Job Discussion Forums

[Charmer]

Hello All! I just joined the forum yesterday and this is my first post so I'm glad to join this great community I've read through a few of the posts and I like how helpful people are, so I was hoping to get some advice and feedback.

Some information about me: I'm a Chinese-Canadian male, 25 and I will be finishing university this December graduating with a BA in psychology. I also have a 2 year college diploma in Animation. I have no official teaching experience, but i do have experience working as a manager running a summer camp program for kids, and I do have volunteer experience tutoring as well. I don't have a tesol certificate, and I would rather not have to do one since I already have a lot of school loans.

I'm definitely planning on teaching in Asia early next year, so I can travel around a bit and save up some money as well. Preferably I would like to teach in Hong Kong, but I'm afraid that my lack of qualifications would limit my job opportunities since I've read that the requirements are high over there. i wouldn't mind getting a Trinity Certificate though if that would help me land a decent job.

My next two options would be either GuangZhou or Taipei. My main concern with Taipei is I only speak Cantonese and I don't understand Mandarin, so I'm afraid I would have a hard time getting around. Is it easy getting around and interacting with people over there just by knowing English? Also how much will my Chinese background affect my job opportunities with each city?

The main things I am looking for are:

1) A decent salary so I can save up and repay my loans,
2) A good social and night life, so I can meet some people and have some fun.

I'm also open to other cities if they offer similar features, but I would preferably like to live in a place where I can get by with English or Cantonese. Any advice with these cities and feedback with how I should go about doing this would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Alex

[naturegirl321]

try posting on the individual forums for China, HK, and taiwan. In asia you will most likely be teaching kids, or uni.

China is easy enough to get a job, hard to get a good paying job. Tons of people live in Taiwan that don't speak any Chinese, so you'll be fine.

Your looks will affect your ability to get a job. Some employers won't offer you jobs becuase you are Asia. Don't worry, there are plenty that will, just move along to the next one.

Taiwan has a higher start up cost than China, but then you'll make more and could save more than China, can't speak for HK, sorry.