Job Discussion Forums

[B0RGNINE]

Hello all,

I have some questions about finding university work in Taiwan, but before I start, I just need to mention that I cant' get the search function to work on my computer for some reason. I've tried three different browsers (Firefox, Chrome, and Explorer) and all I get is a blank white screen. Anyone else have this problem? I'm assuming it's not a problem with Dave's search engine, but something going on with my computer. Anyway... just had to mention that before I have 10 people berate me for not knowing how to/being too lazy to perform a search.

I'm interested in working in Taiwain. I know there is work for English teachers there, but I'm more interested in teaching adults, and more specifically, doing university work.

About me (list style to save time/space... I tend to be long-winded):

AGE/SEX/MARITAL -

36/male/single without children or dependants

EDUCATION -

MA (Curriculum and Instruction - TESL)
BA (English Lit.)


QUALIFICATIONS -

Colorado State Teaching License (Secondary English Language Arts)
Colorado State Professional Teaching Endorsement (TESL - Linguistically Diverse Education)

EXPERIENCE -

April 2010 � Present: teaching English conversation classes at a private language school Chiba, Japan

April 2009 � August 2009: Taught accredited English classes at a college in Kawasaki, Japan

January 2006 � August 2008: Taught English for Academic Purposes at a university Intensive English Program in Denver, Colorado, USA

July 1999 � July 2002: Was in the JET program as an ALT in Sapporo, Japan

PUBLICATIONS -

not published

-----------------
I'm currently trying to find a university position in the Tokyo area (because I speak Japanese, have an established social circle, and have a fantastic girl here... all hard things to give up) but competition is really tight right now for uni positions, and I need to consider other options if things don't work out here.

My education and qualifications I know aren't bad, but there are a lot of people out there with similar quals but who have more experience than me. And I'm not published (I may start working on this soon, but even so, I doubt anything will be ready to include on my CV before the spring which is when my contract is up here in Japan). Unfortunately, the schooling for the teaching license, ESL endorsement and my MA wasn't cheap, and I have some extremely hefty student loan debt in the States. I wouldn't be so concerned about money otherwise and would consider teaching anywhere I think I might be happy living regardless of how much I'd be paid, but under my current circumstances if I'm unable get a handle on this debt over the next couple of years, I'll be under it for a very very long time. It's rather a make or break situation for me at this point.

Considering the above, what kind of options do I have available for me in Taiwan? Under a realistic scenario, what can I expect to be paid, how much might I be able to save, and what kind of paid time off is offered?

Thank you everyone.

NOTE: you may see a modified version of this same posting on a couple of the other boards, notably: Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea and Malaysia. Thanks for understanding.

[creztor]

Snowballs chance in hell. I don't know about Japan but the majority of work teaching in Taiwan is children, not adults. If you are finding it difficult to get work teaching at a uni in Japan, then I can only say that you will find it near impossible in Taiwan. Unis advertise when they need teachers but it isn't often. Also, many jobs aren't advertised and are taken by people with friends/contacts etc. You'll earn, at best, about the same as those teaching children, 50kish a month. You'll probably be able to save half of that, at most and I would say probably 1/3rd is more realistic. Someone with more experience working in a uni can chime in and give you some advice, but I would say look elsewhere. I believe finding enough hours at just universities isn't something that is easily achieved, especially if you are just stepping off the plane.

[Seymour Glass]

There seems to be a few posters here that are teaching in universities and I'm sure they will chime in soon. For the most part, universities hire for the fall semester starting in the beginning of the spring semester, so keep your eyes peeled then. Two places that seem to have a recurring ad running are the Yuan Zhe University on Zhungli (ChungLi) in Taoyuan County and the Chinese Culture University School of Continuing Education in downtown Taipei. They are usually advertised on Tealit. From what I hear from a friend of mine who has worked in a university here and in Korea, Korea offers a much better deal for someone with credentials like yours. He told me in Korea they pay even more for an ESL master's than a PhD in another major. Korea is closer to Japan of course which would make it easier to keep tabs on your wonderful girlfriend...

[forest1979]

I wouldn't wish to be negative but it is necessary to be realistic.

OP - I'd put your chances of a university post at near zero. The only way I could see you getting work is if a university has to fill a post at the last moment.

There's numerous factors that count against you. The first is you are not in Taiwan. That makes you difficult to interview - yes, a telephone interview can be conducted but it's not the same as a face to face one, and this is the favored means in Taiwan. Secondly, you're a MA holder. No problem per se but not the same as having a PhD. Thirdly, no publications, no research grants...not ideal! Fourthly, no higher education experience in Taiwan. Not a prerequisite but certainly helpful on an application. Fifthly, and there's been much debate about this, Taiwanese universities whilst recruiting Ma holders these days are less inclined that what they were a few years ago, and have a tendency to go for PhD holders now (when they can). Part-time work certainly could be had at a university with just a MA but someone off a plane surviving on a part-time income is only possible when backed up by a willingness to eat up your savings.

