Job Discussion Forums

[vallillo1983]

Hey, i was wondering if you could help me? I am going to be moving to TW and i was wondering, I keep hearing stuff that Hess and Buxibans are no good to work for but coming straight from the UK means I will not be in Taiwan to look for a job! So can I ask, How is it possible to look for jobs at decent private schools or just decent schools if all the ones advertised are for Buxibans!?!?! (is the way forward to work for a buxiban if I'm coming from the UK, then once in Taiwan look for decent work??)

Also, I have tried to learn Mandarin and it's so difficult!!! Has anyone learnt it while working in Taiwan?? How long did it take?? Do most people learn speaking but not reading??

Oh is it true, in th near future there will be a shortage of jobs?

Cheers!!

[clark.w.griswald]

[kuberkat]

Vallillo, i hope you found my reply to your PM useful, but for the sake of posterity let me publicly second the informed opinion of ccg above.

The Taiwanese nation was built on loopholes and connections, and it can be frustrating and unfair, but that's how it is. Many a foreigner has got a raw deal, but then the foreign teachers hardly have a perfect track record either. To say the very least. Most employers are so overjoyed to find the ooccasional polite, prepared, native speaking soul in their classroom that they will lay down their lives for one. In the several years I spent in Taiwan, I found the loyalty with which my humble efforts were rewarded, almost embarrassing. Guanxi is the name of the game, and if you want to win, you do need to play it. But loyalty does need to be earned.

Pay heed to the experiences of those who have been burnt, but also do keep in mind that a) Taiwan's workings can be inscrutable to foreigners and b) you may not be hearing the whole story.

As to the large groups like Hess, Joy, Shane etc., for anyone who is new to Taiwan and TESOL their very structured approach can be a blessing. No smaller school- even if it is more professional- can give as much backup and opportunity for development. I would strongly recommend one or two years at one of these before teaching elsewhere.

[kuberkat]

Oh, yes, and about Mandarin, it is amazing how many foreigners are becoming really fluent now. Good on us: if we expect our students to learn a language, surely the teacher must be able to perform the same task (in a full-immersion environment!).

Personally, I struggled on my own with an array of materials for six months. Then I joined a course. After three months in a class, I didn't need interpreters any more- even for rentals and taxes and banking. And Pizza Hut never put peas or corn on my pizza again.

Quality Chinese classes are held by TLI in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung, and you will find others. Language exchange can work if both parties pull their weight, and most Taiwanese will be tickled pink to teach you anything. Just ask.

People will have huge appreciation for your efforts, and you are doing yourself a great favour by learning a language that is becoming so significant globally. And the best part is that Chinese culture is dead set on giving face, so even broken Chinese (or especially broken Chinese?) is always complimented.

[Welshguy]

I'd go along with all of the above.

It makes a huge difference to interrelations when they percieve you as at least trying to learn to talk with them and as they guy says, no more pizza with peas. Language exchange generally has a premium, two hours of yours for one hour of theirs was the going rate (its also cheaper to hire a one to one chinese teacher than pretty much all of us would work for)

TLI is reputable and I would have stayed longer but discovered that I am much better at teaching language than learning the damn stuff!!

[vallillo1983]

When you're commenting on the language are you refering to just spoken Chinese or also writing and reading??

cheers