Job Discussion Forums

[SolitaryThrush]

Hello. I am new to the discussion forums.

I am looking for jobs in South Korea (mostly), but out of curiosity, I am wondering how many people on this board had Taiwan as their first choice.

For those in Taiwan, did you have any experience with Mandarin (or a dialect)? Did you know anything about Chinese culture before you arrived? I ask because a (Taiwanese) friend is trying to sell me on Kaoshiung (sp?). It's a hard sell, partially b/c of the horror stories, and partially b/c of my lack of experience with the language and culture. It will be interesting to read what you all think . . .

[markholmes]

China was my first choice, I spent about six months travelling there and then did a semester at a university in the south (as part of my English university degree). I'd had a fascination with all things Chinese for a while.

After university I ended up teaching in Japan, because I was broke and somebody offered me a job, but originally I had planned to go to Taiwan. Eventually I did and it was a far better experience than Japan for many reasons.

I could speak a bit of Chinese when I arrived and took lessons. I'm not conversational but I have no problem dealing with everyday situations including being able to read a reasonable amount.

I lived in Kaohsiung, which grew on me over a period of months. Its actually quite a cool place, then I moved to Taipei. Both have pros and cons.

I wouldn't go to Korea because I have no language ability in that country and frankly I wouldn't want to start again (Even in Japan I could read street signs).

I sense you may have Korean parentage or some Korean language ability. Am I right?

[TaoyuanSteve]

I come from region (Vancouver) with a large Asian population. I had also been an esl instructor there for a few years before making my move. My background had given me a lot of experience with the peoples and cultures of Asia. This experience made settling here much easier. I did not, however, have language skills when I first arrived.

To be honest with you, it was a toss-up as to where to go. I was considering Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Japan definitely was attractive. I went to an info meeting for the JET program and was going to apply. I also thought a lot about Korea. Most of their offers pay your airfare and accomodation. In the end, though, it was a relationship that determined where I went. At the time I was contemplating going overseas, I was in a relationship with a Canadian born Chinese woman. She also wanted to go to Asia to teach, but felt she would have a better time in Taiwan as opposed to other countries. She could sell herself here as an FBC who speaks fluent English and some Mandarin. Also, she has relatives here we can access if we need assistance. So, in the end, it was a relationship that decided where I went.

What horror stories are you hearing about Kaohsiung? Overall, I'd say Taiwan is a safe bet. The people are more open to outsiders than other Asian nationalities; and it's an interesting place to be, make some money and learn about one of the world's great cultures.

[markholmes]

I married a Canadian, lived in China, Japan, Taiwan for about 5 years between them and then moved to Vancouver (I'm English). I felt very comfortable moving to Vancouver (or rather Burnaby) because I was surrounded by Chinese people. Over the last year I've moved back into the more caucasian/western areas, but moving to a place dominated by Asians really helped my transition back into the west.

I come from London, and I remember Canadians telling me how many different nationalities there were in Canada. Coming from London I'm thinking ', yeah right, but you haven't been to London'.

I was totally amazed when I came here to not only discover huge Chinese, Korean, Japanese populations, but also communities from practically every country in the world.

Its like living at the bloody United Nations.

www.babashouse.com

[SolitaryThrush]

No, I'm a Caucasian-mutt; not really close to my parents' cultures to call myself a Hyphenated-American. A few years ago I was introduced to the Korean language by a few friends. I learned a few phrases to be polite and/or to make light of the language barrier, and when I returned to college I stuck with it. Plus, as with any foreign language study, I gained some knowledge of the culture and sociology of SK, which is why that is my first choice. I also wouldn't say I'm conversational, although I can read, write, and communicate at a basic level. Because verb and adjective "conjugation" is a little tricky, I can understand a lot of words, but I don't necessarily understand how they're used with each other, if that makes any sense.

I am also considering Taiwan, in order to just keep my options open. However, since I have plenty of time, I haven't done my homework, except for read a few comments here and search the internet for others' opinions. In another forum, someone mentioned that readers should realize that the opinions here generally represent extremes. That holds true for the Korea Forum as well. However, hearing stories from American and Taiwanese friends about the cram schools scare me a little. Overcrowding, discipline problems, xenophobia . . . etc. But, of course that's true of many Asian nations, and so I make sure to take the context into consideration. Also, I have no Mandarin ability at all, and since I can only recognize 20 or 30 characters. (So I'm not quite ready to commit to learning what I can of the language). But I, too, have heard of southern Taiwan as having a United Nations feel too it, and that's appealing to me. So, in short, I'm keeping an open-mind regarding Taiwan, and I'm using the few months before I graduate as a prep time in which I can form my own opinions about the island.

Thanks a lot for your replies. THey were really interesting.

[A.K.A.T.D.N.]

[Taylor]

Dear Solitary Thrush,

You wrote: "I, too, have heard of southern Taiwan as having a United Nations feel too it, and that's appealing to me."

While there may be a fairly high percentage of young folks from Vancouver teaching English in Kaohsiung, I would scarcely consider this to be even remotely similar to the UN. When I first got to Kaohsiung in 1995, I could go two or three weeks at a time without seeing another Caucasian--except at work. Things have changed a lot since then, but still local Taiwanese outnumber "foreigners" about 10,000 to 1 (I guess).

In Kaohsiung, you are a short flight away from Hong Kong. Now, HK is where you get the UN atmosphere!!! You could go there for the weekend occasionally if you really like the place. (It's a pretty cool place, by the way.)

Taylor

[Necessary Illusions]

Solitary Thrush,

I agree with what Taylor said about Kaohsiung. It is definitely not a UN feel. Hong Kong is an option for visits though. It's only an hour away, and Kaohsiung airport is one of the most conveniently located airports in the world. (It takes about 15 minutes by cab to reach the city centre) Money was good, and I have been back a couple of times to visit friends. Also, when I arrived I didn't know anything about the place, know anyone there, or speak any of the language. Despite this, I had a very successful four years (1998-2002). Kaohsiung is REALLY ugly though, although I went back this year and the Love River actually looked decent.

If you are looking for a UN atomosphere, Tokyo may be a better option for you. Personally, I like Taiwan much better than Japan, but others have very different opinions.

Good luck!

[Xenophobe]

A.K.A.T.D.N

Please stay in Taiwan! It seems that all the horrible things that can happen, seem to happen to you thus missing most of the other Western Teachers. You're keeping the others safe by being a lightening rod. Keep up the good work!!!