My advice, write Taiwan off. Stick to where you are. If you know the world is getting competitive them my advice is do something about it. No university worth its salt will employ someone with zero publications/none or limited conference experience. If you want to work in a university get the CV filled up with the necessaries, otherwise forget it, and as one person on this thread implied, just teach kids.

[B0RGNINE]

Hey Forest, thanks for the frank advice. I just needed to get a feel for what might be possible, and not having ever been to Taiwan or knowing anyone that's worked there, I wouldn't have the faintest as to what chances I'd have.

Though, I would have to disagree with you about a decent university hiring someone who's unpublished. Sure, if I were hoping to be hired to teach applied linguistics, or courses on phonetics and orhography, then fine, published work may indicate an advanced knowledge of some kind especially if the work is associated with the courses I'd be teaching. However, I teach basic listening/speaking, reading/writing, grammar, and conversation classes. Occasionally, I've been called to teach English For Academic Purposes. Using a communicative approach to teaching modals hardly needs someone who is published (much less a PhD holder) to be done effectively (though reading some things written by such people doesn't hurt one's practice, and I've done plenty of that). It's more method than science. But of course, this doesn't necessarily stop anyone from using either of those things as criteria for hiring.

Anyways, just had to be said.

Oh, and I'd rather not teach kids. It's just not what I want to do. I'd rather just go back to the US and teach at a uni Intensive English Program and get paid less.

Again, thanks for the insight.

[Shimokitazawa]

[123Loto]

If you're intent on making money, you should consider ME... UAE, etc better pay than Korea even.

[forest1979]

I think the OP was asking for some realism.

Suggesting the UAE might be good on paper but being a small country with relatively few universities, and tax free salaries, means jobs are very competitive when it comes to advertisements. I don't want to be negative but I got the impression that the OP was asking for somewhere to get experience, and who knows after try for a plum job somewhere. I doubt the OP is suited to getting work in the UAE. Most jobs require middle eastern experience and a PhD.

[123Loto]

Weeell, if he's after other things than money i.e. the lifestyle or other reasons for being in SE asia then of course he should take a closer look... but I think most people would agree that the money is better in the UAE (also elsewhere in the ME) and there is nothing wrong with his qualifications or experience in that respect... anyway; this is the taiwan forum so I think you've given him some good info as far as that!

[forest1979]

General TEFL industry rule: the higher the pay the more applicants for jobs.

UAE is a high demand place. On top of that there's the view that persons working in that part of the world need Middle Eastern experience. And often a PhD too. Having a teacher's license is not always what is required. It's the potential to teach well in the culture and research. Hence my earlier comment to the OP to build his CV up where he is currently based. Do the conference rounds, get papers into journals. Register maybe for a PhD. Without these things it's difficult to get looked at when 80 or so other applicants apply for a university post.

[123Loto]

I reckon you often give really good advice on this forum, forest, but I have to say that in this case you are overestimating the qualifications required to work in the UAE.

He could walk into a similarly well paid job in Saudi tomorrow - but with a little more effort he'd also make it into UAE no problems.

There is an inference on the ME forums (from people who live in the area) that it is necessary to have a PhD to work in the UAE. This is far from the case. The facts on the ground are much different.

Teaching experience seems to be enough to get your foot in the door.

Frankly, I've always understood from your posts that you personally work in a uni, not because of the money but because you like the actual job and you enjoy living in Taiwan.

These are good reasons to be here. However, the money and opportunities in the UAE for a guy like you, for instance, are excellent and beat Taiwan hands down.

Same goes for the OP.

(I should point out, though, that the time of year to apply is June/July... not so easy now)

[modal_particle]

You've got a shot. I found a job here with less experience than you. As for the spring, it's rare, but one of my foreign, MA-holding co-workers was hired in the spring. I'd say you could realistically save about $600USD/mo, more if you want to live a spartan lifestyle or you're willing to take side jobs, which are not illegal but typically forbidden or severely restricted by your contract.

[forest1979]

Loto - I don't disagree with your comment about jobs in Saudi. Yes, many are available but often the conditions of work are pretty awful and the living conditions - compound living arrangements - don't always add to the quality of life. I've known people who have worked in Saudi Arabia at universities are they have done quite well financially - simply because living on a compound means there is little to spend money on! However at the first opportunity they have bolted big time out of the region and say in comparison that SE Asia is streets ahead (in terms of quality of life).

[forest1979]

Loto - Don't worry. My plans are afoot to hit new areas of the world! Thanks for the encouragement.

[123Loto]

Good luck forest!