Korean Job Discussion Forums

[yingwenlaoshi]

[yingwenlaoshi]

[iiicalypso]

I did a year in TW working in two small rural elementary schools-- one was fantastic, the other horrible. In the end, I came back to Korea.

For me, it is like comparing apples and bicycles-- rural Taiwan versus urban Korea. I rarely ventured to Taipei, although it seemed as modern and sophisticated as Seoul the few times I went there.

However, if I were to make broad generalizations, I would say that Taiwanese people are far more genuine than Koreans, and a lot easier to deal with. I had a lot of experiences of small kindness there, unlike here, where everything seems to involve a quid pro quo-- I gave you directions, so therefore I can call you up for English practice whenever I want.

Also, it seemed like problems were much easier to solve in Taiwan. This might have been a result of an outstanding boss, who really cared about the teachers and took his obligations to us seriously. He had a staff of two young women devoted to solving the problems of the 16 or so foreign teachers. It just made things so much easier, and allowed us to actually concentrate on teaching, instead of figuring out how to get cable TV hooked up. Contrast that with my current experience, where I have been here six months and my school cannot seem to get around to having internet hooked up at my house.

My pay was a bit lower, but so was the cost of living. The lifestyle was a lot more laid back in Taiwan, and the convenience stores were incredible. In the end, I left mostly because of the weather... just too hot for me.

Interestingly, all the teachers got together for Christmas that year, and about half of them had experience in Korea before going to Taiwan. It was largely agreed that Taiwan was superior in almost every way except food and nightlife... but almost everyone agreed that they wanted to go back to Korea. Evidently I am not the only one with a disfunctional relationship with this country.

[jajdude]

I had a pretty good job in Taipei in 2001-2. Not a lot of hours (20 per week or so), not high pay either, and 20% went to rent. I guess having several part-time jobs might be better there. The weather was annoying sometimes. I found the people OK and friendly enough. The beer was unfit to drink there, much worse than here, so I gave up drinking for a good 7 months or so. Could live pretty cheaply after rent, and probably spent around 60% of my pay. Also, you can mange OK in Taipei without the language skills. I did anyway. I was bored at times, but they did have good TV, several good movie channels. Air con is a need there for sure.

[yingwenlaoshi]

I was an illegal teacher there. On 2-month visa that I extended (which you can) to six months. But I stayed for 2 years. A year and a half overstay.

Finally, I got out. Cost me 10,000 NT. Money wasn't good near the end, but I made out pretty well. Summer was horrid when school was out. I taught privately, mostly.

[TECO]

English Teacher,

Yeah, I find no difference between humidity levels between Taiwan and Japan. Both are islands surrounded by ocean and are humid.

Taiwan summers last longer without much of a fall.

By the way, did you also know that Japan has been, on average, hotter than Taiwan over the last part of the summer?

Jajude,

Yeah, the beer in Taiwan sucks. It's very bad. Like Thai beer in that regard. Just horrible. I miss the beer in Japan, which I really liked.

[Hope]

I'm curious if anyone who has lived and worked in both countries notices any significant differences between the expat communities?

[yingwenlaoshi]

[yingwenlaoshi]

Taiwanese aren't ones to brag much. They'll talk bad about themselves instead. Quite endeering. They also talk bad about Taiwan. "Taiwan people bad". So it's a lot cooler than Korea.

[yingwenlaoshi]

[Tiger Beer]

[pest2]

[nautilus]

I've taught briefly (1 month) in Taiwan, and visited it also briefly for a holiday.

My verdict (based on limited exp I know) is...I prefer Korea. But its close.

Taiwan
Friendlier people.
More westernized mentality.
No stares.
Warm and friendly women.
but
Climate is just intolerably humid and uncomfortable.
Jobs suck.


Korea

More saving potential.
More pleasant climate
Hotter women (on average).
Free accomodation, airfare provided.
Jobs more abundant.
Workplace is actually better, in my opinion.
but
More xenophobic.

[Matman]

[pest2]

The results of the Taiwan forum poll are, so far:



Taiwan 9

Korea 0, zero, zilch




100% of the people choose Taiwan over Korea.


sorry conservative, the fact that the poll has not been removed yet confirms you were confused.