Job Discussion Forums

[FloridaTEFL]

Hi Everyone,
I know I'm going abroad this fall but if I go October or November will it be easy to get a job with a chain school at that time??

Also, is it rather easy to meet people who want to be friends just for the sake of being friends?? I want lots of friends but last thing I need is someone whose looking to take advantage of a foreigner in some way.
Thanks everyone!

[Girl Scout]

Making friends with Taiwanese is not that easy if you don't speak the language. They are an extremely friendly people on the whole, but it is easy to get excluded when a few of them get togther. They start talking and talking fast and nobody translates for you.

If you want to make friends with other foreigners that's extremely easy. There are activities, groups and bars all over the island.

As for jobs, it is possible to find a job most times of the year. The best jobs will be taken by Oct./Nov. There are gerenally two hiring periods, July/Aug. and Jan/Feb. The only really bad period would be during Chinese New Year.

Keep your eye on the job boards. As long as you still see schools posting you will know there are jobs out there.

[FloridaTEFL]

Thanks Girl Scout. I guess I just worry about it being a lonely experience. I tried to convince my friend but now he's got a girlfriend, blah blah...
If I may, how did you like your experience there overall in Taiwan? Would you do it again? Anyone feel free to answer this.

[Ki]

Book yourself into a hostel. Or just turn up. You will meet many other foreigners there who can also help you to look for work, check out bars, etc. You will be able to meet a lot of Taiwanese and foreigners alike at work, different clubs, bars, language school, etc. They generally won't take advantage of you and you will meet a variety of interesting people. Don't worry about coming here alone. Hostels are a great place to meet other foreigners.

Overall I hated my experience in Taiwan. I was with a certain recruiter and had a lot of difficulty with them. But I did come back because I did realise what a great place this could be with the right situation. So whilest my first situation was certainly not ideal I am much better off this time round. And enjoying it!

[Aristotle]

Making friends is one of the easiest things to do on Taiwan. With the sexual revolution Taiwan is experiencing the dating scene is probably one of Taiwan's greatest attractions. Most people have problems relating to work/visa's or living situation/ culture shock.
Few things are easy on Taiwan but that is what keeps it interesting.
Good luck!
A.

[Girl Scout]

I love Taiwan. I have been here just under three years now. My experiences have been a mix of good and bad. The good ones were quite good and the bad ones tolerable. I feel very much at home. The few local friends that I have made are very nice and patient, my Chinese is not that good.

I would stay but, I'm a little tired of always teaching children. Adult jobs are not the easiest to come by.

I'll be going to China in Aug. to teach at the college level. I know I can always come back.

You'll make friends, don't wory.

[FloridaTEFL]

Thanks for the great responses. Its fun to read peoples experiences. It seems Taiwan is what you make of it. I would prefer to get there in August but don't know how to get out of this darned apt lease. Hmmm... maybe she'll let me out of it if I tell her I'm on a secret government mission to Taiwan. We'll see.