Job Discussion Forums

[Ronnie]

About to graduate from an American college w/ a bachelors degree. I think Taiwan is my best choice in Asia. Thailand seems better to visit than live a year (for me, personally), and I've heard horror stories about racism and lack of culture in Korea (aside from traditional Korean culture of course). So that brings me to Taiwan.

I would like to know about what accomodations one can expect, teaching in Taiwan as their first ESL job. It seems like there is a lot of gray area. I know Korea pays for flight and furnished apartment. I'm pretty sure thailand pays for neither. But what about Taiwan? what kind of accomodations can I expect? and what should I require upon signing a contract as far as accomodations are concerned.

[surrealia]

Language schools in Taiwan rarely if ever offer accommodation. If you're lucky, they may help you find a place, or ask one of their staff to help you, but you will pay the rent out of your own pocket.

Apartments in Taiwan are quite cheap, especially outside of Taipei. You can get a small room for as low as $3000 - $4000 N.T. a month outside of Taipei, although it will cost you a lot more for a spacious place with a living room, kitchen, dining room, etc.

One thing I will prepare you for: apartments in Taiwan are usually not soundproof. It's almost impossible to find a place where you don't hear the constant buzz of motorcycles, or doors slamming, or dogs barking, or some other problems.

Go to tealit.com or taiwanted.com to see some ads for apartments in English.

[Ronnie]

[markholmes]

My wife and I had a small two bedroom on the outskirts of Taipei. It wasn't particularly noisy. It was in great condition and fully furnished (inc. bills) for $15,000.

Schools don't pay for flights, generally speaking.

[Ronnie]