taiwan Archives - Jonistravelling

10 Reasons to Teach English in Asia

August 19, 2016March 19, 2014 by Jon Algie

Teaching English in Taiwan - a great option if you want to teach English in Asia

Do you want to earn some money, see the world and escape your comfort zone? You should teach English in Asia! Here are 10 reasons why you should give it a go: You’ll save a lot of money Assuming you don’t drink it all away, chances are you’ll save a decent amount of money when … Read more

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Quit Your Job and Travel

December 13, 2014January 31, 2014 by Jon Algie

Everywhere I look in this virtual world are inspirational travel quotes, interviews with perpetual travellers and just straight out abuse of the 9-5 lifestyle – all designed to inspire people to leave their old life behind and travel. I’m fine with the inspirational stuff, even though it’s not really my thing (you’ll never catch me repeating any travel quotes), but what I really can’t stand is someone denigrating another person’s lifestyle choice because it doesn’t align with their own. I have seen a lot of call to action slogans like “Quit your shit, soul sucking 9-5 job” and to me these are just completely insulting to the millions of people who choose, and probably enjoy, this lifestyle.

Seeing my First Wild Monkeys in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

January 5, 2016December 6, 2013 by Jon Algie

A monkey in Kaohsiung, Taiwan - on Monkey Mountain

It had always been a dream of mine to see wild monkeys, but after six months living in Taiwan I was yet to lay eyes on one and I was getting restless. To me, seeing a monkey in the wild was a sign I’d finally ended up somewhere exotic, a magical place far away from … Read more

10 Tips For a First Time English Teacher in Asia

August 19, 2016December 4, 2013 by Jon Algie

Are you a first time English teacher in Asia (or are you planning to be)? Check out these tips to make the transition that little bit easier!

Make a good first impression

The first impression I made in Taiwan was not a strong one. The day after training, the new teachers were supposed to make a visit to their respective branches for the first time. Still drunk from celebrating the night before, I woke up to an angry “where are you?” phone call. I didn’t make it to the branch at all and I’m pretty sure some of the management never really forgot it.

Go in strong

Just like prison, sometimes the key to survival in the classroom is to find the biggest, baddest kid in class and kick him in the teeth. Not literally of course, but there is often one kid in a new class who will challenge you, and it’s important to quash that rebellion straight away. Bring them down a notch or two and the rest of the class should fall into line.

Be yourself

There was a bit of an expectation in Taiwan to be the all singing, all dancing clown teacher. This isn’t my style. There is no point trying to be something you aren’t and as long as you find your own way to connect with the kids you’ll be fine.

Teaching English in Taiwan: My First Overseas Adventure

August 10, 2017November 14, 2013 by Jon Algie

I was shell-shocked after teaching my first class. To say it didn’t go to plan is an understatement, and in that moment I questioned just why I was teaching English in Taiwan. I had cruised through the two week training period and was probably far too confident in my own abilities. A combination of a … Read more