Job Discussion Forums

[ecole]

I have a couple of questions that I hope some experienced folks might be able to help me with.

First, my boyfriend and I are looking to travel together and hopefully live together as well. What are our chances of getting a job in the same school so that we can do this. We are both university granduates ( I have a BA as well as a BEd) and are TESOL certified.

Second, I am wondering about teaching in Taiwan. Is it a good place to start? Is it an enjoyable place to live?

Third, is it better to accept a "package" deal or contract before we go, or should we take our chances at going there first.

Fourth, are "package" contracts all that they are made out to be?
I realize that this is a lot of questions, and I hope that I don't sound too naive, or stupid.

Thanks

[Girl Scout]

I don't know what you mean by "package" contract. I currently work in Taiwan with my husband at the same school. My school provides an apartment for an incredibly small monthly fee, a lot of resource materials, books in the classroom and one meal a day. What they don't have is any sense of curriculum or continuity in they teaching methods or ... or ... or... anything when it comes to education.

Besides that, the pay is good and I have learned how to dazzle my employer with too much information and a lot of smiling so she leaves me alone in and out of the class.

Taiwan is a frustrating place to live at first. The language barrier, lack of information and communication. Even if you speak Chinese the people can't understand you because it's coming out of a foriegner mouth.

The food is great and cheap. There's lots of random and strange entertainment. Getting away for a weekend can be easy and beautiful. And sometimes you make some really good friends here. There is a large support group here so even if you do have problems there are people who have been through it before.

Taiwan does have a lot going for it and it is a good place to start.