. I don't think that combination is very popular. I think employers prefer degrees because it's easier to get the work permits processed. Also, this society values education. Degree holders are much prefered.

However, it is still possible to work here without a degree. You will need to enroll in Chinese lessons. Whether or not you actually attend will depend on the school you choose and your own motivation. As a student, you will be able to stay here for six months at a time before having to leave on visa trips. You will then be able to work, albeit illegally. The types of jobs open to you will be more limited as you will not be able to accept sponsorship for a work permit due to your lack of a degree. The process can get to be a hassle over the long term. But if you only want to try teaching here for a year or so then, yes, it is possible.

myesl · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 2:45 pm Post subject:

A few years ago I knew two Canadian women who didn't have college degrees, so they went to Thailand and bought fake diplomas. They got their ARCs and taught for a year. I'd be too scared to do that, but some are more daring.

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

Yes, I know someone who went the Thailand degree route. Seems to work. But then, I also hear document forgery is something law over hear takes seriously. All depends on how much risk you want to take.

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

A spoken lie in Taiwan is exceptable forgery is not.