An ok first job in Taiwan - English Teacher Kojen Employee Review

2.0
18 May 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Teachers can work with a wide array of students including adults and very young children. The textbooks aren't bad, and after working there for a few months you won't need to do more than 30 minutes of preparation per class. For most classes you'll have what they call a "Chinese teacher" who will help you.

Cons

Little to no training. They want you ready to entertain and control a large group of children from day 1. Unsupportive environment where asking questions for any reason is discouraged. There's tension between the Taiwanese teachers and the foreign teachers. There's a lot of pressure to constantly entertain the children. If a child complained about being bored, I got a talking to from the boss.

Explore other reviews about Kojen

5.0
24 Aug 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Colleagues are friendly and amazing.

Cons

The holiday dances are sometimes tough to prepare.

3.0
17 Mar 2013
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They will pay for your ARC. Pay is decent, and if you spend modestly on living expenses, you can save an OK amount of money... which you can then use on vacations in surrounding countries. Good work/life balance. Many teachers had time to take Chinese classes, work a second job, and/or go on vacations in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, around Taiwan, etc. If you ask, teachers with experience will help you with your lesson plans.

Cons

The teaching methods, textbooks, and tests are antiquated, sometimes confusing, and often focus on rote memorization. You don't get to choose whether you teach adults, children, or both. They place you where they need you (usually there is a higher demand for children's teachers). It's hard to get enough/more hours, so often times you have to work a second job. The initial training involved watching a lot of videotapes and was not very helpful. You will always work Friday nights until 9:30 pm and Saturday mornings starting at 9:00 am.

3
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