Job Discussion Forums

[rain dog]

Hello,
i just decided to come over to asia to teach and this is my first post. i've narrowed it to japan or taiwan, two very different places I know, and I'm having a hard time choosing where to go despite doing some research. my situation is this: i'm 24, have a ba in Communication, no college debt, no real teaching experience (I did an americorps position at an elementary school tutoring, running school reading clubs, and lots of other stuff and now work at a library doing programs for kids), no travel experience (except up to canada - but being from wisconsin it wasn't that different ) and play a little music. i'm doing this to see if i would like teaching, experience other cultures, travel, and hopefully save some money for grad school or a business adventure when/if i ever come back . i have a cousin who taught in taiwan for 6 years who ended up moving to new york with his taiwanese wife. they would love it if i went there but i admit i'm a little intimidated by the reputation of it being polluted, hot, a crazy place to drive, and in general kind of a shady-er place to teach. i'm also much more familiar with japan's exported culture i.e. music, film, religion, food...
wherever i do go i'm really excited to teach, learn the language, meet people, etc...
so my questions are these - where might i - be happier? get a better teaching experience? be less culture-shocked? make more money? hear/play good music? also if i ended up wanting to go both places where would be the better place to start?
Thanks a bunch any opinions are greatly appreciated! hope you're not annoyed at another question like this

[khmerhit]

Ive got one word for you , Rain Dog:













cambodia. try it and see.









OK-- that was five words.

Plus five more.

Plus three,

that makes..


let me see...

[wood]

[juzstylin]

I almost feel like if I don't go to Japan, I'm missing out on an opportunity. Why is it that Japan carries this reputation?

[wood]