Job Discussion Forums

DMPT · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 71

May I just ask how easy it is to switch to Taiwan.

I've a nice school in China where I only teach adults (16+), between 1-8 stu's per class, the curriculum is fully set up with full LP's for all the levels. It's all pretty rosie... but will probably move on soon enough.

I've a Degree, a 2 week TESOL Cert (not the 120 hr's kind), an online TEFL thingy and a little bit of experience (about 7 months).

I really only wish to work in the same kind of conditions (adults, 1-10 stu's per class), are positions like this easy to find in Taiwan, or even organise before you arrive? And are schools generally helpful in the visa assistance dept?

Thanks.

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

You might find that either Wall Street or Berlitz have the kind of classes you're looking for.

A couple of caveats: Lesson plans and fully set up curriculum does not equal no prep work and both of these schools pay hourly, on the low side, and are often not able to offer a lot of hours. you might want/need other work to augment your income.

Taiwan, unfortunately, doesn't usually offer the same kind of "soft landing" jobs that China has.

Not knowing where you are in China makes it a little hard to answer the "how easy is it to switch" question. My personal experience is that Taiwan is cleaner, easier to get around in, has more motivated students, and it's easier to meet/cultivate friends with similar interests. You also won't get starred at as much, see as many people pissing in the street or slip on as many luggies.

However, if you've been living in Shanghai and move to a smaller city here, that probably won't be your experience.

Good luck,
Cat

Toe Save · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 7:57 am Post subject:

Actually, Wall Street pays a salary, albeit on the lower end of the spectrum. 27 contact hours and 3 office hours for less than 55k/month.

As for prep and correcting, WSI has none. You'll learn their "system" in a matter of weeks and then lather, rinse, repeat ad infinitum. Be warned, do not aspire to management here (or most places for that matter).

As well, alot of companies do indeed offer a soft landing inasmuch as an airport pickup and 1-2 weeks accomodations. KoJen for sure does that.

Taiwan also has its share of street leakers, luggie hawkers and racist gapers. Surely not as many as MC does, but plenty enough to go around.

Momcat, I am not trying to disenfranchise you of your opinions, just that my experience differs from what you've claimed.

So I thought I'd share.

Cheers.

DMPT · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 71

Alright cheers, that tealit.com looks interesting.

MomCat · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 297

TS, No prob. I know my experience here is both limited and different that the experience of some of the other posters. I try to always make that clear when I write. I think part of the benefit of this forum is to be able to collect a variety of viewpoints.

A "soft landing" in China is a lot more than an airport pickup and a couple of week's housing. It was that difference I was referring to. The OP was asking about the switch from the Big Red to here. It was specifically that question I was addressing. After becoming immune to the hit-and-run "HELLO"s and the unrelenting stares and filth of a smaller city, Hsinchu is blessedly polite and clean.

Thanks for the correction on Wall Street. My impressions of them came from a rep at the Guangzhou branch. (undoubtedly twisted by an inaccurate memory).

Cat