Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Rock]

I don't want to put any other country down. But I just came from Taiwan, and the job comparisons to Korea were just bull over there in Taiwan. Anyone have any experiences in Taiwan? What do you think about the job comparisons?

I can't believe it too, that some people, or a lot of foreigners, actually like Taiwan. The place has many disadvantages, in my opinion, and much more illegal practices, all of which make a guy feel insecure.

Here I know I'm an investment, and will do my utmost to make my employer happy. But in Taiwan, it proved nothing pleased them, and that you were treated like dirt.

[chronicpride]

My friend in Taiwan says that his school is a marked improvement in professionalism, working conditions and environment, compared to the gigs that he worked in Daegu. But I know first-hand of what one of the his Daegu schools were like, and most things would be a step up from that. Anyways, that's just one guy's perspective, though. TECO can probably join this thread and elaborate a lot more on the Taiwan/Korea contrast.

Speaking of Taiwan, what the hell is with the service at Grandma Nitty's in Taipei? I was in Taipei for new years and some of the expats on the Taiwan sites talk a fair bit about this place, and I know that the breakfast is a lot better than what I can get over here, but the service was so bad that it was almost comical in a Mr.Bean sort of way. Even the foreigners at the other tables around us, who were regulars there, seem to be savvy enough to get the waiters to repeat the order 5 times, and then after the waiter leaves, they quietly remark that they probably have a 50-50 chance of getting what they ordered.

Other than that, I'd say Taroko Gorge is a lot more memorable than a trip to Gyeongju.

[No L]

I'd love to know more about people's experiences in Taiwan too.

I just got back from a vacation there. God, how I loved not being stared at, not being bumped into on the street, not being touched. I love Korea, but the little things can add up after a time. I was back in Korea less than 2 hours and not even home when some ajashi started bugging me, declaring that he wanted to be my lover despite my boyfriend, touching me, trying to kiss me until he was escorted away from me by the "train police" at Cheongnyangni Station.

[Rock]

Taiwan blows, the money-mindedness is something you don't take into consideration, and the food sucks.

DON'T GO THERE! Let China enter in. I just heard about some Westerners getting killed at a bar down in Kaohsiung.

Forget the place, and I hope the UN does too.

[chronicpride]

Well, before ruling all of it out, I dug up some links that have Korea vs Taiwan comparisons from other teachers, which might help anyone interested:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=19399
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=12267
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=4198
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=8806
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=9857


Here's a good forum with ESL teachers in Taiwan. Lots of different perspectives there.

[captain kirk]

Oh yeah, Taroko Gorge. I made it down there from Hsinchu and back in a weekend. On the motorbike. The ride alongside the gorge was in the morning. Man it was sweet. In case anyone's wondering there's a lot of marble to this natural gorge. Gotta say that, for motorcycle touring, that place was ultrasweet (the mountainous interior of Taiwan).
And the snorkling...

I think I know what Rock means though, the Korean workplace for ESL is more secure. Locked into a contract and there for a year. Do your best and rest easy.

[jajdude]

I worked in Taipei for a year 2001-2. My job was OK. Had to pay rent though. Getting legal was a hassle, two trips to Hong Kong, my own money too. The beer is really bad. The people less freaked out by foreigners, not so many glum faces looking at you, more accepting of foreign-local male/female friendships. Food not bad, just avoid what you dislike. A bit boring. That city is not pretty, and it's real crowded. But a lot of Korea is similar. Some EFL foreigners do well there for money.

[Rock]

[itaewonguy]

and the end of the day what do you have to show for it?
sitting there telling your grandkids stories.. so you can be the guy that said yeah I went to asia! I spent 9 years in korea!
or you could be the guy that says.,.
I went to asia!
I live in korea, China, japan, Tawian, for about 2 years each.
then traveled to many other countries on holidays!

if you ask me dont worry about what anyone else says about anything!
you will not have the same experience as anyone else!
if you ask me.. DO IT! dont let money be your only motivation in life!
dont worry im sure you wont starve to death in china! ok!!
have a great time. if you dont like it.. then you leave.. at least you can be the guy that says! CHINA? yeah I done china!!

[TECO]