Teaching Can Be Enjoyable
Teaching can be fun. This obviously will depend on who you talk to but there are times when teaching English provides much more enjoyment and satisfaction than any other job ever could. Generally speaking, there are two things that provide most people with a sense of satisfaction and reward when it comes to being an English teacher in Taiwan.
The first is that you often get to see the children you teach grow up and develop. You can play an important role in their development and shape how they view the world. This isn’t always the case and the majority of students probably won’t fall into this category, but every now and then you have one student which makes it all worthwhile. Even being able to watch as their English improves is often in its own a very rewarding feeling.
The other area most people seem to find great satisfaction in is helping adult students achieve their goals. Many adults want to learn English for a variety of reasons, but whatever their reason you still get to watch their English improve and get to know them as a person with hopes, dreams and desires. Some adults want to get a better job and some plan to go overseas. By helping them with their English you can make a difference in their life and actually make a real and tangible difference.
Is it always like this? Of course not. However, if you are lucky enough to experience something like this then it seems to make it all worthwhile. I’ve slaved away in other jobs and found absolutely no enjoyment whatsoever in the daily grind. There are times teaching drives me up the wall, but at least there is the occasional student that makes it all worthwhile. For me personally there aren’t many or any jobs that can provide that kind of fulfillment.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey guys,
First of all, great website, I found it very helpful! My question for you is this: The first, and ONLY place I have looked into working with is the HESS School. While they seemed to be ok, they only hire people throughout 3 different times of the year. None of these times are convinient for as I am finishing college in December of next year (Dec, 2011). Where specifically do you suggest looking for job oppurtunities as soon as I finish school (Id be available Jan. 2012) and do you think I would have a problem finding jobs around this time of year? Point is: I’d like to finish college (in US) and would like to be able to go asap after i’m done. Any thoughts? Thanks again!
@Jacob,
Anyway, best time to come is the start of the year or in the middle. A simple solution to your problem would be to graduate then apply to schools to meet their hiring schedule. I’d strongly recommend you find work before you come, unless of course you have ample money to tide you over if you are unable to find work immediately upon arrival.
Just me here, not guys
Jacob. Actually there are a plethora of schools to go with which you can apply for from home. Namely Hess ( as mentioned) , Shane , Kojen, Happy Marian , Kid Castle to name but a few. Hess actually recruit more than the alloted windows which they claim ( they constantly recruit given how often teachers leave and run off. Check tealit.com). I don’t recommend Hess however it is a horrid place.
I don’t think its a bad idea to land THEN look for a job given most of the schools that recruit from abroad offer poor wages and give the teacher very extensive hours. I would recommend getting an agent or trying to find job agencies first . They can then help you in Taiwan when you land.
Hi David
I hope you are well.
I’m back to ask you ONE last question: what is life like in Changhua? I have an interview for a Kindergarten position!!
I would really appreciate your input.
@AJ,
Chuanghua is just like one of the many small cities found around Taiwan. Expect it to be dull, boring and pretty uneventful. However, most cities around the world are like that, aren’t they?
Seriously, it won’t be that bad. There won’t be a big foreign community there, so make sure you can survive without a huge community of fellow teachers. Just remember that teaching in a kindergarten is illegal, so be careful. Good luck!