Comments on: Teacher Training http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net Everything you need to know about surviving as an English teacher in Taiwan. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:01:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: admin http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-738 admin Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:27:29 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-738 @David, I would strongly recommend that you become a licensed teacher back home. However, it depends on how long you plan to stay here? I see you are still in school, so are you just coming to Taiwan for fun or do you want to live here long term? I definitely wasn't able to make a decision like that when I was in school, but perhaps you can due to differing circumstances. If you are coming here for the short term, then I would do a BA at university in something you were interested in or wanted to build a career in later on after you are finished in Taiwan. If you are coming here for the long term, then I would recommend that you do a BA in education or something like that which would allow you to become a certified public teacher in your home country. This will make it much easier to find a job in Taiwan, and public school jobs here are in excess supply, at least compared to cram school jobs. You'll be able to live on the pay and provided you don't live beyond your means, you will also be able to save part of your pay each month. Best of luck! @David,
I would strongly recommend that you become a licensed teacher back home. However, it depends on how long you plan to stay here? I see you are still in school, so are you just coming to Taiwan for fun or do you want to live here long term? I definitely wasn’t able to make a decision like that when I was in school, but perhaps you can due to differing circumstances. If you are coming here for the short term, then I would do a BA at university in something you were interested in or wanted to build a career in later on after you are finished in Taiwan.

If you are coming here for the long term, then I would recommend that you do a BA in education or something like that which would allow you to become a certified public teacher in your home country. This will make it much easier to find a job in Taiwan, and public school jobs here are in excess supply, at least compared to cram school jobs. You’ll be able to live on the pay and provided you don’t live beyond your means, you will also be able to save part of your pay each month. Best of luck!

]]> By: David http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-737 David Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:14:52 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-737 Hello, Thank you so much for this website. This is the most information about this job that I have found anywhere. I am a senior at a private school. I want to be an ESL teacher in Taipei. I have contacts and friends in Taipei City. I plan on going to community college for two years then transfer to a four year university. What should I major in to be well qualified to teach ESL, and what is the best type of school to teach at (cram school, kindergarten, public school). I know that I don't want to work at a university. Is the pay enough to live on if I get that job? My friends there can help me get an apartment. I have been to Taiwan for three weeks once and I loved everything about it: food, culture, people, etc. I am not a picky person. Hello, Thank you so much for this website. This is the most information about this job that I have found anywhere.

I am a senior at a private school. I want to be an ESL teacher in Taipei. I have contacts and friends in Taipei City. I plan on going to community college for two years then transfer to a four year university. What should I major in to be well qualified to teach ESL, and what is the best type of school to teach at (cram school, kindergarten, public school). I know that I don’t want to work at a university. Is the pay enough to live on if I get that job? My friends there can help me get an apartment. I have been to Taiwan for three weeks once and I loved everything about it: food, culture, people, etc. I am not a picky person.

]]> By: admin http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-603 admin Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:27:49 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-603 @Joseph, Your chances of working in a university are extremely low, and I think I am generous when I say that. I can't say it is impossible, but your MA is not English/TEFL related, so that will be a problem for most universities. If you are lucky enough to find one that will hire you, the chances are it will only be part-time. You won't be able to live on part-time wages in Taipei. The reason for this is that there are a LOT of foreigners here with MAs, so universities can pick ones with the most suitable credentials. There's pretty much zero chance you'll be able to teach subjects that are related to your master's. Universities hire foreign teachers to primarily teach English related subjects. Do I sound like a super negative guy? Maybe, but this is what you'll face. You have a much better chance of landing a job in a cram school. International schools only hire licensed teachers, so if you have a valid teacher's license from the US, then that is an option. Your wife, however, will have a much harder time finding work. She doesn't have a US passport, so she legally can't be employed by a cram school to teach English. Honestly speaking, her employment prospects here are low, and I would question bringing my significant other here. Unless you can land a really good job here that pays well, other countries would be much more suitable. Your wife could probably get a job teaching English in China, and that would at least give her a source of income and something to do. I can't tell you what to do, but if I were you I would think long and hard about what the reasons are behind my wife and I are for making a move to Taiwan. Good luck with whatever you guys end up doing. @Joseph,
Your chances of working in a university are extremely low, and I think I am generous when I say that. I can’t say it is impossible, but your MA is not English/TEFL related, so that will be a problem for most universities. If you are lucky enough to find one that will hire you, the chances are it will only be part-time. You won’t be able to live on part-time wages in Taipei. The reason for this is that there are a LOT of foreigners here with MAs, so universities can pick ones with the most suitable credentials. There’s pretty much zero chance you’ll be able to teach subjects that are related to your master’s. Universities hire foreign teachers to primarily teach English related subjects.

