Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Zark]

After my first couple years (2.5 really - 92-95) in Korea - I spent a couple years in Taiwan.

I found it much more friendly and relaxing than Korea. I ended up saving about 2/3rds as much as I had saved per month/year in Korea. So I think it is a decent alternative.

The culture is fascinatiing - the people are much more worldly (every Taiwanese has a relative in America or Canada or somewhere) and far more friendly than the standard person on the street in Korea.

The island itself is beautiful - once you get out of the cities - Isle Formosa means "beautiful island" in Portuguese - and it truly is. And as basic Chinese culture is the basis of so much that goes on in Asia (though all the local cultures lay claim) - you can see the origins of so much of the language and cultural activities of the other countries in the region.

I, personally, didn't have any "start - up" hassles - and lived there during the live fire exercises that China conducted.

There is always some problem somewhere - the Taiwan problem is almost exactly the same age as the Korea problem - and ain't neither of them going away any time soon. You could also avoid a variety of other places for the potential of terrorism or even bird flu.

Give Taiwan another look - it deserves it. Just my opinion.

[jajdude]

Taiwan is worth a try.

I started another thread a while ago about some of my experiences in Saigon (search "Saigon" and "jajdude" together on this search function above you if you are curious). I got ripped off a bit there. You gotta watch out for the dishonesty of the locals. Some think it's perfectly cool to take whatever they can from you.
Maybe it was just me, but I found the motorbike/helmetless noisy dirty culture of that city a bit nerve-wracking. And too much razz from locals to buy whatever they're selling. But i enjoyed the good cheap grub and drink. And the women, though often for sale, were a pleasure even just as something to look at.

[inthewild]

Anyone know if it's easier to get a job in Taiwan recently? I assume the potential for conflict scares off some people, anyone have any proof that it's scaring off even more people? Taiwan sounds attract except for Big Brother to it's west.

[guangho]

I want to do a CELTA when I finish here but packing for the States or NZ is a hassle (long/expensive flight, costs a fortune to live there, etc). From the perspective of a Korean employer, preferably at the University level, does it matter where I get my CELTA? If I get it in Malaysia or Hong Kong will that matter to them? Any input would be great. Thanks.

[Tiger Beer]

[guangho]

[Tiger Beer]

[rapier]

China is starting to appeal- only because every chinese woman i've known in korea has been great.

[guangho]

Rapier-- Do not, do not, do not go to China. It's the trailer park to Korea's Beverly Hills.