Job Discussion Forums

SpedEd · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 143 Location: Shanghai

Hello people:

I know I have asked some very elementary questions, but I wish to know how long it may take to find a job in a medium or large-sized city in Taiwan. Does anyone have good or bad stories to share about their first job search on site over there? Thanks to all.

BJ · Joined: 03 Dec 2003 Posts: 173

I arrived in sunny Taoyuen in early 91. Took 2 weeks before my first job. i didnt want to work for a chain school (Hess, Joy, Frobel) and spent the next 4 months getting hours. First the Wednesday/Saturday afternoons and tues thursday evening with one school 14 Then a language school for adults 4 hours initially changing to 8 hours. 2 x 2 hour kindys (800 an hour - back in 91)

so around 20 hours for the first 4 months raising to 40 hours at the end of my first year (mainly companies) AFter 3 years I landed my first university job, and that was the beginning of the better stages of teaching in Taiwan

If you dont take a chain school this is pretty normal, However I was one of the few white faces in Taoyuen and took 6 months to find where the rest hung out:) After that it was plain sailing

forest1979 · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 507 Location: SE Asia

You can find a job before you arrive. Taiwan has plenty of language schools that are advertising year round for work, although certain times of the year are hotspots for recruitment. One tip: do as much research as you can before coming about potential schools, etc. Michael Turton has an excellent website on teaching English in Taiwan. If you haven't been there yet then do so immediately.

dreadsword · Joined: 05 Oct 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Winnipeg, Canada

I'll save you some searching, as I've been doing a lot of my own in advance of a planned february move to the island:

- most will recommend arriving first and looking in person
- how quickly you find a job depends on the quality of school you're seeking. I have one friend that started a lousy cram school job in 6 days after landing, and one that took 2 months.
- if you want to get a job before arriving, be cautious! Big chain schools (hess and the like) appear to be a sketchy proposition. If you want to use a recruiter, John Dewey and Reach to Teach appear to be forum approved; all others are at your own risk.

reach to teach: http://www.reachtoteachrecruiting.com/
dewey: http://www.esldewey.com.tw/

I've had some good correspondence so far with Richard at RTT, and I think my wife and I may set up jobs through them.

BigWally · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:31 am Post subject:

no offense dread, but most will not recommend arriving first and looking....its probably closer to a 50-50 split....

there are advantages and disadvantages to coming and having a hard landing (no job lined up) versus a soft landing (job lined up)....it depends on the criteria that the OP is looking for in a job...if you can find what you want with a chain school, then why not get everything set up in advance, it sure makes those first few weeks easier (especially for people who dont have any experience traveling)...

do some more reading on the site, this topic has been talked to death, pros and cons of both sides, good reputable chains, techniques if you are coming over cold....etc....

just read, read, read....that is probably the most helpful advice, that way you can make the best decisions for yourself...

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

If you do feel the need to have a job 'secured' before you arrive, which I recommend against, make sure you know which town you will head to. You probably won't want to spend a year in a small town miles from anywhere which a large chain may insist on. Also make sure that it is a school and not a recruiter or consultant company. Make sure that your contract is with the school directly.

rmarqua2921 · Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 21

If you have a teaching certificate, you can have one tomorrow...Watch out for the agents here...I work for the public schools of Hsinchu. Hsinchu must be about 3rd or 4th largest in Taiwan...one hour and 15 minutes fromTaipei...excellent public transportation...let me know if you are interested...Robert

rmarqua2921 · Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 21

Oh, I am American working as a teacher here, not a recruiter...I teach in teh elementary school...it is important to know that in Taiwan you do not pay income taxes if you teach elementary. Robert

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

48 hours

momworld · Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 7 Location: soon to be Korea

I am interested in teaching in Taiwan. I have a CELTA and a US teaching certificate. I am 51 and have a daughter who travels/lives with me. I currently have a job in Korea that I have held for 3 yrs. and make enough money...but I hate winter and get a only a few weeks a year off.

I would like to know more about working in the public schools....the number of hours required to be at the school, and the amount of paperwork that has to be done....

thanks.

Miyazaki · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 635 Location: My Father's Yacht

momworld · Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 7 Location: soon to be Korea

Thanks for the speedy reply....I am not against working or prepping(would much rather teach than watch the kids goof off) ....Just have a need to be close enough to check on my daughter, perhaps at lunchtime ...maybe there are other avenues.

rmarqua2921 · Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 21

I work 40 hours a week. I am required to teach 24 classes a week. I teach Grades 3, 4, 5, 6...Most of my classes are in the morning, two in the afternoon on Monday and Thursday. I have a co-teacher for every class. I am required to prepare lesson plans, but the curriculum and materials are set. I am 65 and find it one of the most satisfying and easy jobs I have ever had. The students are generally very motivated and excited to learn English. The administration in most part are very helpful and supportive.

I also teach an intensive course to elementary in a private school, from 4:30 to 6:00 Monday to Friday. Therefore, I work about 10 hours Mon.-Fri., but no weekends. I make almost $3000 US. I also have one private student on tuesday nights. The living conditions here and the friendly people make this one of the most comfortable countries I have lived in.

It gets cold here in the winter also, but I don't find it difficult and of course no snow.

If interested let me know and I can help you I know a few people in the public schools, be careful of agents here. It is better to deal directly with the schools, because each public school hires their own foreign teachers.

Robert

momworld · Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 7 Location: soon to be Korea

Sorry yall to keep this thing going...but one more question..ok 2
When does the year start for public schools in Taiwan?
Is there a paid break OR a school break? (as in how many weeks of vacation time do you get per year) thanks again, jan