Job Discussion Forums

[mb2086]

Hi everyone. Although I've beem interested in going to South Korea for my first job I've also been recommended Taiwan and it's difficult to make the choice. Apparently the pace of life is easier in Taiwan and I understand you can generally work less and still earn decent money? But what about work contracts and student ages, etc and general conditions such as internet and utilities and TV standards? Also the thing that puts me off is the climate, especially in the summer. Doesn't the heat get to everyone? Is there air-con in the schools and accomodation and is it easy to get around? I would be grateful for any advice. Which would you choose - South Korea or Taiwan? Thanks in advance.

[jason_seeburn]

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[WorkingVaca]

I don't know where jason_seeburn lives, but public transportation in Taipei is excellent. The MRT (subway/skyline system) and buses are plentiful and air-conditioned. I don't understand why anybody would drive cars and scooters here, but that's just car culture I guess.

[jason_seeburn]

[brian]

[khmerhit]

Bunch a wimps. Try the heat in Cambodia.

[chi-chi]

This is kind of like asking whether you should go to hell or purgatory (speaking as someone in Japan right now and having worked in both places) but ok...
Korea, hands down.
While I was in Korea, I hated it, but then I went to Taiwan...
-The pay is MUCH better in Korea. Before my fiancee and I went to Taiwan, we shipped over boxes of electronics to our school, cuz it was too much to pack. The people at our school (in Taiwan) wondered how we could afford all of our stuff that we shipped.
-Traveling with pets=quarantine in Taiwan, which will drain your already stretched resources when you first arrive. Traveling with pets in Korea is a cinch, just keep in mind that they hate cats, but you will get nothing more than weird looks.
-People dress better in Korea. So you will get nicer clothes when you go shopping.
-Service is better in Korea. In Taiwan, service is good at the high-class places, but in Korea, service is good everywhere. You just have to get used to people staring at you when you go shopping.
-Other foreigners are easier to get along with in Korea. Yeah there are a lot of alcoholics, but in Taiwan there are a lot of out-and-out addicts. Now of course there are teachers in Taiwan who arent. But there are many who are. Many more who hate Americans in Taiwan, too. Of course this will be of no consequence if you are Canadian.
-More psychopaths in Taiwan. I witnessed a lot of psychotic incidents among my Taiwanese coteachers. One time I was actually threatened. Or it may have been the new guy I was training who got threatened, I am not sure. But anyway plenty of psychotic behavior.

[Wonder]

I have also taught it both Korea and now Taiwan for almost five months, so what you are getting here is early impressions.

So far the weather is better in Taiwan, but only in the winter. The winter months really suck in Korea. I was living in Seoul though. If you can manage to get a job on Jeju Island, I hear the weather is almost sub tropical.

The people here stare at me a little more than in Seoul. I should point out that I am not living in Taipei, which would be a more fair comparison. I am living in Chiayi, which is considered farm country but in my book it is a city.

Most things are inexpensive here, just like Korea. Especially the food. My main problem is having to drive a scooter everywhere. The traffic is downright life threatening. So if you don't want the added hassle and cost of a scooter, choose Taipei.

People are a little more helpful in Taiwan, overall. I found the Koreans to be a little more abrupt in their behavior toward westerners. Maybe that's just me! However, the service at sit-down restaurants is questionable at best. I stick to the little street food sellers and small Chinese restaurants who specialize in take out orders.

As far as teaching goes, there does seem to be more emphasis on actual teaching in Taiwan. They seem to care more about the progress and it is measured in tests every month, at my school anyway.

Still, I miss Seoul for its fast pace and excellent nightlife, not to mention the public transit. The subway goes almost everywhere, anytime except in the middle of the night (1-5 a.m. 2-5 on weekends) and there's taxis and busses everywhere.

And let's not forget about the Korea women. I never had a problem with the lovely ladies all over the streets day and night. Going out for milk and bread was never so much fun!

[higgins]

If you are interested in teaching then Taiwan is better. The students tend to be more motivated and generally have a higher level of English. Kindergarten jobs in Taiwan are numerous and offer decent conditions and wages. Teaching adults is also quite rewarding in Taiwan.

The people tend to be more helpful and sincere. They are not as pushy as Koreans and for the most part are very freindly towards foreigners.

The best jobs in Korea are at universities. Universities tend to offer paid vacation, both in winter and summer. Most universities advertise for MA's but I have worked at three different universities in Korea over the years. I don't have a MA. In addition, many other teachers were hired without a MA. However, the work is not challenging and most students lack motivation.

If you are interested in saving money then a university job in Korea is the best choice as you can earn a decent wage and have paid holidays.

[matthews_world]

[Wonder]

Matthew wrote: :Teachers in Taiwan are usaully paid by the hour."

Nope! Most of the people I know are paid a monthly guarantee and that means less work, more money!

Mathew wrote: |"Apartments are provided rent free."

Sweeping generalization! When I lived in Korea, I had to pay, my freinds had to pay and all of the 45 teachers at my school and the surrounding schools in downtown Seoul had to pay.

If in fact you do get an apartment rent free, it is a hassle if you want to change schools at the end of your contract because you will lose your apartment.

Rent your own! Most schools will let you lease your own apartment and compensate you if in fact they offer rent free housing. However, be highly suspicious if they do! Some owners will count of your ignorance and good faith and then before you know it, they think they own you because of provide every thing.

I have heard nightmare stories about Korean hogwan owners who blackmail people. Stay on your own if you can.

[Aristotle]

[brian]

Funnily enough I agree with Aristotle on this one. It seems to me that one best be careful when considering salaried positions. They may sound great up front, but seldom offer any real benefits over hourly pay. In fact hourly pay seems to be a much better way to go than salary IMO.

[chi-chi]

You can rent your own apt in Korea? Thats news. You must have a Korean spouse or something.
When I lived there I couldnt even buy my own phone, let alone rent an apartment. What resources, in Korea, advertise apartments? Cuz I think you must be kidding.
Chi-Chi

[mep3]

Re:

[quote="higgins"]
The best jobs in Korea are at universities. Universities tend to offer paid vacation, both in winter and summer. Most universities advertise for MA's but I have worked at three different universities in Korea over the years. I don't have a MA. In addition, many other teachers were hired without a MA. [/quote]

I read on another thread ("University Taiwan - What's Their Thinking....?") that Taiwan Uni's usually look for PhD holders (actually I have a PhD but I'm wondering how competitive the uni market is). Just wondering which is more the case. Thx .... Mep