Do I sound like a super negative guy? Maybe, but this is what you’ll face. You have a much better chance of landing a job in a cram school. International schools only hire licensed teachers, so if you have a valid teacher’s license from the US, then that is an option. Your wife, however, will have a much harder time finding work. She doesn’t have a US passport, so she legally can’t be employed by a cram school to teach English. Honestly speaking, her employment prospects here are low, and I would question bringing my significant other here.

Unless you can land a really good job here that pays well, other countries would be much more suitable. Your wife could probably get a job teaching English in China, and that would at least give her a source of income and something to do. I can’t tell you what to do, but if I were you I would think long and hard about what the reasons are behind my wife and I are for making a move to Taiwan. Good luck with whatever you guys end up doing.

]]> By: Joseph http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-602 Joseph Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:51:41 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-602 I forgot to mention, I'm 26 and my wife is 22 and her bachelor's is also in political science. I forgot to mention, I’m 26 and my wife is 22 and her bachelor’s is also in political science.

]]> By: Joseph http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-601 Joseph Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:49:42 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-601 Hi, Thank you so much for this website, it is truly an invaluable resource and I'm so glad I ran across it! Here's my situation: I am a white American, I have a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in Middle East Politics. I do not have any teaching experience, besides private tutoring for about 4 years. I would really like to teach at the university level in Taiwan, preferably in Politics or History. Do you think there is any chance of me getting a job like this? As a second choice, I would be willing to work in a cram school or international school for children or high school age. I am used to an urban lifestyle, and I know for certain I have to live in Taipei if I move to Taiwan. My wife also wants to teach and has a bachelor's. However, she is an immigrant to the US from Jordan and will probably have her green card in 6 months-1 year. So, she's Arab and she's medium skin color, not white but not dark. Do you think there's any chance she can get work in Taiwan teaching or doing anything else, or would it be very difficult or impossible due to her lack of US passport? Thanks so much! Hi,

Thank you so much for this website, it is truly an invaluable resource and I’m so glad I ran across it! Here’s my situation:

I am a white American, I have a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in Middle East Politics. I do not have any teaching experience, besides private tutoring for about 4 years.

I would really like to teach at the university level in Taiwan, preferably in Politics or History. Do you think there is any chance of me getting a job like this? As a second choice, I would be willing to work in a cram school or international school for children or high school age. I am used to an urban lifestyle, and I know for certain I have to live in Taipei if I move to Taiwan.

My wife also wants to teach and has a bachelor’s. However, she is an immigrant to the US from Jordan and will probably have her green card in 6 months-1 year. So, she’s Arab and she’s medium skin color, not white but not dark. Do you think there’s any chance she can get work in Taiwan teaching or doing anything else, or would it be very difficult or impossible due to her lack of US passport? Thanks so much!

]]> By: admin http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-549 admin Tue, 16 Aug 2011 05:14:58 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-549 @Joe, How long is a piece of string? I am not trying to be a smart arse, so apologies if that is how I come across, but a "good chunk of change" is extremely vague. I honestly have no idea what you would consider worthwhile. I will say, however, that you can earn more teaching English in other Asian countries than Taiwan. So, if the sole purpose is money, then no, Taiwan is not the best place to bank coin. I hope that helps. @Joe,
How long is a piece of string? I am not trying to be a smart arse, so apologies if that is how I come across, but a “good chunk of change” is extremely vague. I honestly have no idea what you would consider worthwhile. I will say, however, that you can earn more teaching English in other Asian countries than Taiwan. So, if the sole purpose is money, then no, Taiwan is not the best place to bank coin. I hope that helps.

]]> By: Joe http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-548 Joe Tue, 16 Aug 2011 03:18:55 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-548 Hi. I have a Masters in Education at an accreddited school in New York State and want to teach English in Taiwan. Is it possible for me to be able to make and save good money? I'm looking at not only the experience but also to come home with a good chunk of change. Hi. I have a Masters in Education at an accreddited school in New York State and want to teach English in Taiwan. Is it possible for me to be able to make and save good money? I’m looking at not only the experience but also to come home with a good chunk of change.

