Job Discussion Forums

[Slowcoaster]

I have done my research and I think Taiwan is the place but at this point I need the airfare (to get me there) paid......I have heard alot of talk against recruiters, is there any other option? I have been in contact with a few recruiters and the one I would choose over the others dosen't cover airfare upfront...any suggestions??

[matchstick_man]

Sorry but if you've done your research and you are in a monetary bind you should be considering Japan or Korea as generally airfare and accomodation are paid for by your employer as most employers in Taiwan prefer to employ people already here. And generally if there is an aifare reimbursement in yaiwan you will not receive it until the end of your contract.

[Slowcoaster]

Thanks matchstick.. Does everyone agree Taiwan is not for those strapped for cash or lacking airfare??

[Pop Fly]

[TaoyuanSteve]

I pretty much agree with the others. I've virtually never heard of a school here willing to fly you over from your home country. For that matter, most companies won't even process your resident visa before you get here. Airfare reimbursement is a common perk but, as the others said, this is only given at the end of a contract. I believe this is the same situation in Japan. A few years ago, I attended an info meeting for JET. I can't recall specifically if they would pay your airfare or not. One thing I do remember is they talked at length about start-up costs. I doubt if they would take someone totally broke. My friend worked for a private company in Japan. As in Taiwan, airfare was reimbursed after completion of the contract. Korean offers are the only ones that consistently offer airfare up-front. I think the maxim that nothing is free is very wise advice indeed. Be careful. It may be in your best interest to stay at home and try to scrape up some cash before leaving.

I have however, heard of situations, as pop-fly mentions, where a school will lend you the money and deduct it later. But the ones I've heard of have been returning teachers (ie teachers previously employed here who've gone home and want to come back again).

[matchstick_man]

Nope, I'm not sure about Japan...............but I was always under the impression they played by the same rules as South Korea when it came to English teachers..............apart from the North American preference.