We’re obviously biased, but I think many here would agree with that. I’ve met more than a few folks who used to live in Korea, Japan, and especially China who moved to Taiwan.
Well, Taipei has more job opportunities by virtue of being a much bigger city. It also has by far the best public transit on the island so you wouldn’t need a scooter. Cost of living is higher but if you’re willing to live somewhere like Linkou, Tamsui, Xinzhuang, etc. then you can find plenty of cheaper places. This isn’t me saying that Taipei is awesome and you should definitely go there, I’m just saying that it’s not quite as simple as ‘Taipei is more expensive’.
There are a few threads (like this one) about budgeting in Taiwan but in general I would expect if you have a decent job and live in a reasonable place you can easily end up with 30k left over as a newbie. Certainly more if you get a cheap apartment, well-paying job, only cook at home, and don’t drink.
I’d add the caveat that it might be harder to land a uni job in Taipei than in one of the second-tier cities where there’s (a) less competition, and (b) the unis generally have lower or at least more lax standards (both for incoming students and the faculty they hire).
I went with Premiere International (better known as PIDI) 3 years ago and have been with them ever since. Great service and have proved their loyalty to me through a couple of difficult situations. They currently have the majority of contracts in Kaohsiung, Taoyuan, and I believe Hsinchu. Tell them ‘Ryan sent you.’
Hmm, yes, this is what I was thinking to its probably better to be a bigger fish in a small pond, than a little fish in a over saturated pond. But that doesn’t mean I am 100% opposed to Taipei, I am quite frankly open, contracts really do the talking for me if it is viable.
I guess another down point is that the more rural the area, the harder communication may be. Although perhaps it will make my mediocre level of Chinese forced to better, so it’s a bright side? That being said, Taiwanese as a language I know 0%
Thanks for the link to the other thread. I hadn’t reviewed this one yet.
That is true, there are definitely pros and cons to anywhere. And not having to work about obtaining a scooter quickly as I land would be nice. I am also happy to hear a devil’s advocate for Taipei, cause really I feel the majority is saying they 'love the city, but it’s too expensive for most long-term. ’ So many factors to input, that is why I really want to set my net wide, and really see if I have any offers better than others. If I could say get into a decent paying international school in New Taipei that would supplement the cost of living, of course I would take it. However, the complete convenience factor is not a 100% make-or-break for me if a better opportunity arises elsewhere. I have lived in rural areas before, and although I am not in love with the isolation, if you will, I could handle it perhaps for two years under my belt to be an experience builder before looking for new opportunities. I guess the good part is for me is that I am not moving to Taiwan for a person, so I am not tied to a certain location. On the other hand, it always does suck moving to a new area with no one to ask for advice, etc., but that is life.
Also, a side note, I cook a lot and don’t mind doing so if it means saving more money. But most kitchens of Taiwan are so limited, I am not sure if it is worth paying more for a kitchen area or not.
Errr…the hot pots in Tainan are nothing special. There were at least two dozen other local delicacies at the night markets that I preferred, not that I minded haixian huoguo. I can infer, then, from many of the negative posts from people in Taipei and Kaohsiung about the food, that Tainan has the best food in Taiwan? The main complaints I had there were the mediocre attempts at Western food like Mexican, burgers, and pizza. The local food was great. Even the love it or hate it guancaiban.
I think food should be an important - no, vital - factor in any decision of where to move, as important as the traffic, weather, and mating opportunities.
Random Question: I am not sure if anyone will have much knowledge on this or not but here it goes. I am sadly having to rehome my reptiles when I leave for obvious reasons the international policies are pretty strict. Anyways I still love animals, and would eventually, perhaps after feeling more comfortable in my area 6months to a year, would like to obtain a new reptile pet (most likely a snake). Does anyone know how animal policies work for rentals? Usually, here in the States, reptiles have their own stipulations and fees that don’t pertain to dogs/cats. How hard do you feel it would be to receive permission to keep a snake from my landlord? Are there animal deposits or fees the norm?
Not many unis in the sticks, maybe a couple in less developed areas, but nowhere truly rural. I wouldn’t recommend setting up in any township with a sub-100k population, unless you’re okay with working at a cram school, smaller public school, or really want a slower and more traditional lifestyle.
But most kitchens of Taiwan are so limited, I am not sure if it is worth paying more for a kitchen area or not.
Anyways I still love animals, and would eventually, perhaps after feeling more comfortable in my area 6months to a year, would like to obtain a new reptile pet (most likely a snake). Does anyone know how animal policies work for rentals? Usually, here in the States, reptiles have their own stipulations and fees that don’t pertain to dogs/cats. How hard do you feel it would be to receive permission to keep a snake from my landlord? Are there animal deposits or fees the norm?