Job Discussion Forums

[travisncali]

Hello Everyone!

I would never consider myself as a veteran when it comes to teaching English in foreign countries, but I do have a few years under my belt. I am a bit hesitant when it comes to just showing up in a foreign country without a contract. So, I am asking the veterans for some advice. I have a few companies in Taipei that want to do "in person" interviews already, so I should be ok, but my mind is still questioning it. My questions are below. Please help me before I either pass up a great experience or make a big mistake.

1. How much should I have in liquid funds?
2. How long does it take to find a job?
3. How much is hotels? (In Korea there were bath houses, but because of my luggage I will probably need a hotel, any suggestions?)
4. What is a decent pay? I have a masters in Ed, and 8 years experience, abroad and in the states teaching k~University. I know this is a vague question with diverse answers, but I could have gotten a considerable better pay in Korea if I would have done more research.
5. Is there anyone that would put up a teacher in Taipei for week for compensation? If so please email me privately.

So my last and most important question: Should I really just show up for work in Taipei, Taiwan without a job contract or anything secure?????

Thanks for all your all your help. It is greatly appreciated.
Travis

[TaoyuanSteve]

1. As much as you can. A couple thousand will suffice. You will need something similar to obtain a 60 visitor visa, at any rate.

2. Depends on the individual. If you are ready to work and aren't fussy about relocating or age goup you will teach, one can get a job almost immediately. On the other hand, some will only work in certain areas of the capital region, and only want to teach adults. The more selective, the longer one may wait.

3. Hotels can be as low as 500nt per night, but those are really seedy places. Decent places can go for around 800 or so per night.

4. With an MA, you may at some point want to consider university work. For other jobs, however, the pay rate is set. There may be a little negotiation room, but not alot. Consider also the international schools. They pay a bit more than some other places and offer good conditions.

Answer to final question: It's best to come here and secure a jobon the ground. The best jobs rarely advertise and won't hire someone not already here.

[Aristotle]

For Taiwanese employers the biggest qualification [Taiwanese standards] is your race.
You must understand that Taiwanese adhere to Chinese cultural values and as such are incredibly ignorant racist. As a direct result of the rule of corruption on Taiwan, the one major "qualification" for teaching English here is a persons race.
Young teachers with blond hair, blue eyes and preferably ignorant are the preferred race, age and intelligence level for "foreign" teachers at Taiwanese schools.
Your actual academic qualifications, native language and criminal history are for the most part irrelevant and easily overlooked by both the occupational government and employers on Taiwan. 1000 euros is the recommended amount of money to bring but that varies with the "qualifications" of the teacher.
The amount of time to find a job differs with "qualifications", location and season.
Decent pay has declined as the number of students is declining and the number of teachers increases. Average in deflation, exchange rates and the decreasing living standard well, you get the picture.
600 NT per hour is the standard pay and has been for thew last decade but salaried positions tend to pay much less with a much higher work load and the same or less benefits.
The "official" policy of the occupational government on Taiwan is that you are not allowed to come to Taiwan to look for work. However lies and deceit are the pillars of the Chinese cultural values [rule of corruption] on Taiwan, thus coming here and finding a job is the best and easiest way to do it. I believe there are ways for schools to apply for work permits for teachers not actually in Taiwan as the regulations stipulate but I have never met anyone who has successfully applied for an received permission to work before arrival. The laws and regulations [like most on Taiwan under Chinese occupation] are simply ignored and it's business as usual.
Please read this,
10 Steps to Success on Taiwan!
Good luck!
A.

[travisncali]

Well Steve and Aristole I appreciate your help. I do however still have some reservations. I guess if I was there it would make more sense to me. I do plan to just show up on September 5. I have booked my ticket and hostel. And as for Steve, I have taught at the University of California in their IEP program and would love to find a job in Asia that could compare to such a program, but the online search has had many, and I mean many, deadends to that avenue. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate them. As for the international schools, I find them intriguing, but I plan to finish another masters in linguistics in the near future and would probably prefer some additional experience in teaching english to better my pedagogy career.

Is there any particular place in the Taipei area that foreigners hangout? It would be greatly appreciated, so I could meet some veterans around the area and also I dont want to be too bored just searching for employment when I arrive.

Cheers

[Ki]

I vote yes. Come here without a job. Though it is certainly nice to have some job contacts for when you arrive. Even look into the recruiters though be careful with them and never sign a contract with a recruiter. Honest recruiters always have your contract with a school.

[SanChong]

[travisncali]

Ki, I am sightly confused with your contradictive statement to use a recruiter, but to never sign a contract with a recruiter. What does that mean? What does it mean, that they always have your contract?

Thank you San Chong for your input. I find Aristole a bit pissimistic and negative towards the whole teaching thing. I am actually surprised that he is, or was, a teacher with such a negative view of the taiwanese people. It is especially sad that he sterotypes an entire group; so yes, I agree with your opinion.

I still do need help! I have three interviews set for the day after I get there. I was thinking about accepting a part-time job before I arrive, so I will have something, but I am not sure if the job will pay "under the." Does anyone have any opinions with this? I have seen part-time work that ranges from 600~960NT. What is acceptable there?

Thanks everyone!