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Daily Life
- Do I have to speak the language?
No, but you can learn it while you're there if you're willing to put in the time and effort.
- How do I get along in public without speaking the language?
You'll manage just fine! About 95% of ILP teachers don't speak any Chinese before they leave, but many learn while they're there!
- Can I learn the language while I'm there?
The amount of the language that you will learn depends heavily on how much you study on your own. Those who have acquired the most language during their stay have studied on their own daily. Learning any foreign language takes effort, but it can be very rewarding.
- How many people go?
Currently we send 20-25 people to Taiwan each semester.
- What is the girl/guy ratio?
More girls go than guys--typically about a 5 to 1 ratio.
- If I go with a friend, can we teach at the same school?
We love when friends go together and make sure that they get into the same school.
- What is a typical day like?
Schedules vary depending on which school you teach in. A typical schedule includes a Kindergarten class in the morning from 9:00-12:00, Basic Reading in the afternoon from 2:00-4:00, and a Follow-Up class three times a week in the evenings. Your schedule may be very different from this, but you'll only be scheduled to work 30 hours a week.
- Where will I live?
Depending on the school you go to, you'll either live at the school in a dorm-type situation; or you will share an apartment with the other teachers, but you'll have your own room.
- Do I get to pick my roommates?
Yes, roommate selection occurs upon arrival, so you have a say in it.
- What are the living conditions like?
No matter which school you go to, you will be quite comfortable. Bedding and kitchen utensils are provided, and there are washing machines and drying racks for you to do your laundry. You will have a lounge or living room with a television and VCR. The biggest difference is that most dwellings in Taiwan do not have carpeting, so you'll get used to wearing flip-flops around the house.
- What about appliances and electronic devices?
Taiwan uses the same voltage as the U.S. and the outlets are shaped the same, so you won't need any kind of adapters. Many people bring portable CD players and laptops.
- Do I have to bring my own bedding and towels?
Bedding is provided, but it is a good idea to bring a towel.
- How do I wash my clothes?
Washing machines are provided in your residence.
- What are the bathrooms like?
In the teachers' residence the toilets are the same as in the U.S., but public toilets are often of the "squatter" variety (a hole in the ground that you hover over). Most public restrooms don't provide toilet paper, so it's a good idea to carry a small package of tissue with you.
- Will I have email?
Internet cafes are readily available, and some schools may provide Internet access.
- Can I call home?
You can call home, but you must have a calling card. They can be easily purchased at one of the many 7-11 convenience stores in Taiwan.
- Can I get letters and packages?
Yes, but you should never send anything irreplaceable. Postal time can be rather slow when receiving larger packages, as the Taiwanese post office generally opens them to inspect the contents. But small packages and letters usually take 7-10 days in either direction.
- What is the food like?
Rice, noodles, vegetables, chicken, fruit, soup and lots of seafood. For the most part, you'll be cooking your own meals, so you can prepare what you like.
- Is the $100 stipend enough to cover the cost of my food each month?
Yes, if you shop at the local markets and make most of your meals at home. If you're eating out a lot, particularly at American fast-food chains, then it will cost you more.
- Can I drink the water?
Your residence has water purifiers that should always be used for drinking water. When eating out, make sure that you don't drink water unless it's bottled or purified.
- What is the weather like?
The climate is tropical: it's hot with high humidity. It can get a little chilly in the winter, so you'll want to bring sweatshirts or sweaters as well as your lightweight clothing.
- What kind of clothes should I wear?
When you are teaching you should be neat and clean. Pants and button down shirts are preferable, but neat jeans and tee shirts are acceptable. Because it is so hot, shorts and sandals are appropriate as long as you look nice. It is not, however, appropriate to teach in flip-flops.
- Can I buy clothes that will fit me?
It can be difficult to find women's clothing larger than a size 10-12.
- Can I buy personal items?
Yes, but if you have personal preferences for brands, you should plan on bringing them with you.
- What is transportation like?
You will travel by public transportation- subway, train, and bus. Some schools may also provide a bicycle for you to get around town.
- Can I go to church?
Yes. Church services of most faiths (including LDS) are available in all ILP cities in Taiwan.
- Are the people receptive to Americans?
For the most part, they really like Americans and are very interested in you. They want to learn more about you and talk to you. Sometimes they will stare, but it is more out of curiosity than rudeness.
- Will I get a lot of unwanted attention or will I stand out?
You do stand out, and they will know that you are foreigners, but usually this will help them be more patient and willing to help you.
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