Pros and Cons of Teaching English Abroad | Black in Taiwan

Hey guys, welcome back :) This week I decided to discuss some of the pros and cons of becoming an English teacher in Taiwan. Of course this is through my experience in the public schools. I hope this helps and provides more insight to anyone considering the move. Feel free to leave questions down below and thank you for tuning in! Peace ☺️
Social media ⇣
Instagram - / nneniayasmeen​
Twitter - / nneniayasmeen​
Music ⇣
Biscuit (Prod. by Lukrembo)
Interested in teaching English in Taiwan? Check out ⇣
www.teazeap.com/​
Still on the fence? Here's an opportunity to teach English from home! ⇣
QKIDS referral link - teacher.qkids.com/ref?code=PC​...
QKIDS referral code - PCPOYW

[@kimberlyfennell7689]

You are the reason I have decided to apply to teach in Taiwan's public schools after I graduate!! ❤️

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Oh wow that’s awesome! Congratulations & good luck ☺️

[@Blaze6432]

Hopefully Covid is over by then..

[@rachelallison5840]

Did u end up doing it?

[@roundtwo3321]

What were your experiences in Taiwan?

[@capel7662]

Originally, my degree was a major in Pre-medicine (minor in psychology) and luckily, I'm only a sophomore in college so I've already got basics out of the way. Recently I'm thinking to myself, this isn't really doing it for me, I'm job shadowing a psychiatrist and I'm volunteering at a hospital-- the people aren't bad, and I like the idea of making a difference in my community. But I really want to travel-- but not just vacation travel-- I want to understand the cultures of different worlds! It's like the moment I spoke it into existence I come across a random man as I'm working at the coffee shop, was a REALLY slow day. But we just started talking about life and college, and he tells me the adventurous story of teaching children in China, India, Spain, Cozumel, and the middle east! About how his daughter speaks fluently in mandarin. About over the summer in South America he was a translator for researchers in Colombia and he slept in the Jungle! Contract to contract from country to country! This guy was SEVEN-TWO years old but my God he looked 20 years younger! I'm like this dude sounds like Indiana Jones! Nope. He was an TESL major! Long story short I've changed my degree from Pre-Med to Pre-Education and will be getting a MA in TESL!

[@smallcatbigmeow]

Amazing story! I’ve just finished my bsc and considering med school but recently also having thoughts if it’s right for me. I would really like to travel too. For now I’m thinking of going into med and then once qualified, practising abroad in less developed countries

[@Youcanthidefromahyde]

The way you talked about the ups & downs of teaching in Taiwan is the exact same as in the states. There are tough days but the rest make it worth it. You should do a video about how you & your bf met. Does he speak English if you don’t speak Chinese?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Yes most definitely! My husband speaks both English & Chinese & other languages. Lol

[@Youcanthidefromahyde]

@@NneniaYasmeen That totally makes sense! I'd like to see a video of the biggest cultural differences vs the states

[@NneniaYasmeen]

@@Youcanthidefromahyde Ok will do. I think that's a great video idea. Thank you!

[@nomthandazodlamini5647]

Thank you so much for your video, im really considering Taiwan. Ive watched different videos from different teachers in different countries, i feel like Taiwan is the best. I was thinking of Thailand before i found out about the cost of living. Thank you so much from South Africa

[@annamay731]

Thanks. I never considered Taiwan as one of my options to teach abroad, but now I'm going to add it to my list.

[@ZoeysMusings]

This was so helpful. Thank you for this, Nnenia 🙂

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@wennymoges9691]

Great video!! I share your sentiments. Looking forward to your next video!!

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Yes I know you get it. Thank you for watching!

[@rejoycealways]

I stumbled on your channel and it's great. Thanks for all your sharing and you're very good at explaining and narrating your videos. I especially enjoyed your travel video to KH and Nantou. 😊

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Thank you so much!!!

[@emelypineda6881]

Thank you for this video! I’m going to graduate college next year, and I’m still debating what to do after. This helped a lot! Much love from CA

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Good luck! Glad it was helpful.

[@denisegutierrez5963]

thank you for this video! It was super informative and helpful. Considering teaching in Taiwan now. :')

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the video recommendation 😄

[@nonfat6]

this was really helpful! one of my majors is chinese so i feel pretty excited to teach english in taiwan (hopefully soon!)

