subject: You Might Actually Enjoy Teaching English In Taiwan [print this page] Sometimes, teaching English in Taiwan feels like a crime. Why do I say a crime? Do English teachers need to frequently break the law or do something else in order to teach? Of course not. The majority of language schools in Taiwan that offer English classes are privately run cram schools. These so called cram schools offer classes for children whose parents send them to extra classes after their day at public school ends in order to help them improve their English. Then why is teaching English in Taiwan a crime? Because, sometimes, teaching these classes can be so much fun and enjoyable that it is hard to believe that you can actually get paid to spend time with children while teaching them English.
This isn't to say that teaching isn't hard work, sometimes it can be, especially if you have never taught English before and haven't ever tried to teach someone something. However, after sometime and the proper training, you quickly fall into a pattern at work. You know your students and they know you. You know their personalities and behavior and you know the best way to get across to them what you are trying to teach. If you find yourself with a class of students that behave very well and you personally enjoy, you will be amazed at just how fast time can pass at work. Teaching becomes enjoyable and before you know it the bell is ringing and class time is over.
However, sometimes, you will find that classes with students you don't thoroughly enjoy teaching take forever to end. Without the bad you wouldn't be able to appreciate the good. This is extremely true when it comes to teaching English. There will be times when you have students who can be a complete and utter pain. This might come in the form of not doing their homework, not listening to what you are trying to tell them or they just sit and continue to speak in Chinese all through class. There isn't much you can do about this beyond trying to remind them of why they are there and what they really should be doing instead of doing nothing. All said and down, however, most Taiwanese children are much more behaved than their western counterparts.
If you enjoy teaching and children, then you'll be able to absolutely enjoy working as an English teacher in Taiwan. There will be days when you honestly can't believe that you are getting paid for doing the so called work. Sometimes the classes are easy and it is hard to say it is work, but often you will find yourself with a class that you personally enjoy teaching and spending time with them is enjoyable for both you and the students. Work becomes something you enjoy and you take personal delight in teaching the students English and they in turn thoroughly enjoy speaking to you in English. This is the best of both worlds where you get to teach someone who is interested in learning.
