First time poster. Please forgive what I know is an unwanted and hated question. I’ve read through the forum and thought to just start a fresh thread.
I’m currently teaching in Korea and want to come to Taiwan ASAP and have been working with IACC in finding a position and finally seem to have realized how horrible their “package” is. Thus, I want to simply get up, go to Taiwan, stay in a hotel for a couple weeks and find a legal job.
I am 34 years old with a solid science background with teaching experience, as well as my teaching in Korea for over a year. I have no certifications or official teaching credentials.
My qualm is that I’m not very outgoing and certainly not a good businessman in the concept of where to go find jobs and blindly marketing myself. I have always believed in using recruiters for things, because they generally have the knowledge and can make things more efficient; granted, there are give-and-takes, evidenced by IACC offers and what they take from you for the service.
Thus, how truly reasonable is it to get up, arrive, and they find solid sources and good jobs ? Anyone know of more solid and honest-like recruiters that can assist ?
I think it is better to do things by yourself. Try to set up some interviews with schools before flying here; you can find jobs on websites such as www.tealit.com
You can also go door-to-door; speak to the manager and/or leave a resume and name card.
First off, I highly advise you to budget and plan for more than “a couple of weeks.” A month or two, depending on what you are looking for, might be more realistic. I think you may want to try door to door these days, as very few of the jobs are advertised. Immediately start some language exchanges and make some Taiwanese friends, and spread the word that you are looking. Have your resume and business card in hand, and get a cell phone right quick. It’s all about luck, timing, and connections, IMHO. Meeting other Westerners is not bad either, as one of them may be just leaving and their slot will be open for you.
I’ve never used an agent or a recruiter, and wouldn’t want to, from my friends’ experiences, but you may want to ask around for a good one. Just make sure to ask the person who recommends them how long they have had a relationship with the agent/recruiter, and if they ever told them “no” about something. That is the point where many agents turn nasty. If you are all “yes, yes, yes” and bringing in the money, no problem, but if, for some reason you don’t want to do something, no matter how polite or tactful you try to be, that is when many turn on you.
Thanks. Ultimately, that’s not what I’m good at. The contacts, door to door, and so on. It’s just not me and I can’t force myself to be or do things that just aren’t in my personality. I know, moan and groan, but I’m from another profession and full-time teaching is only 2 years old for me and finding jobs has not been an issue from afar, but Taiwan seems to be the exception. I have no problems with coming and staying a month or two – money is not an issue; but it’s nearly moronic to come and not have income for 8 weeks in the hopes for a job. I would like to go to Taiwan out of desire and experience. I’m not desperate or running under circumstances where I have no other choice. I’m just trying to get things lined up so I can come, take the time to get it taken care of once there. I personally see the door to door scenario as desperation and I’m not “there” at this point
That’s just me. I’m not a go on vacation or travel by myself and prefer to have things lined up as much as feasible prior to travel … again, it’s just me and my personality.
I e-mailed zazen that said there was a possibility in mind and have gotten no reply. I have seen other postings and I’m contacting them, but just hoping for a few more leads, macro or micro in nature
You need to find some self-confidence, I think. Teachers are in demand over here. It’s not as difficult as some of the posters are saying. My husband came here recently and at age 53, he found work within a few days. I found a job no problem and I’m no spring chicken either! As well, my friend, also in our age bracket was working within 8 days of arriving. I used to be a recruiter while still in Canada. I’m honest, knowledgeable but very busy. Perhaps I can guide you into one or two areas. For example, I know that TLI needs high school teachers. Contact Lotus at: . Phone: If calling from overseas, dial: 886-2-2367-8228, ext. 825 at sound of recording; otherwise, dial the last 8 digits only.
Do you want to teach corporate? If so, contact Cindy at Universal English: cindy@ue4u.com.tw. Phone: 886-2-2776-6677.
Try not to sound so unsure of yourself. Don’t apologize for being you or for coming from a different field. There’s nothing wrong with you. If you can stand up in a classroom and teach confidently, speak intelligently and know your grammar, be reliable, you’ll get a job. You’ve had two years experience. That’s a lot. Just come here and get on the phone and make appointments. Tealit is a good resource, particularly if you don’t mind teaching children.
Keep in touch and let me know how you make out or if there is anything else I can do to help you find work.
I came here to work for IACC. It works for some people, but it didn’t for me or the majority of people I know. Try doing your own thing for a while and you can always fall back on them in the summer time.
Steve Loi seems to be a fairly reliable agent, and paid me OK for the work I did last year. I’ve posted his details on this site a few times and no one has yet replied with bad words about him.
My advice is not to leap at the first permanent job that comes along. Do some temp stuff first while you get a feel for the country. As you sound fairly employable, and not desperate, you will have an edge over a lot of the ‘competition’. If you hold off for a while, and get yourself established, you should have your pick of jobs by late summer.
Thanks for the replies; I’ll contact some of the suggested individuals and see. It’s not an issue of confidence or the like for me (in my view). I’m just not good at that type of investigative thing – knocking on doors and such; it’s just not me. Anyhow, I’m considering just coming on over and finding something while there. I’m checking into a few things now and any other suggestions would be appreciated; but I’m guessing I may need to just head over.
