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akmassager
Joined: 30 Nov 2008
Posts: 38
Location: Juneau, Alaska
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 Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 3:47 am Post subject: China vs. Taiwan? HELP! |
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Ok, this is my situation: I am a 45 year old male massage therapist in the states. It looks like my ten year run as an MT is coming to a close due to the economy. I have taught ESL(with no training, just through contacts) in Argentina two years ago and have resisted teaching. But now with this economy, I am thinking of TESL in China or Taiwan for a year then, coming back to the states and getting my Master's in Education. I should add that my BA is NOT in education.
OK, here are a few questions:
1. Does it matter what time of the year it is to start a teaching assignment in China or Taiwan?
2. Will I get discriminated against because of age?
3. Will I be able to save as much in China vs. Taiwan?
4. Better working conditions in China or Taiwan?
5. Is it worth taking a ESL class online, or is it a waste of time?
6. Can you pick up work on the side in either Taiwan or China?
Thanks for your help,
Akmassager |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:44 pm Post subject: |
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Having TEFLing long term in China and short term in Taiwan, I-m not an expert, but I can tell you a bit. Try also posting on the China and Taiwan forum, or PM Jzer he-s in Taiwan and arioch36, he-s in China.
Doesn-t matter that your BA is not in education. INstitutes will still hire you.
1. Does it matter what time of the year it is to start a teaching assignment in China or Taiwan? Most hire year round.
2. Will I get discriminated against because of age? Age is respected in Asia, usually as long as you-re younger than 60. If you are discriminated it will just be from a few places, and would you really want to work for them?
3. Will I be able to save as much in China vs. Taiwan? China, probably no, but you can live well. You can make more in the south, like Guangzhou. Taiwan, yes you can save, but start up costs are higher.
4. Better working conditions in China or Taiwan? Depends on the employer
5. Is it worth taking a ESL class online, or is it a waste of time? COuld be worth it, but make sure it has a real teaching practise.
6. Can you pick up work on the side in either Taiwan or China? Yes, it-s legal |
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akmassager
Joined: 30 Nov 2008
Posts: 38
Location: Juneau, Alaska
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| Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:09 pm Post subject: what do you mean start up costs higher in Taiwan? |
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| Does this mean I have to pay my own plane fare? Please explain. |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:50 pm Post subject: |
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| Nope, usually in Asia employers pay. Just ask them. It-s usually in the job advert. |
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akmassager
Joined: 30 Nov 2008
Posts: 38
Location: Juneau, Alaska
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| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 12:53 am Post subject: then what are start up costs? |
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| I still don't know what you're referring to when you say 'start up costs'? I"m just going there to teach. I really don't understand what youre talking about with this then, unless you're talking about starting up my own business. |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 2:02 pm Post subject: |
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Well, in Taiwan, it would mean renting an apartment, paying guarantee fees, utlities, maybe a phone. For all places, might have to buy food, blankets, cooking pots, utensils, bus pass, etc. Basically everything you need to live. Sure, they-ll provide stuff, like a bed, sofa, etc, but not EVERYTHING.
Hope this makes sense. |
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akmassager
Joined: 30 Nov 2008
Posts: 38
Location: Juneau, Alaska
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| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject: |
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| I thought that some places provide you with housing. At least that's what some of the ads say. Still, pots and pans don't cost that much in the long run. |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:31 pm Post subject: |
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| akmassager wrote: |
| I thought that some places provide you with housing. At least that's what some of the ads say. Still, pots and pans don't cost that much in the long run. |
Some do provide housing some don-t. In the long run no, but think about ALL the little things that you might want to provide you with creature comforts, and you-ll be out a couple hundred bucks. Plus, the fact that you don-t know where to get the cheap stuff OR speak the language, means that you-re going to be paying A LOT more than the locals. |
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JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
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| Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:42 pm Post subject: |
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I thought that some places provide you with housing. At least that's what some of the ads say. Still, pots and pans don't cost that much in the long run. |
Most schools in Taiwan do not provide housing. You would probably need $3000US to get started in Taiwan. At least $1000 for your plane ticket and $1000 for your first months living expenses. You will not see a pay check until the 10th of the month after you have started. Many but not all Taiwanese employers pay on the 10th. For example, if you started work in February you would not get paid until March 10. |
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Lhenderson
Joined: 15 Dec 2008
Posts: 135
Location: Shanghai JuLu Road
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| Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 6:07 am Post subject: |
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Ah..Taiwan is fun.
But be "avaialbe" to land a PLUM job like SBC in China and then you get the great job and the great benefits...Ju Lu Road....
Lee |
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