Living in Asia

Cure: Taiwan

If you are living in Taiwan, get out and meet some long-term resident foreigners. These guys and girls, have ideally lived here for a minimum of two years, and have no plans of returning home. They DO exist, especially in Taipei. These people are well adjusted and have also been through what you are going through. They can help you lighten up, see things as they really are, (life is a comedy anyway, just you've changed the scenery), and they can help you get perspective. They maybe able to suggest if you should change jobs, and to which employer. Finally, learning even a little of the local language can help a lot.

Learning a little Chinese or Taiwanese can help a lot. It sounds obvious, and it helps you become independent so you can get more of what you want. Learning even a little of the local language does wonders in building your standing socially. It shows to them that you are willing to learn about them and their country, and that you don't think that it is a one-way affair: you merely imparting English and it's baggage upon them.

Travelling and seeing all the sights gets your mind off of your problems. See the country while you can, otherwise you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Get a camera and get into recording the country through your eyes. Taiwan is a great place with lots of images that are so different to your home country, so record them.

If you're having problems teaching, grit your teeth, read up on how to teach better (see these pages), and become a super star. I've seen some very ordinary types of people become popular teachers, so it's always possible if you give it a go.

There is such a concept as 'linguistic imperialism'. This is where the English speaking countries attempt to dominate the world by enforcing our language upon them. I personally don't believe this is the case. But I have had new teachers try to enforce our culture, values and ideals on their students. Usually the students DON'T appreciate this kind of imperialisation; especially in Taiwan.

However, learning their language does counter this notion of 'linguistic imperialisation', or as I see it, 'cultural imperialisation'.

Prozac, a popular anti-depressant, is available in the country, and you can ask for it, saying that it helps you control your migraines (and it actually does). Do consider getting a prescription for it for a while, just to help you through.

It has been said by many foreigners who have worked in other countries that Taiwan is probably the best place for us to work. Just the right job needs to be found.

<-- Back

 TELL ME MORE Chinese Language Learning Software