Job Discussion Forums

toofarfromtheocean · Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 3 Location: xi'an

Hi!

I'm finishing a year of teaching in the PRC in the end of August and I'm thinking I'd like to move to Taiwan, mainly to boost my income while continuing to nurture my remedial Mandarin.

Does anyone out there in cyberspace have any advice for me? I'd be particularly interested in hearing from people who have made this move recently, but generaly getting settled tips are also welcome.

Specifically:
- What's the best way to physically *get* from the mainland to Taiwan? How do I get a visa?
- I've got it in my head that Taiwan is basically China with more money and slightly saner trafic. What other differences should I be prepared for?
- Should I get a franchise job before I come or just show up? I'd be arriving early Sept.
- How much money do I need to get me by till my first paycheck? For extra points, tell me in kuai. : )

Thanks in advance!

Sarah

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

I suggest you make a stop in HK and get a 60 day multi-entry tourist visa while there. You don't need to have a job before you arrive. You can find one after you get here.

Taiwan is a very democratic country compared to China. They have demonstrations and political rallies all the time. They also have every western convenience you can think of, 7-11 on every corner, western style grocery, Hang-Ten stores, BlockBuster, ect. You can get cable or satellite TV with CNN, 7 movie channels including HBO, Discovery, National Geographic and others. English language books can also be found in the bookstores.

People will give a wide range of figures for the amount of money you will need to get set up. Some of it will depend on what city you are considering living in. Get you money changed into HK dollars or US dollars. My friends came with rmb and had a hard time changing it and got a very bad deal. 1 rmb = 3.77NT

toofarfromtheocean · Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 3 Location: xi'an

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

I assume that you meet the minimum requirements for teaching in Taiwan - native speaker, minimum of BA degree etc. Your plan sounds fine and I'm sure that you will find your budget ample for the first month.

I would fly through Macau or HK. I would think that taking a boat would be something of an inconvenience, and am not sure that a passenger vessel to do this would even exist.