Hi Everyone,
I know this question has been answered in the past on this forum but I thought I would ask it again in light of the current teaching environment. I am a 46 year old white American interested in teaching in Taiwan. I have a BA and a Masters Degree but no teaching experience. I do look younger than my age and present myself in a very professional way. One possible issue is that I do have a none traditional American first and last name. My family is of Polish descent although I have lived in the US my whole life. How much of an obstacle would my age and name be in regards to securing a position? I intend to head to Taiwan in Feb of this year.
Thanks! 
Hello Mer
In my experience, your age and name will have almost no effect on your search for employment (except for a few establishments). Certainly the place where I work (ITI, Hsinchu), it would not be a barrier at all.
Good luck on your job search.
Charlie Warth
opilec@yahoo.co.uk
The name “mer” is already in use.
Contact admin and get a new one…preferably something Polish in nature. Maybe ending in “…wicz” just to throw the Brits and other colonials off the trail pronunciation-wise.
Welcome to the island and good luck to you. Always glad to see another American on board.
By the way, I am also an American, white, male, with a couple of rather useless degrees. However I am not an Engrish Teechur.
But all the best to you and Yours.
Maturity and business experience are qualities many business English establishments appreciate.
When I taught at David’s English in Taipei County I was at the younger end of the scale, being 48 years old at the time. My cousins’ name is Strzygowski but luckily mine is a bit easier to pronounce.
Most schools will (annoyingly, to me) call you Teacher Jane or Teacher Kathy anyway, instead of using your last name.