[@NneniaYasmeen]

It’ll help a lot! Good luck & congratulations.

[@beez663]

Hi! I've been back and forth with doing a TEFL program, your video i think has been the most practical to weighing my options. Thank you for your honest review of your experience!

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Great to hear and I'm glad it was helpful!

[@changrey1116]

Very nice to hear . please make a video about coworkers and administration/commute.

[@therealmotherhood]

E-Team we loved your interview with Eddie

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Thank you for tuning in!!

[@Tink4ou1]

Hello. I just saw your LIVE interview with No Limit Eddie. I've subscribed.

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Thank you so much! Welcome 💕

[@briit24]

Loved it! Would love to visit out there one day!

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Thank you Britt! You’re always welcome ❤️

[@MrMrsK21]

Seems like it could be quite the challenge but also very rewarding at the same time.

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Yes exactly. There’s ups & downs lol

[@zinebtakaoui]

THANK YOU. ❤️

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Anytime! Thank you for watching.

[@carmelacaranyagan6726]

Thank you for this informative video, Nnenia! Truly helpful, especially now that I am scheduled to be interviewed on Wednesday by Teach Taiwan. If it is not too much to ask, would you mind sharing tips on how can I ace the interview and what will be the process like?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Hi, I'm sorry I see I'm a few days late since your interview. I hope all went well!

[@kimonttt]

Queen ❤️

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Thank you 🥰💕

[@bobbythespaceghost9934]

That sounds like a sweet deal. I have no experience, but I have a Bachelor's degree in a something that's not teaching. That sounds so good. The only things is that I have student loans and a car not to pay.

[@NneniaYasmeen]

I still pay on my student loans too. It's possible to make it work depending on the salary and living arrangements you'd have here.

[@chancebutler6472]

tyvm

[@emmasankofa7597]

Thank you for this insightful video! How do other foreigners learn Mandarin in Taiwan? Does Teach in Taiwan offer suggestions for places to learn to speak Chinese so that teachers can actually communicate with students? I know they are a recruiting agency so their only responsibility is job placement. But I was just curious because the language barrier seems like the only con that I would struggle with.

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Foreigners have the option of going to school, taking classes/ hiring a tutor. There’s many resources and options available if you want to learn. The schools want students to practice their English speaking/ listening abilities with the foreign teacher so they do not encourage us to speak Chinese even if you know it. It’s a learning curve but something you’d get use to over time! Thank you for watching 🙂

[@emmasankofa7597]

@@NneniaYasmeen That makes sense to encourage English only with students. I will definitely invest in Chinese language classes and tutors. 😁 Thank you for answering! 🙏🏾❤️

[@NneniaYasmeen]

@@emmasankofa7597 Yes I’d def recommend it. I can refer you to a teacher when you’re ready! ❤️

[@badul9]

What’s the initial salary for a public school-is it a public school? Do you create your own lesson plans?

[@janmpho5050]

Do they consider experience one got when working in Asian countries? I mean like working in South Korea and ect?

[@sindihansen2502]

♥

[@luizychoe5018]

i alreadly plan to apply in taiwan after i graduate 🤧

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Awesome!

[@theaniyachantell4758]

Where did you get your TEFL certification from?

[@mavistaki325]

You explained all very well. what about age restriction for people over 50 years but not yet 60?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Thank you. I've heard of schools preferring "younger teachers" but I don't know anyone personally that's been affected by that. My agency has teachers of all ages and I'd assume there are some are in their 50s.. mid 40s at least.

[@aprilbeard8242]

Great information. Will you consider doing an apartment tour?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Thank you! & Yes I have. 😀 I will soon.

[@aprilbeard8242]

@@NneniaYasmeen Thank you. Can't wait!!

[@BrownEyedReader]

You said you got a lot of your information from Facebook groups. What Facebook groups did you use

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Yes I joined "Brothas and Sistas of Taiwan" "Hsinchu English Teachers" "hsinchu apartments and rooms for rent". Those were specific to the city and country I was moving to.

[@asiabradley-stephens5320]

Have you done a video on interview skills?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

No, I haven't. It's been a few years since I interviewed anywhere but that's a great video idea!

[@lanahanbrian0]

Bit different from the common cram school experience.

[@oscalinaperla7797]

Did you have to get a certification ? Or was your bachelors enough?

