Job Discussion Forums

[lou_la]

How easy is it for a newbie to find a job with one of the chain schools?

I'm 23, from the UK, have a Bachelors degree (in chemistry though, not anything useful), and a 60hour online tefl diploma. Not a lot, I know, but at least it's a start! I've done a lot of language study myself though (mainly Russian and German), so that may help a little.

Is it fairly easy to get a job with somewhere like Hess? Should I apply for as many positions as I can here in the UK first, or just fly out to Taiwan?

Thanks,
Louise

[kuberkat]

First the good news. You are extremely employable in the Taiwan TEFL field and at this time of year (until mid-September) you will have no problem finding a job. Taiwan can be a great place to start out in TEFL.

And now the bad news. Taiwan can be a tough place to adjust to, from how crowded it is to the stomach-churning mysterious smells. (And since you're from the UK, consider yourself warned: people don't queue.) That is difficult enough even if you have a wonderful employer. But those are thin on the ground. Perhaps you could just hop on a plane and find a lovely job- but it's unlikely.

As an old hand who moved on from Taiwan after five years, I would strongly recommend that you get five offers online before leaving and keep your options open. Go check out the schools and talk to the foreign teachers before you sign anything. (In fact, email those foreigners before your leave home for their take on their current employers.)

Ultimately, it's your own attitude that makes Taiwan work for you or not. But a good employer makes it a whole lot easier.

Finally, I would strongly recommned to any qualified newcomer, such as yourself, to approach Hess. Some branches are better than others, but at least the company can offer you thorough training (for Taiwan, at least!) and a soft landing if you're a newcomer.