New to Taiwan: Some Questions

Taiwan Moving to Taiwan
21

yes yes, it could be absolutely!
Jon reading your post made me think that you are a rather insecure person. Believe me, Taiwan is not Ireland and learning Chinese is not like studying German and almost everything here is different and you might not like some of it.

Be aware that in summer it is terribly hot&humid 24 hours non-stop, you might find it difficult to sleep if you don’t like air-condition. It is loud and loud and loud and loud again in Taiwan.
Other than that, I think it is impossible to describe people here in a way that you can understand, it’s just too different, so let’s just stick with “Taiwanese are very nice to pale colored foreign guests”. You will find out if you like the way things are done here.

22

Aww but it will be one hell of a ride !! Its gonna be life changin. OH and hey cant he get a job over at the casinos in Macau and play poker for the house or a take or something? Just dont get rubbed out by the local mafiosi there.

edit: Yes its true, it aint gonna be like Kansas no more, its gonna be a yellow brick road , some tiles are gonna be made of shit but others are gonna be pure gold !

and… you may meet the wizard alright …and SHE is gonna sort you out !

23

If you didn’t exist tommy, I’m really not sure we could have invented you. :laughing:

24

:notworthy: :notworthy:

actually i just failed “comedy” in acting class is all.

25

Wait, I thought we did invent Tommy.

We installed him as a module to phpbb version 2.x.

26

Hey,Thanks for all the input :slight_smile:

In response to the above post,I wouldnt say I am insecure in myself but to actually go ahead and do this baring in mind my only previous cultural adventure involved walking around a freezing Dublin street at 6am I need to know in my mind that I have as much figured out as I can and minimise the chance of fail as much as I can.

When I do this I need to know in myself that I have done it properly,I have asked the questions,Thought about the important things and above all given myself the best possible chance to just kick back relax and ENJOY MYSELF :stuck_out_tongue:

I know my original post may come across as negative or unsure but believe me I am sure…I have nothing to lose and all to gain :slight_smile:
Its just part of the process for me to find out as much as possible from the horses mouth :wink:

Its also great to read and hear your stories

27

I dont see a problem with putting Jon on “ready five” for his upcoming to Taiwan. Just keep a finger on the EJECT button if he gets his pants shot off. But that aint gonna happen. Looks like hes going in prepared !

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Haha Tommy you are funny :discodance:

29

So in regard to moving over here and visitng clubs/Nightlife?
I have heard some random stories of women coming up to western guys and poking their face because they are so white?
Seems kind of odd lol

Will I get random people approaching me asking strange questions? :discodance:

30

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to introduce myself—I’m Brian, and I’ve decided that I want to move to Taiwan! I currently live in New York City and I’m looking for a large change in my life. I’ve been digging through the forums for the past month or so, and have information pouring out of my ears and eyes. So I’m hoping some folks will help rehash some old posts, and give me up to date information! Or, point me to some older information I may not have found scouring the past.

Some background on me: I’m in my early 30s, graduated from college about 10 years ago. I studied Mandarin for 8 years but sadly, desperately sadly, I haven’t really used it for the past 10. I do freelance graphics work in the US than I’m planning on continuing abroad (I can work from anywhere, as long as I can send emails). And I’m really interested in enrolling in a Chinese language program to supplement my day-to-day learning and relearning. I also see myself staying at least for 1-2 years, and more if the location is jiving with me.

I guess right now I’m just trying to get some help pinning down a location/neighboorhood that I can start exploring and getting really excited about (I love surfing through the streets on google maps) and looking for places to live.

I currently pay about $700USD for a 8x10 prison-cell of a bedroom in a shared apartment (Ah, New York). Now, I think I’d for a one-person apartment in the NT$15,000-$20,000 price range (cheaper is always nicer :slight_smile: ) I figure that because the cost of living will be (is it?) lower than living in the states, I can swing a whole apartment by myself, and save on general things life food, utilities, and day-to-day nonsensery. And does it make sense to try and arrange for an apartment ahead of time? Or should I plan on making an arrangement to stay in a hostel/hotel for a week, and spend my first week apartment hunting with TMM?

