is a BA in English Lit/Lang an absolute prerequisite for finding english teaching jobs in Taiwan? i have a BSc in microbiology (from a UK university) and will likely be taking a TEFL (or something similar) before looking for teaching work. I’m also a native English speaker. Will this be enough or am i going to struggle finding employment?
all the best,
tnai
Pretty much any degree is ok. All that matters is that you graduated. I’m getting a BA in History (honours), have a TESOL certificate and 2 diplomas from college, all my bases are covered.
You won’t have a problem. You’d have more trouble finding work based on not having the right “look” than on not having the right degree.
But the market is not as good as it used to be, so you may have to look a little longer than you might have a few years ago before landing a job.
You could have a degree in Basket Weeving with G.P.A. of 2.0 and get a teaching job in Taiwan.
i failed basket weaving 
thanks for the replies. i’m kind of intrigued what the “right look” is. i think i scrub up fairly well when i make an effort but, i wonder, should i start sewing leather patches on the elbows of my jackets?
[quote=“tnai”]i failed basket weaving
thanks for the replies. I’m kind of intrigued what the “right look” is. I think i scrub up fairly well when I make an effort but, I wonder, should i start sewing leather patches on the elbows of my jackets?[/quote]
I mispelled “basket weaving”. Duhhhhhh. T-shirt, sandals and shorts seems to work just fine.
Do you need to wear a suit to the interviews or is a nice pair of slacks/skirt and dress shirt sufficient?
Chinese people are conservative, and this is an interview. You have other obstacles to overcome, ie one’s race or nationality. So, if you have a suit, wear it. If not, then that’s fine, I don’t suggest going out of your way and buying one, but wear you sunday best.
A suit is not necessary. But a nice button down shirt and dockers or a skirt certainly couldn’t hurt. I’ve not hired people because they showed up in filthy shorts and a holey tshirts. Show some respect and you’ll do fine…by me anyway.
You don’t need a degree at all now. I just read in the Taipei Times that all you need is to be from The Phillipines.