Some important things to consider if you are thinking of teaching English in Taiwan.
(**The following statements are based on an informal survey of teachers**).
1. Most of the teaching jobs are in children's schools (a.k.a. "cram schools" or "bushibans"). Many teachers have nothing good to say about the vast majority of these places.
2. Finding a good job teaching adults is difficult and you really have to be in the right place at the right time. Previous teaching Experience is usually a MUST.
3.You must have a university degree to obtain a work permit. You must submit proof of this degree when applying for your ARC (Alien Residency Certificate).
4. Having a TESOL certificate sounds nice but rarely helps you find a job teaching children.
5. Many cram school owners/managers have no idea how to teach nor do they care to learn. They are only concerned with making as much money as possible.
6. Cram school will make you all kinds of wonderful promises regarding bonuses and working hours, but if these promises aren't **in writing in the contract** they are rarely honored.
7. Some cram schools will demand you pay a 'deposit' to ensure that you complete your contract. This is ILLEGAL and a big red flag. What this should tell you is that the working conditions are poor, the manager/owner does not treat the teachers well and the teachers usually quit long before their contract is up. If the owner is unwilling to drop their demand for a deposit (or whatever they call it), walk out the door and don't look back.
8. Most cram schools are independently owned chain schools. These schools have their own teaching material and offer some training and classroom support. Their policies tend to be set in stone and they can be inflexible and unwilling to compromise on anything. "Take it or leave it". Private (non-chain) cram schools tend to be less professional but the owners can be quite flexible at times and willing to negotiate the terms of the contract. It all depends on the owner/manager; some teachers are treated with respect and love their jobs, others are treated like trash and can't quit soon enough. Before accepting any job, it is strongly advised that you talk to the other teachers at that school privately for an honest appraisal of the work environment.
9. There are a number of brokers and agents who will find you a teaching job at a cram school or will find you private students. Use only the brokers who take a portion of your first month's pay (no more than 20%). Try to get the school to pay the agents salary by reminding them that THEY were the ones who chose to use an agent; "advertising for teachers on-line is free". AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE any agents who will pay you themselves or who want you to sign a contract with them. You will have no idea how much they are taking and if you stop working for them they will often keep your last months salary. You won't know where their office is, where they live or their Chinese name. They won't answer your phone calls and since they don't provide working visas, the Taiwanese government will not help you (they might even demand income tax and could delay your departing the island in some cases until they receive that money).
10. Cram schools prefer young white blond females. The older you are and the darker you're skin color, the harder it is to find a good job.