Commuting is not an issue for me. I’m happy with a 30-40 minute commute to the school/exciting things. I currently have a large commute in the states, too. I won’t have enough money/not interested at the moment in car/motorcycle purchases, so ideally a place I can walk/bike/public train to and from.

As far as Chinese language programs go, I’ve been drawn to what people have said about NCCU and I’ve also read a bit about a program through Providence University in Taichung. Have people used/been happy with these programs? And will it be awkward for a 30 something male to be a part of the classroom?

And as for the need for community . . . I don’t necessarily need a large ex-pat foreigner community to latch onto to get friends. I hoping to meet people through studies and day-to-day life, of course. But I’m good on my own—I plan on still working freelance to supplement my income and finding the time to start that elusive first novel.

I’m thinking about leaving New York by the beginning of October (when my lease is up) or shortly thereafter. I hoping that will give me enough time to start putting all my money away and getting prepped!

I’m sorry for asking so many questions. Mainly I just wanted to jump head first into the conversation and introduce myself. All the posts so far have been very helpful. And now I’m just looking for some exceptionally kind souls to help whittle down some these options and perhaps chat with me over the next few months!

And sorry for being so long-winded. My word.

So happy to meet you all!
Brian

31

you should be able to get a nice place in central Taipei for that price, a studio type (with bedroom on second floor -which is half a floor) in a new semi-serviced building.

32

Welcome Brian. If you tell us a bit about your interests, hobbies, etc, it will help in advising you on places to live. If you want a convenient urban environment where you can eat out all the time, have access to cafes and bars etc you will want to live downtown. If you want a bigger place to cook at home and hang out and quick access to hiking trails and bike paths but still easy access to the city via the MRT then you’ll want to live on the edge of the city.

One thing though, if you are working freelance here while studying you need to keep it all hush hush.

33

Thanks. Was wondering about how/if freelance work is “allowed.” Thanks for giving me the heads-up, will look into everything a little more closer under the work regard.

As for interests and hobbies, I’m not the most outdoorsiest types, more of an urban-walker/biker than a hiker. That being said, I enjoy the scenic view and the thought of being outside city proper is kind of fantastic (being in the heart of nightlife/cafes is definitely not a necessity).

I think I’m into the idea of living outside of city center and commuting for schooling/city-life. Cooking for myself more important than eating out all the time. Convenience wise, the 20-40 minute commute to a chinese-language school is probably the most important. I plan on throwing myself into Chinese classes year round, so I think I’ll probably want to stay in a decent radius to a school.

thanks again!!

34

If you are in New York City now, then you will have no trouble with Taipei City! Same density, very busy, terrible drivers, nobody shooting each other though, sorry. Guns are illegal in Taiwan. I would recomend getting a place near Da’an park. It’s the Central Park of Taipei and it is near a lot of the Chinese language learning centers/colleges you might be attending. Unless you are looking to really go ‘off grid’, I wouldn’t suggest anything other than central Taipei to an urban transplant such as yourself. most places outside of Taipei City are like the god damn Ozarks and depending on your tolerance for really dirty, polluted and ass-backward shit, you best stay in the city for starters. This isn’t to say it is unlivable, but it’s more of an acquired taste!

Some here might call me an asshole for this post, but all of them (who are presumibly not living in Taipei and think I’m a dick for shitting on everything that is not, just remember, they’ve all been here for a while and may have forgotten what it’s like to be new.

I would recomend using this agent. Jenny is very good, I can vouch for her. She does short term and long term apartments. I would definitely set up at least a short term rental before you arrive. Give yourself a few months to get settled in and find what you want. Jenny has many apartments that will suit this purpose. Also note that it is normal for agents to request Paypal or other cash services for down payments or security deposits.

My recommendation is to start in Taipei City and move out from there. Da’an is a great area and will induce the least culture shock. Northern Taiwan is so small that you can get from downtown Taipei to the ocean, the rainforest, atop a volcano, or wherever in less than an hour. With the HSR the whole island is reachable in under 2 hours. For $700 USD per month you will have a very nice and modern (cockroach and ant free) apartment in this neighborhood (or any really). You should also note that it is hard to find a ‘full’ kitchen in taiwan and there is so much cheap food on the street that many single young people eat out for all meals. It is generally much more expensive to cook for one’s self here.

