Job Discussion Forums

chinaboytian · Joined: 13 Sep 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Tianjin

I am a veteran China ESL-er coming to Taipei in Oct. 1st. I have some questions for you Taiwan veterans.

I am 55 and weigh 200 lbs and 5'8". Can I find a reasonable job after the school semester has started (in October) in a bushiban or teaching children or adults? Will my age make it hard? I have a masters (not in ESL) and three years ESL experience.

Can I go out to Hong Kong to a Taiwanese visa office to get my working visa, after I get a job in Taipei?

How many weeks of pounding the pavement would it average to find a reasonably paying job? 1200-1400$ US$?

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

I think you will be able to find work easily, especially in the big cities (Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung). There is some ageism in Taiwan, but it shouldn't be a major problem. Your degree and experience should be a big plus. Your masters degree would allow you to teach at an institute of technology or university. The pay is not great, but you would have a lot of free time, and get 3-4 months off each year without pay.

For more information about finding work in Taiwan, read over the links and articles here:

http://www.geocities.com/allhou/taiwan.htm

Taylor · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 384 Location: Texas/Taiwan

Dear Chinaboytian,

I would imagine that a school such as Global Village, David's English, or Wall Street might be your best bet.

These schools cater mostly to adults and offer classes throughout the day and evening.

The earliest that you could teach at a college would be after Chinese New Year (Feb. 2006).

It sounds like you just need to decide on which city is most suitable for you.

Best wishes,

Taylor
Kaohsiung

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

Be advised that the job market outside of Taipei is seasonal. I would advise starting in Taipei then moving to other areas after you have been initiated into the ways of ESL teaching on Taiwan.
Prospective Taiwan teachers.
Please read this.
Link to Success!

Good luck!
A.

kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

Age can be a benefit, but why stick to the cram schools? If you are able to wake before noon, there are several private and even government schools that would be thrilled to have an experienced and educated teacher on staff- and if you can't secure a position before October, fear not: that's the exact time when the first wave of newbies throw in the towel, making it even easier to secure placement.

After two years teaching at one of The Big cram schools, I switched to a private high school ESL program, and it was a great move. If you want real challenge and recognition, and even prospects, not to mention bottomless opportunites for hours (paid extra), this is a far more promising strategy. (Though I must admit they throw in the stress for free!)