Job Discussion Forums

[organix]

I have been interested in visiting (possibly teaching) in Taiwan for several years now, as I have been living in China (Shenzhen) for the past two years. I've spent a lot of time in Hong Kong, and people often lump Taiwan and HK in the same category. But I would like to know more. How exactly does Taiwan differ from HK and the mainland?

Here's a few specific questions if you dont mind...

- China has a good "culture shock" factor, which I like. Does Taiwan have this?

- How are the schools and the teaching experience different? Does the salary go a long way as it does in China?

- Are people generally open-minded and tolerant?

- How do most locals percieve and feel about the mainland? Americans? Foreigners?

- Is there a good arts and music scene? (shenzhen sucks)

- Is there a significantly large "alternative" culture of any kinds? Mainland, and even HK, seems to be largely homogenous.

Thanks for your time!

[trukesehammer]

This wouldn't be a troll, would it?

But let me see if I can do your questions any justice...

1) Culture Shock Factor: Please add details here. The CSF for me was having to look both ways before crossing the sidewalks.

2) Schools: ummm, it's hard to answer that one. I never worked on the Mainland. Maybe someone else in this chatroom can help you here. *AHEM!*

3) Open Minded and Tolerant: Depends on your interlocutor. Aristotle says this place is full of corrupt, racist, old crows. Others say the Taiwanese have an enchanting live-and-let-live attitude. Perhaps you can provide examples of what you mean by "open minded & tolerant."

4) Attitudes Towards Foreigners: maybe ambivalent would be the best answer. Here it Taiwan, it seems you can find whatever attitude you seek. My general opinion, though, is that we're tolerated, sometimes respected, sometimes considered "cute," sometimes berated.

5) Arts & Music: this scene appears alive & well, especially in Taipei, although Taizhong, Gaoxiong, and Hualian want to give Taipei a run for its money. Check local arts & theatre mags. There are plenty in English & Chinese.

6) Alternative Culture... hmmmmm. Not sure what you mean here. Maybe you should check out the Ximending, Xin-Yi, and Zhongxiao East Road districts. Lots of "aliens" hang out there, as my dad would call 'em.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask more specific questions in your response.