Rural Universities in Tawian

Many of the university teaching opportunities becoming available in Taiwan are located at private, rurally-based universities. This combination can create some substantial problems. Many of these schools are located in quite remore areas. Looking on a map, it might be hard to imagine how anywhere on an island as small as Taiwan could be remote. Keep in mind that transporation outside of the main areas of Taiwan might be so antiquated that it's hard to imagine. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has chartered a total of 149 universities. That's far more than Canada or Britain. I have seen a complete list of these schools, and I have no idea where most of them are. Many of the newer universities have never worked with foreign teachers before and may still hold superstititious ideas about 'foreigner'. What so I mean by a superstitious idea? I was once offered a job at Jung Jeou Institute of Technology in Chang Hwa County. The teachers who hired me informed me that now the school was going to sponsor me, I would no longer need to leave Taiwan for a visa. They were aware that I was working in Taipei for a major cram school; they just assumed that all foreign English teachers must be working illegally. It may seem strange that Taiwanese who were educated overseas and speak fluent English could be unaware that many foreign teachers have legal work permits, but this happened to me. The result of such situtaions could be that your employer feels no matter how terrible the work load they give you is, they are doing you, the unemployed illegal foreigner, a favour.

In some of his comments to my postings, Todd has made the point that not all universities in Taiwan are equal. I agree completely. If you look on Dave's ESL Job Information Journal

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobinfo/asia/sefer.cgi?Taiwan

you will find some quite critical comments concerning employment at Taiwan universities. Follow Todd's warnings -- do not trust universitiy empoyers unless they have made the point clear to you. Clarify everything you thing is important; vacations, extracurricular responsibilities, overtime pay, anything. Never think that their job is so good that you don't want to mess it up by bringing up what you think is important.

6:03:47 PM    

Corporate English

Teaching in Taiwan

One of the most misunderstood sectors of the English teaching market is corporate English. Large numbers of local and foreign companies hire instructors to handle their language training needs. Customers range from high-tech giants to local trading companies. Your students will be older and more experienced in life, raising the possibility for friendship. It is possible to have anyone in your class; all the way from the CEO or office clerks. In many ways, it is the most exciting, interesting type of teaching available.

In Taiwan, the major corporate English providers are Lado, Gram, EIE, and William's. Lado would have to be considered the top provider in terms of quality. It is the most expensive company and pays the best. It has the highest quality customers, as well. Gram has a spotty past in this market. Although it has a lot of work, their contract in the past did not provide competitive compensation. I am not certain if this contract has changed. EIE and William's were born of the same blood. The GM of EIE was originally a salesman for William's, but spun off to operate his own company. My understanding is that he has been more successful. Many of his customers are William's old customers, and as a result, William is slowly disappearing.

In addition to the traditional big players in this market, there are numerous other sources of corporate teaching. Many agents can arrange such classes as well as cram schools. Many companies are willing to hire and pay you independently, although it is harder to find work this way.

10:40:55 AM