Job Discussion Forums

karelsvoboda · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 4

This is intended for prospective newcomers to Taiwan.

If you are considering coming to teach in Taiwan, feel free ask me some questions about jobs, accommodations or anything else you may want to know, I'll be happy to reply.

I've been in Taipei for over 2.5 years and still enjoy it. It's not always a breeze and Taiwan is not a utopia nor a gold mine but it's good fun.

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

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

Welcome aboard.

I think that the more people who use this forum the better it will be, and the personal experiences that we each share are valuable. As we all know there are procedures and rules in place here in Taiwan, but that these procedures are not always followed in ways that we would expect them to be followed. Whilst I personally don�t place much value in opinions that tend to over generalize, I do think that the most valuable information we can all get is the personal experiences of people here in Taiwan. I am sure that in the time this new poster has been here, that he or she has encountered things that others will have questions about. The information that this person can offer is going to be potentially more valuable than any scaremongering that other users of this forum are know for.

As to the question as to why this person has not become involved sooner, well I don�t think that there is necessarily any meat in that question. I don�t recall being involved in any message board discussions about life in Taiwan for the first seven years that I was here. This does not mean that I didn�t have any experiences to offer. I don�t know why I started posting on these boards, but I do know that it has now become a habit for me, as I am sure it has become for many regulars.

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

karelsvoboda · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 4

I didn't realize my motivation would be put under a microscope. Perhaps this is a right of passage everyone has to go through.

I know there are a lot of people who have lots of opinions, suggestions and advice to give. I think everyone has a different take on life in Taiwan and like clark said personal experiences are varied and can by valuable to some.

I have been out of Taipei, although not that much. I did a trip around the island and generally hover in northern taiwan.

I am just looking for more than teaching so that's one of the reasons I decided to get involved on the board.

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

Welcome KS. Another voice in this semi-arid desert of a forum is always welcome.

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

Incredible Ape · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 10:15 am Post subject:

I second (third?) that. Totally agree with what you said about Forumosa. Wear flame retardent clothing if you put your head in that particular lion's mouth.

wood · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 202

It's always good to get new people contributing.

Ignore those who discourage you and, more importantly,
ignore their attacks, as they may or may not apply to your
situation.

logician · Joined: 15 Jan 2004 Posts: 70

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

karelsvoboda · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 4

As for contacting government schools. As far as I know the policy for hiring foreigners in government schools has changed. I beleive begining in the 2005/2006 school year all teachers working for public schools have to have a teaching degree. Same applies to privately owned billingual elementary and secondary schools. Please correct me if this has changed.

If you have the necessary qualifications, I would definately call them. The best time to get these jobs is from now to June and then at the end of the summer break. There is a list of all schools, government and private on buxiban.com. They give a rating and have comments from teachers and administrators alike. You have to register to use this site, it's free and takes about 2 days. I belive it's better to be proactive so why not call.

As far as apartments are concerned. Generally, you need to sign a lease for a year or take over someone else's. Rooms come up all the time. Breaking a lease is not a problem as long as you find a replacement. Also be prepared to pay a 2 month deposit. If you are staying for a short time and don't want hassle, you could consider a hostel. One that is designed for students and teachers is Mandarin Hostel. They are relatively new and provide rooms in an apartment so it's not really a hostel. You won't be crammed in with 10 other people. Check out their website www.mandarinhostel.com. I am not sure where their apartments are located but they may have one near the university you are going to.

As for me, my work schedule varies as I teach mainly adults so my salary varies. I make somewhere between 60 and 100 per month working 25-35 hours/week.

wood · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 202