Life as an English Teacher in Taiwan

The coast of Kaohsiung.

Wow. This has been a crazy couple of months. It’s been tough picking up and moving to a brand new city, but well worth it. Dom and I have been in Taiwan less than 2 months, and already we have jobs, an amazing space to call our own, and can already say a handful of words in Chinese.

Job

I landed the “knock on wood” ideal job, and easy enough, at my first interview.  Part of me contemplated not accepting the first job I was offered, but hey- I’ve been in the game long enough by now to spot something legit. I am getting paid at the upper end of the average teacher salary in Taiwan, and have amazing hours. Plus, it’s like night and day compared to Honduras. I have my own assistant here, an air-conditioned school, a zillion resources (no more of that 25 kids sharing 4 glue sticks charade), and I am paid seven times more for half the work. Last but not least, I only pay 6% in taxes and get health care.

Some of my students holding up a birthday sign for my friend back home.

As for the kids,  they are lovely. They are a joy to teach, and it really makes my job not seem like a job at all. Plus, I get to work barefoot and in yoga pants. Who could ask for anything more?

The Universe is responsible for this one. We managed to find an apartment one block from my school; I can literally see my work building from my high-rise window. Plus, I am a five minute walk from the CostCo and across the street from an organic vegetarian restaurant. For less than $600 US Dollars, we have a posh two-bedroom apartment with wooden floors, leather furniture, a western bathroom, granite countertops, a full kitchen, and my own dressing room with massive closet. There is even a huge flat screen TV (which I’m sure I will never use) and the icing on the cake: all the lights have dimmers. Love it. I’m also only a one-minute walk from the metro, and I’m located in the heart of Kaohsiung. An apartment like this where I was recently living in D.C. would put one out at least $4,000 a month. We also have our own security guard whose son is studying Engineering at Stanford. How could I forget- he tells me every morning as I leave for work.

Our living room.

My dressing room leading to our bedroom.

Life

Things are great. I have found a yoga studio, and there are plenty of running trails and parks to do Crossfit. There is a market next to my place where I can buy local fruits, veggies, eggs, and sushi for ridiculously cheap. Dom and I also have a 4 day holiday coming up next month and we are visiting an island off the coast of Taiwan. It’s easy to get comfortable here. I can see why all the other teachers I have met have been here for years.

I might be speaking too soon, but I think Kaohsiung is going to make my New Year’s resolution to stay grounded for one year pretty easy.

Love looking over the city of Kaohsiung.