]]> By: admin http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-545 admin Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:17:55 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-545 @Bill, I am Australian and have never used the term partner, but that's a moot point ;) Anyway, since you have a Bachelor's you won't have any trouble working legally. If your wife is Taiwanese then you can apply for a JFRV and that will make work here much easier. Get her to look into that if you haven't already got one. The biggest problem is still your age. Your best chances for teaching English would be Taiwan or China, and I tend to favour China for your situation. The problem is that in China you will still have problems regarding age, but since the darn country is so big it just means you could apply to a lot of places and hopefully one would accept you. Technically speaking, Taiwan would be "easier" since your wife is Taiwanese, but your age and the shrinking English teaching market here makes it difficult. You could do well in Taiwan with a JFRV and just private tutoring. I'd sit down and have a long talk with the wife. Good luck. @Bill,
I am Australian and have never used the term partner, but that’s a moot point ;) Anyway, since you have a Bachelor’s you won’t have any trouble working legally. If your wife is Taiwanese then you can apply for a JFRV and that will make work here much easier. Get her to look into that if you haven’t already got one. The biggest problem is still your age. Your best chances for teaching English would be Taiwan or China, and I tend to favour China for your situation. The problem is that in China you will still have problems regarding age, but since the darn country is so big it just means you could apply to a lot of places and hopefully one would accept you. Technically speaking, Taiwan would be “easier” since your wife is Taiwanese, but your age and the shrinking English teaching market here makes it difficult. You could do well in Taiwan with a JFRV and just private tutoring. I’d sit down and have a long talk with the wife. Good luck.

]]> By: Bill http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-544 Bill Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:10:13 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-544 Hell-o and thanks for the input. I do have an undergrate degree in science with minor studies in business and international marketing. It took me a while to decide what to do back then. I was a medic in the war with advance training. After that I taught emergency medicine at the University of Missouri at Columbia for over 5 years. This is when I decided I had seen enough and changed from premed over to business. I have been in business for myself sense the 80's. My partner is my wife [ partner is Australian phrasing]. I have traveled in and out of Taiwan for over 15 years. Cities are ok but I love the country. SO, we have a place in Taiwan with a bunch of family memebers all-over. I am looking at a TESOL program offered by ATA and ATTC [have you heard of them?]. Both offer a base 60 hr. in-class formatt with "electives' of 60hr. blocks as on-line access. I am leaning towards the ATA because of the electives offered. 60 hr. courses for specific child age groups, tutoring to adults, business people , medical students and test evaluation & class structuring. I have been a builder and property developer for many years now. DO NOT want to retire, so I think this would be a worthy think to do and next 10 years we want to Live in Taiwan, China, South Amarica and Lower Europe. So, with this info, what do you think are my chances Thanks & Cheers Bill Hell-o and thanks for the input. I do have an undergrate degree in science with minor studies in business and international marketing. It took me a while to decide what to do back then. I was a medic in the war with advance training. After that I taught emergency medicine at the University of Missouri at Columbia for over 5 years. This is when I decided I had seen enough and changed from premed over to business. I have been in business for myself sense the 80′s. My partner is my wife [ partner is Australian phrasing]. I have traveled in and out of Taiwan for over 15 years. Cities are ok but I love the country. SO, we have a place in Taiwan with a bunch of family memebers all-over. I am looking at a TESOL program offered by ATA and ATTC [have you heard of them?]. Both offer a base 60 hr. in-class formatt with “electives’ of 60hr. blocks as on-line access. I am leaning towards the ATA because of the electives offered. 60 hr. courses for specific child age groups, tutoring to adults, business people , medical students and test evaluation & class structuring.

I have been a builder and property developer for many years now. DO NOT want to retire, so I think this would be a worthy think to do and next 10 years we want to Live in Taiwan, China, South Amarica and Lower Europe. So, with this info, what do you think are my chances

Thanks & Cheers

Bill

]]> By: admin http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/teaching-in-taiwan/teacher-training/comment-page-1/#comment-543 admin Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:11:21 +0000 http://www.teachenglishtaiwan.net/?page_id=67#comment-543 @Bill, Hard to say because you didn't mention what kind of qualifications you have besides the TESOL course. Also, and don't take offense to this, the term "partner" is very vague. Is this a wife, boy friend, girl friend or what? It is important because it can affect your status here in Taiwan. However, the biggest issue is your age. Being in the country might be your best option, because they probably have a hard time trying to get younger teachers to make the move there. It is very difficult for me to give any concrete advice, because there's too much I don't know. Best of luck. @Bill,
Hard to say because you didn’t mention what kind of qualifications you have besides the TESOL course. Also, and don’t take offense to this, the term “partner” is very vague. Is this a wife, boy friend, girl friend or what? It is important because it can affect your status here in Taiwan. However, the biggest issue is your age. Being in the country might be your best option, because they probably have a hard time trying to get younger teachers to make the move there. It is very difficult for me to give any concrete advice, because there’s too much I don’t know. Best of luck.

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