Job Discussion Forums

SoCalRob · Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 6 Location: Los Angeles

So, when I come to Taiwan in Feb. I will be a true �newbi.� I will have no teaching experience to go along with my B.A. I am wondering if getting my CELTA or TEFL (I don�t think I got that abbreviation right) before I come will help me get a job and/or make more money. What do you experienced veterans think? Should I just come over, or would it be worth my time to get a certificate? � And it I get a certificate, which one?

jason_seeburn · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 399 Location: Toronto

killian · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 1:47 am Post subject:

"which one?" is right.there are so many dubious ones that the industry is pretty much a confusopoly. i have met a few newbies with CELTAS (the industry benchmark?)and they were pretty much alright. not having one is OK. some people are lost in front of the chalkboard and others adjust quick enough. ya never know until you try.

if you were my brother i'd say try teaching without one. if after a while you still perceive the need, then by all means go for it after you decide that this field is more than just a "once off" for you.

best wishes.

7969 · Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 5782 Location: Coastal Guangdong

edited.

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

The only real requirement for teaching English in Taiwan is that you look the part. Even if you can't teach at all. Many of the parents of students and even the students themselves are blatant racist. The problem is so wide spread they don't even see it as a problem. It is accepted as " the Chinese culture".
If you are not of the expected racial preference then certificates and diplomas may help a little, but not much.

Okami · Joined: 25 Jan 2003 Posts: 121 Location: Sunny Sanxia

The certs won't do anything for you unfortunately, except give you a few ideas about how to teach. Taiwanese will not pay extra for them and you will have to pay for them yourself and not see any return on your investment.

A better bet would be renting a motorcycle, building up contacts, and living in Taipei. It'll take about 6-9 months to get past the start up costs and culture shock, but afterwards it should be smooth sailing. Small towns and rural areas are hard to deal with. Think 1950's Mississippi and you get an idea. You'll have the police called to your house, neighbors constantly in your business/spying, and will probably be robbed. I speak from experience unfortunately. Taipei city is civil, anything outside it is not. Once you step outside Taipei city into Taipei county it subtly changes for the worst. Kaoshiung and other southern cities are just that much worse.

CYA
Okami