Taiwan
Top 10 of the WeekTaiwan
Top 10 of the WeekUpdated 3.12.98!
Love it or hate it the Republic of China on Taiwan is my home. Like any developing democracy we have our problems. But, the people are some of the friendliest you'll find anywhere, work is easy to find, and last but not least- it's the only country to regularly thumb its nose at those commie bastards across the strait who fashion themselves as the Peoples Republic.
Every week I'll be posting a new list or two giving you the lowdown on the best and worst to be found on the Isle of Formosa.
This time I`m venting my bile on that infamous Taiwanese institution- no, not the family- the Bushiban. As I`m no longer in the language flogging business anything I say won't result in my going back to busking in some damp underpass. So, without further ado...let the chips fall where they may!
#1 Hess Language School - Just the mention of this chain is guaranteed to get my gander up. Education just like McDonald's makes hamburgers, and just about the same pay scale. Owned and operated by the megalomaniac Joe and his "lovely" wife Karen.
#2 Joy Language School - This is a franchise operation, so no two are ever going to be the same. I had a pretty good experience, but yours may vary. Scimpy materials leave a lot up to the teacher.
#3 Sesame St. - Another franchise. This time I got a big bohica (military term for "Bend Over Here It Comes Again"). Never involve yourself in any situation where the other foreign teacher is sleeping with the owner.
#4 Cambridge Language Institute - This little Wanhua jewel is the reason I gave up teaching. Endless, meaningless meetings. Brown nosing staff. A nasty troll for an owner. 12 hour working days. Unpaid Sunday overtime. In D&D terms, this is definately the Abyss.
#5 Sunshine English Club - Defunct since one of the owners ran off with the cash. Reportedly, leaving the remaining owner to take up work as a call-girl.
#6 Jenny Lai - Not strictly a bushiban, this woman operates as an agent for naive newcomers to the Isle de Formosa. It's no accident her surname is a homonym for "deceit". The scam runs something like this- She finds you a rather well paying job somewhere in the suburbs. At the end of the first month, you must hand over to the aforementioned Shylock 15% of your earnings. By Monday of the next week she calls to let you know the school no longer needs your services....but she has another place in dire need.
#7 Jordan's Language Institute - Not much to say. Middling pay. A do-it yourself approach to material.
#8 Kid Castle - This place has the most bizarre textbooks I've seen yet in a children's school. The mascot is some French cartoon character Chevade (not Asterix- that would be cool). Another franchise operation.
#9 Global Village - The health club approach to language learning. Come as you will, learn as you go. Poor pay, and if you ain't popular- out you go!
#10 Leader Language School - This family owned school is located in I-Lan City. When I got fed up with Taipei, this is where I went. Very laissez-faire, and an interesting variety of students. Poor pay, but what the hell- a lovely place to live!
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