My Taiwan Adventure

It's been a little while since I've written, but things have been going by so fast. I had interviews with both schools I applied to and I've heard back from both of them after that. I think it's looking good for me but the problem is that there's so many people wanting a job in central Taipei and they might not have any open right now. So I'm just waiting to see if any open up and at the same time I'm looking at open positions outside the city to see if it's reasonable for me to commute. I officially have my plane ticket! We're leaving Feb 1st- we realized that we might need a few extra days to get all of our stuff packed and clean the apartment out. Our flight leaves just before 1pm. We have a 2 hour layover in Tokyo (woohoo!!!!!!!), and arrive in Taipei around 9-10am eastern time- so 9-10pm in Taipei. Spending the night at Albert's apartment in Jhongli City and then going to Taipei to find an apartment the next day. I want to end my blog with ...

Woohoo! I got an interview with Hess Schools this Wednesday at 9pm via SKYPE. Wish me luck! :)

Hello everyone, I just officially applied to two schools in Taiwan: Hess Educational Organization, and Kojen. They both look good- 20-40 hours a week, working with adults and mostly children, the curriculum and materials are provided (which is both good and bad*). Hess has a free TEFL certification program and Chinese classes. They both give you health insurance and work permits. So here's hoping! :) I really want to get a job before I get there. *When the curriculum is provided you're not going to have much freedom. You have to teach what they want you to teach and go through so much of it each day. However, it could be really good if it's your first time teaching English (like me). I would learn a lot from their ideas.

I'm not sure everyone's up to speed on my plans for Taiwan, why/when I'm going, etc. So here's a quick summary! Summer 2009: Found out I got into EMU for Fall 09 graduate program in Speech Pathology. Weeks later found out they made a mistake and I actually didn't get in because the class list was full. Possibility that Albert may have to go back to Taiwan in January. Started to think about going there for a year to teach English. Reapplied to EMU for Winter semester, doubting I'd have any better luck. November 2009: Found out I got into EMU for the Winter 09 graduate program in Speech Pathology. Though they were tricking me again so went to make sure it's true. (It was! :D) Asked for a deferment for a year so I could make tuition money in Taiwan (teaching English). Woohoo! Permission granted, but wouldn't give me an official statement. Have multiple emails saying I have a spot for next year, however. So now the plan is to go with Albert to Taiwan late ...

Today was my second attempt to apply for my passport. The first time I didn't have a certified birth certificate- only a copy. This time everything went smoothly! Cost $100 as expected. I'll be looking for it in the mail in 4-6 weeks. Hope my birth certificate gets sent back as well!! ~Rachel