Job Discussion Forums

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

Is there anyone in Taiwan right now who falls under this category? I've read that you can get a legal work permit with an associate's degree if you have TESOL certification. I know Hess will accept applicant's with these qualifications.

For anyone who is in this boat do you have schools you would recommend applying at? Does it seem to be a *lot* more difficult? I've been checking ads all over (like tealit.com and others) and most "require" a bachelor's degree. I'm not sure if this is actually an absolute requirement or a preference or if most institutes aren't aware that visas can be obtained for people with an associate's.

That said, would I have an easier time finding legal work with an agent or should I still do my own footwork?

As much advice as possible would be greatly appreciated. I'll be arriving at the first of June next year.

Thanks!

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

Apparently, you can work with that combination of qualifications. Unfortunately, I do not know anyone who currently works with an AA and tesl. I think there is a definite preference for BAs. Perhaps they are easier to certify. Or perhaps there are other reasons. If Hess will take you, I'd say do it. If you are seriously contemplating a recruiter, I'm sure dealing with a large orginization like Hess directly will be better than dealing with a recruiter from overseas. Hess also tends to acquire work permits for teachers ahead of their arrival in Taiwan, the only company I've heard of that wil do this. But, whatever you do, try to avoid recruiters while you are still out of the country.

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

Thanks. I don't intend on having a job ready by the time I get over. I'm actually really doing everything tight together. I'll be leaving for Taiwan 6 days after I finish the TESOL course I'm going to take.

Hopefully it won't be a huge deal to find legal work. I really if at all possible don't want to work illegally but may if needed or go the student visa route.

Does anyone else have any advice or first hand experience with job hunting with the 2 year/associate's degree + TESOL combo? Keep it coming!

Smile

Thanks!

canadiangirlsrock · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 14

Hi there! I actually came to Taiwan about 2 months ago with a 2 year College Diploma and the Tesol course. I came without a job and had no problems finding work. I went to several different interviews and got several offers and so I picked from those...so don't feel like you have to settle for the first offer that comes your way because of your qualifications. Yes, I am working legally and I love my school and the children. I hope this helps you, if you have any more questions PM me.

zealflyer · Joined: 22 Sep 2004 Posts: 13 Location: Winnipeg, MB

Hi canadiangirlsrock,

Can I be a little nosy and ask what kind of diploma you hold and what kind of TESOL training you took (course hours, etc.)? I'll be leaving for Taiwan in a couple of months and have very similar credentials - 2 year Creative Communications diploma and 60 hr. TESOL course. I am a little apprehensive about finding legal work and am thus heartened to hear of your success.

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

I just got this off a post on the Tealit forum. Don't know where it comes from mind. Hope it helps.

steeevieboy · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Posts: 50

My wife and I both have ARCs:
3 yrs College (aka Associates Degree?) + TEFL
My friend who just arrived was told by Gloria Schools that his 2 year College + TEFL would be enough to get an ARC.
It all depends on the school's connections!

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

I got it off a post on the www.tealit.com forum that was posted within a few days of me posting it here. If you cut the quote from here and search for it on the Tealit forum (teaching section) you'll probably find it.

I am 99% sure it came from Tealit. If you can't find it try searching the forums at www.forumosa.com

Better still copy and paste the quote and start a fresh post asking where it comes from. Start one on Forumosa too.

I still think its a bit ambiguous, as I think what they mean by people with less than four year degrees is people with three year university degrees (mostly Europeans and maybe Canadians I think). I don't think they mean diplomas. but this is just my interpretation and I guess it could be argued either way.

Cheers

www.babashouse.com

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

This is all very interesting. I am also a 2-year diploma guy (journalism) and I have a TESOL. When I came to Taiwan almost one year ago, I had two years exp. teaching ESL.

At that time, most schools would hire you with these credentials. That, and a smile, outgoing attitude and likeable personality. However, I found that most of the schools were in rural areas. Most of the city schools have a bigger pool of applicants, and so are less likely to hire diploma people.

Having said that, I got a job, ARC, multiple entry visa...the whole nine yards, based on my credentials. Totally legal. But I was also told by my boss that the powers that be have changed the requirements and all schools must have degree holders.

Obviously, according to canadiangirlsrock, this is not the case. Which is a good thing for some people.

I am, however, allowed to renew my visa if in fact I stay at the original school that hired me. I don't intend to do that, but it's comforting to know.

wombat · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 134

Firstly, be very careful about what you read on Tealit. It is a commercial board, not an unbiased authority on Taiwan. I have no idea where they get their 'up to date' information from, but a lot of the stuff that they say is unproven. Here are some examples:

1. The illegality of foreigners working within kindergartens. This is well known and is all over the press here, so while Tealit have got this one right, there is really no surprise here.

2. Transfer letters - According to Tealit they are no longer necessary, but to the best of my knowledge, no one has been able to support this with an actual personal experience. A number of people have recently posted that it isn't possible, and these individuals are answered with, 'Yes, it is. Take a look over at Tealit'.

3. Adding a second school to your ARC - Once again according to Tealit this is now possible, yet nobody can actually support this with any evidence of this having occurred. Once again there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that it isn't possible.

I can't categorically say that their information is incorrect, but without any solid cases showing their information to be correct, or some source by way of the legislation that confirms these changes, I feel it very dangerous to just rely on what you see on tealit as being fact.

The two year diploma plus teaching certificate is still acceptable. The problem is not with the government but with the schools that employ you. Some schools genuinely are not aware that a two year diploma plus teaching certificate is adequate.

The second problem is that most schools have a preference for teachers with Bachelors Degrees or higher. It is easier to process applications from these teachers, and easier to confirm that the diploma's are from accredited institutions. Teachers with degree's are also more marketable to parents.

Diploma holders need not despair, but you should expect that you will get the run around with some schools. Persistence will however pay off.

MTurton · Joined: 10 Mar 2004 Posts: 107

wombat · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 134

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:04 pm Post subject:

nenemosha · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 32 Location: Taipei

Awesome!!!! Thank you!

So for schools that I attempt communicating with before I arrive in Taiwan, if they come back saying "it's required by law for you to have a Bachelor's degree"... is it ok for me to push back on them?

I guess there would be no harm in trying since they're telling me that they won't look at my application but I just don't want to do anything that would be culturally offensive by pushing back on them.

Would they appreciate this kind of persistence or would it be frowned upon?