The Mountainous Regions
Unless one chooses to travel around the very southern or northern tips
of Taiwan, the spectacular mountains must be crossed to get from one
side of the island to the other. All through
the mountainous regions you can see evidence of the rich aboriginal culture
in Taiwan. In
many of the National Parks the native peoples share their culture, through
dance and art, with anyone having an interest in Taiwan’s traditional
heritage.
One of the most popular mountains to visit, and famous throughout
China for its beauty, is Ali Shan (Mount Ali). People come from all
over to visit this mountain and witness one of the most beautiful
sunrises in the world. For the more adventurous there is also mountain
climbing, river rafting, paragliding, and many other exciting activities.
Taiwan is a jewel beyond description, and must be experienced first-hand to
really gain a true appreciation of this “beautiful island.”
ESL in Taiwan
Although
retaining its cultural uniqueness, Taiwan has more of a western world
feel in the cities due to its exposure to American culture and international
trade. Having been open to the world market for so long, it is common to
find most of the conveniences of western culture. We recommend
that teachers with limited travel experience, who are contemplating teaching
overseas for the first time, strongly consider a position in Taiwan
before venturing to mainland China.
Chatwell International has arrangements with
schools in Taiwan that are long-established, professional businesses, having
many branch schools or franchises. They know how to accommodate teachers,
especially first-timers. This is why Taiwan is recommended for those
wanting to teach English and travelling abroad for the first time.
ESL
Teachers generally get paid well in Taiwan. The term length of ESL
teacher contracts is normally a minimum of one year. After the first
6 months, tax withholdings drop by ½ to only 10% of income.
Contracts
are generally thorough. To qualify to work in Taiwan you must have a university degree. In fact, you must travel with your
official diploma in hand in order to obtain employment. A completed
transcript will not suffice in this respect.
There
are usually restrictions from schools in Taiwan. They generally look
for young university graduates (under 35). Many schools insist on Caucasians
only, while others are more socially accepting. Improvements in this
area are visible and, although it may take a few more years to catch
up to Western levels, it is inevitable. That's not to say that all kinds
of people don't get hired as teachers, but they usually can't get accepted
without a face-to-face interview with the school.
Living
expenses in Taiwan are less expensive than most western cities. The
local currency is New Taiwanese Dollars. Food, transportation,
and rent are all very reasonable. So, while you make a decent wage teaching,
you can also save quite a bit. For example, a loaf of bread costs NT$30,
and a T-shirt NT$100.
Public
Transit is very convenient and inexpensive. Buses,
trains and even planes are very affordable methods of transportation.
However, it is most common for ESL teachers to buy a scooter or bicycle.
Scooters are simple to operate, great on gas and convenient to park.
Keep in mind, you will need to get a licence.
You
will need to get a 60 day visitor VISA before
going to teach in Taiwan. Upon arrival in
Taiwan, the school we have arranged you to work for will help you apply
for the work VISA and alien residence certificate.
When you get to Taiwan, the school will help you get a work visa. Once
obtained, you will receive a national health insurance card. A health
check is also mandatory in Taiwan and costs about NT$1500.
When
you register, Chatwell will send you our Travel Wise
package that explains the above in more detail. It is designed
to prepare you for your experience in Taiwan.
Adventure, excitement and discovery,
all at your fingertips!
Register now to teach ESL in Taiwan!
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Mainland China
With close to 5000 years of recorded history, China has
one of the world's oldest civilizations. The incredible diversity of
its culture can be seen in its music, architecture, health, religion, calligraphy,
art and language – and these are just a few of the fascinating
aspects of life in China.
It is a vast country – it covers four
time zones, and when northern
China is covered with snow, the south enjoys warm sunshine. Within
its wild geographical range, there are hundreds of beautiful
places attracting millions of tourists every year.
Among many natural
wonders are the Yangtze River (the third longest in
the world); the Qinghai & Tibetan Plateau;
the Yellow Mountain; and the Guilin Li
River.
The U.N. lists 28 natural wonders and cultural
legacies within China, including the Great Wall, the Terra-Cotta
Warriors, the Forbidden City, the Potala Palace and the Dunhuang
Mogo Cave Temples.
Over the past 20 years, China has entered into the world economy through
economic reforms and a new open-door policy. Today, China has become
one of the most attractive countries for foreign investment, and is on
the verge of colossal change. Cities, modern technology and industry
are all expanding at record pace.
By teaching
ESL in China, you will have a unique opportunity to learn about one
of the world's upcoming economic powers, and expand your understanding
of the global economy of the future.
Foreign business people, tourists and newcomers are warmly welcomed and treated as important guests by the Chinese people, but teachers
enjoy an especially important status, as they are held in high regard
as educators.
More and more people in
China want to learn English and understand western culture –
becoming fluent in English is increasingly crucial
for those who seek stable careers with higher income. ESL instruction
by native speakers has never been in such high demand
in China as it is right now.
ESL in China
When
it comes to teaching in China, what you don't make
in salary, you gain in benefits. It is very common to have many of your
expenses covered by the school.
The age of teachers is not such a concern
in China. Unfortunately, a preference to lighter skin colour is even
more prevelant in Mainland China than it is in Taiwan. That said, older candidates, up to
the age of about 55, have greater chances of obtaining employment.
Schools
in China are more concerned about teachers having experience
and/or TESL certification.
University degrees are not required
in many cases, but they are looked on favourably and often the
higher your level of education, the higher your pay will be.
The
ESL teacher hiring times in China are very seasonal.
Late winter and late summer are two high times for hiring.
Living
expenses are incredibly cheap in most areas of China. Even
if you wanted your own apartment, you could do so without
feeling strapped for cash. Incidentally, the local currency is Renminbi:
"The People's Money".
Oh
yes, and China has lots of people. Each city has a substantial population.
If you don't like crowds, don't go! It's good to be direct with you.
This truly is a foreign culture. Don't try to change them! Respect
their culture and you will be respected.
Tolerance and open-mindedness
are essential qualities when living in China. It is at that point of
acceptance that you can gain true appreciation for your experiences
there and really enjoy yourself.
Taiwan
