Job Discussion Forums

mirabelle · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 44

hello.
i'm teaching in mainland china right now and was thinking to relocate to the "rebel" province in the fall. everything i've been reading make taiwan out to be a little more western friendly, but everyone seems to have different preferences on mainland vs. island, so i thought i'd check it out for myself. i had some questions on medical insurance i couldn't find answers to skimming the board, so i hope i didn't miss a previous post and sorry if this is redundant.

well, it seems like savings and conditions all vary. i was thinking (just for the sake of security) of trying out hess, and it seems that a lot of people advocate part-time or hourly contracts. i was wondering if hourly contracts, however, also came with national health insurance, and in general, how good the health services are in taiwan? does "national health coverage" generally include dental and vision, accident, etc. or does it vary widely?

thanks! again sorry if you've all answered this question a million times before. and if anyone has other companies or suggestions for jobhunting, salary vs. hourly, do feel free to recommend.

mb

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

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

Positions that pay by the hour are generally considered better than salaried positions. The down side can be finding the right hours in the right spot.
The optimum formula is for two part time jobs in close proximity, block hours paid by the hour.
Part time positions generally pay higher rates than full time positions and require less out of class preparation.
Most people prefer to have block hours of 3 to 4 hours with a one to two hour gap in the middle.
For example a position that pays 650 to 700 an hour for 3 hours in the morning followed by a one to two hour lunch break. The second block in the afternoon for 3 to 4 hours at another school in close proximity.
Having jobs at two schools, part time offers greater job security as you can change one of the jobs for something better and still have an income during the transition period.
Please read this.