taiwan or china

[marita]

HI everyone i am totally new to the ESL scene and i would really appreciate your insights and opinions on whether to teach in china or taiwan - the plusses and negatives.

I was thinking of teaching english in China - shenzhen or hongkong, because i have holidayed there in the past and loved it and any chinese language skills i pick on the way would benefit my government job. But i have also had friends who have been to Taiwan and said great things about it so i am unsure about where i should go! I wasn't initally too worried about wages but it seems that taiwan pays so much better than china why is that?

It would be good to save and start paying off my HECS student loan. Is the cost of living so different between the two? I've also heard that it is hard to get work in taiwan if you are not caucasian. I am eurasian? I will complete my BA in June so when is a good time to head overseas and start looking for work and in terms of safety where is better? Thanks!

[Antonio]

Plusses of teaching in China

• Easier to get a teaching job
• Less skills and experience required
• Larger country for travelling purposes and sightseeing
• The Great Wall of China
• Cheap cost of living

Plusses of teaching in Taiwan

• Higher hourly rate
• Easier to travel around the country
• Better infrastructure
• Uncensored internet access

If anyone wants to add to the list, hit Reply.

[tonelir]

Originally Posted by marita

Is the cost of living so different between the two?

Salary is much lower in China than in Taiwan, BUT, so too is the rent, food etc. So net in your pocket after expenses wont vary that much between countries.

[worldtour]

It might be easier to convert your money to pay off your student loan if you work in Taiwan.