[@soundheart9685]

hello just asking if non native speakers with an English BA can teach in taiwan

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Yes there should be opportunities here for you!

[@peachgumdrop8067]

Hi! What program are you teaching with? Also, do you think it’s isolating it move alone?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Hi, I went through Teach Taiwan. You can check out their website. I don't think it's isolating personally. I met my now husband and a great group of friends early on but I know it may be tough for a lot of other people to do.

[@FatimahMo]

Amazing ! How did you land this job? How can i look for a job as an english teacher ? And is there anyway I can contact you for example via email because in few months I’m going back to Taiwan and I want to start my career as an English teacher I’d like to have some advices. thank you

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Hi! I searched the internet and joined Facebook groups. You can contact [e-mail] once you're interested in looking for a job.

[@FatimahMo]

@@NneniaYasmeen i appreciate it thank you❤️❤️

[@stars2725]

Teacher can i study and have a part time job in taiwan as a student do they allow student to work ?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Yes, I believe so.

[@Ash_Nichole]

Where did you receive your TEFL certification? Asking bc I'm interested in doing the same

[@NneniaYasmeen]

I honestly don't remember the name of the company. It's been at least 4 years and I literally never used it. I'm sure there's more up to date info out there for one!

[@user-yw1qo1yq7t]

Hello dear, are Ghanaians eligible to teach in Taiwan?

[@nleddie]

I am starting an expat interview series. I would like to interview you.

[@NneniaYasmeen]

That sounds great! I’m definitely interested.

[@nleddie]

@@NneniaYasmeen ok dope. What is your email?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

@@nleddie [e-mail]

[@nleddie]

@@NneniaYasmeen ok perfect I will email more details

[@moriahproctor951]

Do you have to have a degree? Can you have a TEFL certificate?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Yes I do. Min. bachelors is required for public school but there's some private centers that won't require it. I have a TEFL but never used/ needed it.

[@shanikismith8122]

Did you every think about teaching a different level of kids. Maybe high school or college level would work if you wanted to try something different.

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Yes I have but I think I’d go with the younger kids. They’re high energy but more engaging. It’s my 5-6th graders that aren’t interested in anything. 😩😂

[@shanikismith8122]

@@NneniaYasmeen You know music can help with that if the school you work at allows it.

[@mavistaki325]

What recruiting agency did you use to go there?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

I went through Teach Taiwan.

[@humorisnotdead28]

Do you recall how long you waited after your interview to receive a job offer?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Hi, sorry I don't remember exactly but it wasn't too long. I'd say it was a few weeks.

[@humorisnotdead28]

@@NneniaYasmeen Thank you 😁 That's helpful!

[@michaelamoreno8388]

Hi. I wish to apply in Taiwan.

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Hi, how can I help you?

[@michaelamoreno8388]

What agency i can apply to work in taiwan?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

@@michaelamoreno8388 I went through Teach Taiwan!

[@michaelamoreno8388]

Thank you so much. Godbless

[@lovelulusoulsisters8023]

where in Taiwan do you stay?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Hsinchu City

[@kristinapaxton9686]

What programme were you on?

[@NneniaYasmeen]

I went through a recruiting agency called Teach Taiwan.

[@kristinapaxton9686]

@@NneniaYasmeen Thank you so much! :D

[@casebeth]

I feel like it's pretty imperative that you learn SOME Chinese and I'm shocked that you've been there so long without being able to hold a conversatoin

[@NneniaYasmeen]

I do know some Chinese. I've even taken classes. I mentioned not being able to have conversations in Chinese with my students because it's not advised or encouraged. My time with the students is their opportunity to practice their English speaking skills. Not the other way around.

[@casebeth]

@@NneniaYasmeen ah I see. I'd also be v frustrated by that

[@melvina_eheli]

Hi Nnenia 😊, I trust that you’re well. I have watched two of your videos and I’m sold! I just followed you on Instagram and Twitter, may you please kindly accept my request 🙏🏾? I am interested in teaching abroad.

[@NneniaYasmeen]

Hi Melvina, sorry for the late response. I've been out of town for a few days. I'll approve your request now and you can reach out to me that way. Thank you!

[@melvina_eheli]

@@NneniaYasmeen I have just sent you a DM on Instagram 🤗