Job Discussion Forums

[sterlingjon]

I have just completed my Trinity college TESOL course and I'm interested in working in Taiwan as I've heard it is one of the better places to go to save money while teaching. The problem is I don't have a degree so I won't be able to get an ARC. I've heard about working on the 60 day visa and doing visa runs on midnight cruises off the coast etc. But can anyone help me with some specific questions?

1. Is it possible to do Mandarin lessons and so qualify for a student visa or something similar, thereby avoiding visa runs etc?

2.How hard is it to find a job without a degree and therefore visa? I was thinking of working in Kaoshiung or Taichung.

3.What are the chances of getting caught? Do they raid schools etc? And what would they do if they caught me working illegally (besides deporting me of course)?

4.Are there other problems with working without a work visa like not being able to rent apartments, buy scooters, get health insurance etc.

I am going to be going to Taiwan in January to check the situation out on the ground. I'm going with a friend who has a degree so he can get an ARC. He might be able to help with getting apartments, scooters or whatever if I can't. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks...

[jason_seeburn]

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[Aristotle]

In all the years I have been teaching in Taiwan, I have never met anyone personally, that was caught teaching under a tourist visa. No, it is not sanctioned by the authorities but so long as you stay out of trouble you shouldn't have any problems. I have read several reports over the years about illegal teachers being fined and deported in some of the Southern counties, Kaohsiung and Taidong are two of the most prevalent. Some of those teachers had a valid ARC and were certified teachers.
Welcome to Taiwan.
Get a multiple entry visa and adapt to the local culture in terms of honesty and truthfulness. Stay out of trouble and don't concern yourself too much with the legalities of your presence here in Taiwan.
You will be fine.
A.