Job Discussion Forums

[cogitocamel]

Hi everyone!
I'm currently in Thailand and have been looking out for somewhere to live and work (teach English). I have finally decided it shall (most probably) be Taiwan. There are however still a few things I'm not sure about and so would like the advice and answers of those more knowledgeable than myself.

Firstly, practical matters: how easy is it to find a job in Taiwan?
Let me explain. I'm not really looking to make shitloads of money. Actually I'd prefer a position which would let me work minimal hours in order to cover living expenses and save a tiny bit, because I need the spare time to do other things. I've heard the schools lay a lot of importance on physical appearance. I am a 23 year old male, blond with blue eyes and quite attractive (or so I'd like to think!) - I have heard that these attributes should work to my advantage... Also, I am very fond of fashion and have a rather personal (extravagant but elegant) dress style. Should I stick to standard suit and shirt for interviews? I have a BA and experience teaching English abroad. I am British.
And how much time will it take me to start earning money (I have very little money to start off with but I think it should cover a month and if not, well I can always have an overdraft.
One of my most important queries: HOW EXPENSIVE IS TAIWAN ?
Different sources seem to say different things. In one place I read that it is similar to Europe. In another it said prices were close to Japan. I don't know whether I could afford it if it's like Tokyo! What is the cost of an appartment (one month rent)? Food? etc
What sort of visa should I get? And do I tell the consulate that I'm going there to work?
What's the first step to do when I get there?
Do I look in the paper for ads? Go directly to the schools? Where do I meet you guys (expatriate teachers)? Is there a good (cheap) place to stay?

Finally, on a less hectic note, what's life like there? I chose Taiwan because I've been travelling in very undevelopped countries lately (Central Asia, PAkistan etc) and I reckoned Taiwan would offer something in-between Europe and Asia. In Europe I mainly hang around alternative art/pop-culture/music milieux, and I was wondering whether there is a scene in Taiwan (I guess Taipei would be the best place): bars, clubs, concerts, galeries etc... ? Are young Taiwanese easy to get to know, fun to hang out with etc?
And is there a good guide book to the country?

Anyway, thank you all ever so much for any advice you can give me. I'm very excited about this experience but am also understandably worried. Hopefully, I should arrive in Taipei in less than a month and this is pretty scary!

Thomas

[clark.w.griswald]

I suggest that you take a look at this site. A lot of the answers to your questions can be found there.

[Aristotle]

You will have no problem finding a job in Taiwan. Finding a good job is another matter. Obviously you fit the Taiwanese prescribed racial profile for good English teachers on Taiwan.
Most people make up their minds on whether they like Taiwan or absolutely hate it within the first few month. I have met very few people (locals included) who claim to love Taiwan. The vast majority of the people who stay for prolonged periods have family here or have masochistic tendencies (like myself).
You can make e pretty good living but it takes a little bit of intelligence to make and save some decent money.
Please read this;
http://www.geocities.com/taiwanteacher2002/Success.html

Good luck,
A.