Job Discussion Forums

[LB]

I have a couple of three year diplomas from professional institutes (obtained in South Africa years ago) that are each considered by the SA educational authorities to be equivalent to a three year bachelors degree. So same same but different. But then govt bureaucracies in Taiwan may see things differently. Any thoughts/ideas on whether this could be a major problem in getting a work permit for Taiwan for English teaching?

Thanks in advance.

[patchwork]

if it says BA on them, don't tell them it's a 3 year degree.

they won't ask if you dont' bring it up

[kamlesh]

LB, I have an almost identical dilemma. I've got a 3-year journalism diploma from a technikon, in 1997. From what I know a technikon diploma is not equivalent to a degree, although here in South Africa it is a valid tertiary qualification which offers entry to the job market. The question is: What value do the Taiwanese authorities place on a Technikon diploma?
Do other countries have technikons?
Also, I've read in some job posts that a "college diploma" is required. I assume that's in reference to American colleges. IF they accept American college diplomas, then would they also look favourably upon South African technikon diplomas? Thanks.

[kamlesh]

LB, I have an almost identical dilemma. I've got a 3-year journalism diploma from a technikon, in 1997. From what I know a technikon diploma is not equivalent to a degree, although here in South Africa it is a valid tertiary qualification which offers entry to the job market. The question is: What value do the Taiwanese authorities place on a Technikon diploma?
Do other countries have technikons?
Also, I've read in some job posts that a "college diploma" is required. I assume that's in reference to American colleges. IF they accept American college diplomas, then would they also look favourably upon South African technikon diplomas? Thanks.

[TaoyuanSteve]

I'm not an expert on such things, but it sounds like you can take option B in order to get an ARC. Option A is a four year BA, or its equivalent. Option B is the college diploma in conjunction with some form of TESL certificate. Likely one of the two will get you the coveted ARC.

[zealflyer]

Does anyone know of any kind official website that features info on the 2 Year diploma plus TESL cert option? I have to do my ARC paperwork soon and am freaked that my application will get turfed due to some small techinicality.

[scott14]

Here is the offical Taiwan Bureau of Employmnet website.

http://www.evta.gov.tw/english/evta-en-index.files/evta-en-index.htm


This is where to find the information regarding teaching qualifications. The last paragraph of article 40 answers your question.

http://www.evta.gov.tw/english/lawevta.files/wcf-01.htm


Article 40
Foreigners to be employed as foreign language teachers as specified in Article 46.1.4 in the Act should meet with following requirements. The weekly working hours in the teaching-related work should be no less than 14 ( fourteen) hours.

1. Age: 20 or above.

2. Graduation certificate from colleges or above.

3. The language to be taught by the foreign employees should be the national language used in the country specified on the passport of the employees.

The foreign employees specified in the previous Article need to obtain qualification certificate for language teaching if the employees did not graduate from ( 4-year-term) *universities or colleges overseas.

Cheers
Scott

[seanmca]

I knew someone from who worked for the biggest school in Taiwan. He didn't have a four-year degree, but his girlfriend did. The head of employment at that school photocopied her degree and wrote in his name.
Don't worry about a 3 or 4 year degree. Just tell them you have a degree.

I don't want to sound harsh, but It's Taiwan, people. There were jobs-a-plenty before SARS.

If you are in Taiwan, ask yourself these two questions.

Are you white? do you have a pulse?
If you answered yes to both those questions, you can find a job. It does not matter if you are a native speaker or not.

If you answered no to one of the previous questions, then keep reading.

Are you not-white? Do you have a passport from an English speaking country? Do you have a four-year degree?
If you answered yes to those questions, you will find a job, but you will have to look harder than a white person.

If you are not in Taiwan, and want a secure job before you go, then apply to HESS. If you have a four-year degree, they will hire you.

HESS is not the best place to work, but they will set you up and pay you on time, which is more than some schools.

[zealflyer]

Thanks Scott14. Those links are very helpful! My only concern now is that it is not specified what type of "certificate for language teaching" you must have. Does that mean that any type of TESL is accepted? Mine is only 60 course hours so I'm a little wary.

[Aristotle]

Get a TESOL/TESL certificate. There is no international certification recognized by the ROC. That means any will do. The problem is not so much your degree and credentials but your nationality.
The Government of the Republic of China non Taiwan began to more heavily scrutinize South Africans after diplomatic recognition was severed in the Mid 90's. It seems an of the cuff comment from a departing SA senior diplomat about Taiwan and South Africa having nothing more in common since the end of Apartheid caused a bit of a stir and loss of face. Being honest is a culture taboo on Taiwan.
The anti South Africa policy by Taiwan has continued and even expanded under the DPP government, it effects much more than just teachers.
Many people believe that the DPP government may be China's best tool for the continued isolation of Taiwan in the international community.
Welcome to Taiwan,
A.

[Jared]

Are distance degrees recognized by the R.O.C/Taiwan government? Also, if it only takes a year/two years to get a distance degree, can you still get a work visa for Taiwan? Also, how does the government of Taiwan know how long it took you to get that degree and why would they care?
Jared

[TaoyuanSteve]

I would be careful of degrees you can do in 1 to 2 years. They want full four year degrees or their equivalents in some countries (for some countries, a BA is three years). Be careful that your program is from a recognized university with an actual campus. There is, apparently, a list of universities for each country that are recognized by the authorities here. Like I said in my pm, I'm pretty sure Taiwan will not accept an MA done by distance for a Uni job, but I think they will accept a BA (completed by distance) from a recognized institution for a language school job.

[zealflyer]

Here's an update: my two year Communications diploma plus TESL (60 hr.) certificate went through with no problems. I was a little afraid that this wouldn't work because my diploma was issued by a Canadian technical college. The Communications program though, is affiliated with the University of Manitoba and this seems to have been good enough.

[TaoyuanSteve]

Great update! I really wish we could sticky stuff like this. Alot of people have similar questions.