Job Discussion Forums

Justin Matthews · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 29

Hey everyone, I've been thinking about making the move to Taiwan for a while now, try teaching, but mostly for the experince. I guess my question is, is Taiwan similar to Japan in any respects? Im speaking about the ability for someone with no university degree, and only a TESOL certificate to get a job, not the cultural difference. Is it very difficult to get yourself established there?

Anyway, I've beening thinking about it more and more. I have a friend who went to Taiwan, and he loves it. Plus I've been watching the show "English Teachers" (love that show!)

Any help would be great! Thanks.

clark.w.griswald · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2056

You can only work legally in Taiwan if you have:

a. A bachelors degree of higher, in any discipline
b. A college certificate plus recognised TESL certification

If you don't meet these minimum government requirements then no school would be able to obtain a work permit for you. In the absence of a work permit, any work that you did here would be illegal. Very few people any longer advocate working illegally as there are very few, if any, advantages to doing so, but plenty of disadvantages.

You would have a much more pleasant experience if you attained some educational qualifications before coming to teach here.

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

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

You will have no problem finding a job in Taiwan.
Don't be too concerned with the legalities involved. Neither the local school owners nor the government actively enforce the often racist and ignorant policies set down by the various government Ministries of Xenophobia that claim to have jurisdiction.
The next big hiring season is after the Lunar New Year, the last day of which falls on Valentines day this year.
As for working legally or illegally their really is not much of a difference at this point. They both have their advantages and disadvantages and now that the new policy for ARC transfers has finally begun to be implemented island wide both avenues of pursuing work on Taiwan have equal benefits and problems.
Unlike Japan where once you get a work visa it is yours for the duration of it's validity, here in Taiwan foreign teachers' work permits are the property of the school. If your employment is terminated for any reason you lose your work permit and must apply for a new one through your new employer. Foreigners are given two weeks between termination and re-employment to find another ARC sponsor before being unofficially deported. It generally takes up to a month to get a new work permit and change your employer/sponsor so any change in employment usually will require a visa run or risk overstaying your visa and barred from re-entry, even for minor infractions.
Book your ticket through a travel agent and inform them that you will not be paying for the ticket unless you get the visa you require (60 day multiple entry).

Please read this,
http://www.geocities.com/taiwanteacher2002/Success.html

and this,
http://www.voy.com/113223/223.html

Good luck,
A.

Justin Matthews · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 29

Thanks for the advice guys, seems helpful. I guess I view Taiwan as one of the easiest places to start my international exploits. Maybe this is true, but based on some of the research I've done this seems so.

Japan seems like its still under the control of the Shoguns, who have deciced once again to cut it off from the rest of the world for all the trouble it takes to get yourself established there.

Anyway guys, thanks again!

Fortigurn · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 390

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

Remember that "English Teachers" is a reality TV show. That means it's about as far removed from reality as you can get. No degree means no legal work for you. I don't recommend coming if you don't qualify for legal work. People may not work 100% legal here, but you should at least qualify for one sponsor. It's going to mean you won't be able to take alot of the jobs you'll see advertised. You'll have to waste a lot of money and time on bogus Chinese courses, visa trips and other hassles. You won't be able to legally own a vehicle (I own a scooter and a car), nor get licenses for them. You'll have difficulty signing contracts of any kind because you won't be a legal resident. This is ok if you are only here for a little while. It won't be if you want to stay.