Job Discussion Forums

[Miu284]

Hi!~ I am a female Asian American who has a TEFL certificate and a BA in Psychology.

I want to teach Taiwan. I have finally decided I shouldn't put it off any longer. I have been dragging my feet with this decision due to all of the past posts in this forum and things I have heard from people. My college loans are finally kicking in and I am worried about all of the costs getting to Taiwan will have on me. A friend has also told me it is better to just go to the country and apply in person instead of doing it online. Right now with the economy and my very small diminishing bank account I don't know if that would be a good idea since Taiwan schools usually do not help out with airfare or living assistance.

I have also heard that with my credentials I will only be able to work in a private school or cram school in Taiwan. Is there anyway for me to work in a public school? Would I only be able to work in a High school and is a University out of the question since I do not have my Master's?

I have also heard that schools are more likely to hire a Caucasian person instead of a Black or Asian looking person. I am probably a B2 level speaker in Mandarin, but my writing skills are more like an A1 to A2 level. Would schools take this into consideration at all? I do have friends and family who live in Taiwan, but with the economy crashing I don't know how it will affect me and I really don't want to bother them.

I am currently in Central America teaching English to native Spanish speakers and I am leaving in the middle of July. Would it be too hard to find a job in Taiwan during this time?

One last question. I have heard that Korea is more likely to help with room and airfare. I do like Korean things (food, clothes, etc.) but I don't know much Korean. I am wondering if Korea would be a better choice than Taiwan for me. I would appreciate any replies. Thank you in advance!~

[Nevermind]

[Taylor]

Hello Miu284,

Good to hear from you. As far as teaching in Taiwan, almost anything is possible.

You asked:

I have also heard that with my credentials I will only be able to work in a private school or cram school in Taiwan. Is there anyway for me to work in a public school? Would I only be able to work in a High school and is a University out of the question since I do not have my Master's?

Let me tell you, private cram schools are the way to go. (Less Bureaucracy, Smaller Classes, Steady Hours, etc.) The pay is all about the same, in most cases ($17-20 USD per hour).

I think you need to let your background work for you. For example, you could probably get a lot of private classes since you are an Asian-American female. By this I mean that many Taiwanese might feel more comfortable having you come into their homes.

Do you like teaching little kids? If so, you might could focus on teaching children 10 and under. They are really cute and learn quickly!

Have you even visited Taiwan before? You'd need to figure out which city suits your interests and personality. (Translation: Taipei and Tainan are very different!)

Well, that's all for now! Feel free to e-mail me back directly at taylorclint 'at' gmail.com

Clint T.

P.S. I'd love to hear about your experiences teaching English to Spanish speakers.

[OuterBanks13]

Hmmmm...Asian teaching Asian English. It shouldn't be taboo, but you never know given the administrators at some of the language mills. Best of luck to you.