:2cents:

Good luck,
T

35

good post achdizzy

36

[quote=“ourhero”]Thanks. Was wondering about how/if freelance work is “allowed.” Thanks for giving me the heads-up, will look into everything a little more closer under the work regard.

As for interests and hobbies, I’m not the most outdoorsiest types, more of an urban-walker/biker than a hiker. That being said, I enjoy the scenic view and the thought of being outside city proper is kind of fantastic (being in the heart of nightlife/cafes is definitely not a necessity).

I think I’m into the idea of living outside of city center and commuting for schooling/city-life. Cooking for myself more important than eating out all the time. Convenience wise, the 20-40 minute commute to a chinese-language school is probably the most important. I plan on throwing myself into Chinese classes year round, so I think I’ll probably want to stay in a decent radius to a school.

thanks again!![/quote]

Contra archdizzy, I would suggest you look at the outer areas of the city, but close to the MRT line. For example where I am in Xindian-Bitan is 3 minutes to the MRT but also right along a river with bike paths that connect to several hundred km of lanes, hiking trails, and some excellent road cycling as well through the mountains. Apartments are also cheaper so I have a 3 bedroom for NT15,000. Arch is correct though that full kitchens are harder to find. I am lucky to have one but they are rarer. As for eating out all the time, yes, can be cheaper on the wallet, but obviously harder on the health.

Other areas to look at are Neihu. Also MRT line and mountains and trails within minutes of your apartment. And some excellent road biking through Yangmingshan National Park and also along the river paths.

Muzha is another good area near mountains and paths but a little farther from an mrt line.

Some people also like the MRT stops in the north of Taipei heading toward Danshui.

In general all these areas will be cheaper than Daan which is one of the most expensive areas in Taipei. They are also all urban but just are closer to nature. Sometimes as in my case, it’s just across the street.

Again for freelance work, you’ll need to make sure your money is deposited in a foreign account. You’ll have no problem withdrawing it here, but just don’t let the authorities know you are doing work. It shouldn’t be an issue as you will be staying here legally because of study but keep it secret.

37

If you decided on Providence University in Taichung, then rent will be significantly cheaper (under 10K). The main campus is outside the city, so you would be closer to the countryside (city center would be about a 30-40 min bus ride). However they also have a privately run center in the city if you prefer to live in the city. Your age won’t be a problem - you’ll find lots of students older and younger than you. You would need a scooter to get around Taichung however as mass transportation is limited to buses.

Let me know if you have any questions about life in Taichung.

38

This seems to be a common enough theme, so I’m going to make it a sticky.

39

Hi Everyone, (This is my second posting of this, but the first was in the wrong category haha!!)

I’m coming to Taiwan in 5 months at the end of August and am just looking for some advice on finding work. I’ll get a TESOL certificate online before I arrive just in case I end up teaching English, and I do have a BA (or more precisely, a Bachelor of Music). I’m an editor and do all of my work online, so I don’t need anything more than a part-time job to begin with. What’s the best way to go about finding something fun and decent-paying in teaching?

Also, I’m more interested in editing, though (and writing if I have to), and would be happy to take a full-time job if something good came up. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting started in that marketplace?

Another two questions, come to think of it: First, what’s the best way to get a cheap but decent apartment in Taipei or nearby? Second, any practical general advice for a newcomer?

By the way, I’ve been to Taiwan before to study, speak proficient–though certainly not fluent–Chinese, know that the job market hasn’t been great the last 5 years or so (I don’t know the specifics about that, but I know it’s not what it used to be), and thoroughly enjoy immersion in other cultures (meaning that if, for example, Taiwanese business practices might seem insane to a Westerner, I can handle that); I mention these things in case they might change what you might want to contribute.

Thanks!!

“Crime is not something you should do, it’s something you should don’t.” -Ali G

40

Have you taught before? If so, what’s fun teaching mean to you? What do you consider decent pay?
(There are many, many threads on how to find work: you’ll likely find all the answers you could want – and more – by searching.)

There’s a good deal of editing work around. If you’re already editing, and do your work online, hang on to that. I frequently do editing for people based elsewhere.

If you’ve been here before, you shouldn’t be much surprised.

Welcome aboard.