Job Discussion Forums

[blateson]

Since those seem to be the next closest cities or places outside of Taipei, generally not good or? On another thread saw some hints of the places not being good but I haven't been there. A school chain I am applying says they only have positions there but I very much want to stay in Taipei my first year as convenience and the comfort it offers are near the top of the list. But I should still be all ears to hear what those two places are like, and just as well, FROM those places is it really easy to bus back into Taipei Main area -- such as several long trip buses running daily -- or not? price, travel times? thanks.

[MomCat]

I've only spent a couple of months each (so far) in both Hsin Chu and Taipei so more experienced hands may have more to offer.

My impression is that Hsin Chu has less pollution and much less public transportation. There are busses but they don't run as often and only cover a few major routes. There's a train into Taipei that takes an hour and a half and a "Freeway" bus (no stops) that takes an hour. The bus also lets you off at the train station. It runs every 20 min or so. The bus is $110 during the week and $130 on the weekend, don't remember the price of the train.

Hsin Chu is smaller so if you're walking it's more compact so things are closer together and more convenient. Also I find more people speak English in Hsin Chu than in Taipei. I haven't found Hsin Chu less convenient but I live on one of the few bus routes.

Cat