CLF

Hello! <BR> <BR>My husband and I are contemplating on making a move( job opportunity)to Taiwan. Please help us with our decision. Positive or negative feedback appreciated about Taiwan. <BR>We thank you in advance on any input. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Emily

Are you racially Chinese or can you speak the language? This would help immensely as you will have to deal with the cultural difference and a scarcity of English speakers. In my opinion (you're going to get a lot of protests about this!) the Taiwanese are not as laid-back as the Singaporeans but not as hard-driving as the Hong Kongese. However, I've been married to one for 25 years, so you can tell that they're a very attractive people!

Jennie

I'm a Taiwanese and living in Taipei. I don't think language is really matter, even kindergarten kids can speak some English. I don't know which city you're going to stay, if it was Taipei, there won't be problem. But be prepared for the traffic jam all day, heat in Summer, drizzle in Winter, haze on sunny days and not so clean streets. <BR>We have English speaking radio station, English newspaper English TV channels(cable TV, almost every family have it.) and Starbucks. I'll have new friends or co-works, ask them show you how to shop in the traditional market, show you the neighborhood of your office and home. I think they'll be glad to do so. <BR>

dale

It makes a difference if you are ethnically Chinese, if you speak/read/write Chinese and if you have kids. If you are ethnically Chinese, you may have culture shock and more difficulty in fitting in, especially if you do not speak, read or write Chinese. And if you have kids and can't send them to a private school, they may have some problems with the extremely competitive school system. But barring these factors, most expatriates I met in Taipei seemed to enjoy the city.

Randy

CLF: <BR> <BR>I spent 5 weeks in Taiwan in 1997. As part of this trip, I spent time in hospitals, schools, universities, a wide array of manufacturing and industry. I also met many, many people. <BR> <BR>Taiwanese are hard working people that have built one of the stronger economies in all of Asia. Unlike Japan, they have not experienced any type of recession. Unlike Thailand, Phillipines and many other nations in the region, Taiwan has a stable central banking system which has helped to sustain economic growth. <BR> <BR>The posting above that mentions language issues is worth noting. I spent these 5 weeks with an American born Chinese woman who did not speak Mandarin. At times, she had it worse than I (a white male). It is true that almost all students study English--even when I could not be verbally understood, I could usually write a note and have the person understand me. My Mandarin is very limited. <BR> <BR>If you go to Taiwan, the north is hot and humid in the summer. In the south, it is more of a desert climate. Everywhere you go will be busy with people. Only 30% of the island land mass is inhabitable--mountains take up the rest of the island. <BR> <BR>Traffic in Taipei and surrounding suburbs is very crowded and the air quality is not the best, but it is a beautiful country with wonderful people. <BR> <BR>If you still need additional info on this (I just noticed your posting is from May), please feel free to contact me directly on my e-mail and I'd be happy to help in any way that I can.

zena

uummmm! they've just had a massive earthquake there!

billy

I was in the same spot till the hightec downturn. I have been to Hsin Chu several times and had a chance to work there for 3months. I think it is very, very lame. I spent 3.5 years working in Osaka and wouldnt go back for a $1000000US a year.Taiwan has lost its culture I thought I was in NY. There is not really alot to do. Even being a conservative business person you will hate after several weeks. Go there and see for a week and you will fell the same. I turned my offer down b/c it and the air is very polluted and after a year of living there your health will become a factor weither to stay. THUMBS DOWN ON THE MOVE!

Steve

I lived there (Taichung) for about 18 months. There were 7 other American families there working for the same company. The opinions are split. I had a great time, loved the people, loved the food, and never got sick. I travelled all over the island and only stayed in Taichung when I had to.<BR><BR>The only objective comment that I can make about why some saw black where others saw white has to do with the fact that I tried to go out and see things and meet people. Whenever Taiwanese co-workers invited me along on an outing or a simple dinner, I went. The families who didn't enjoy themselves were just the opposite. Their observations from day one about the Taiwanese and travel in general were negative.<BR><BR>Two of the families who complained the loudest had spent time for the company in England and kept comparing their experience in London with what was happening in Taichung. Go figure? One of the families who enjoyed it had spent time in Brazil and Chile.<BR><BR>Perhaps seeing "third world" poverty and filth completely soured them to the experience. I think you need to be adventurous, willing and able to adapt, have a generally positive outlook on life, and love interacting with new cultures and new people. And perhaps MOST important, you need a strong, reliable relationship with your spouse. Very STRONG. Very, very strong. And did I mention that you need a STRONG relationship with your spouse? You do.<BR><BR>Your company has to support you well. If they start off by cutting corners on hotel and meal expenses, class of travel, trips home, personal belonging allowances . . . BEWARE!<BR><BR>Steve