korea vs taiwan
Hello! I have been doing a lot of research about teaching English abroad and have narrowed down my choices to Taiwan or Korea. I am now having a difficult time choosing which country and in what city I want to lay my roots. I am a recent graduate from the University of Michigan spending a year as an au pair in Rome. I enjoy big cities, a nightlife, good food, being around people (most likely other English speaking expats), warm-ish weather and the ability to travel. On a lesser note, I do love the beach and would like to be somewhere that it is easily accessible, if possible. Ideally I would like to be able to rely on public transportation as I am a terrible driver. I would like to be able to learn the language if time (and money) permits, although Mandarin is much more desirable in this case. My biggest obstacle is the fact that I have student loans I need to start paying off, probably around 300USD a month. I am currently looking at Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Taipei in Taiwan and unsure about cities in Korea (Seoul, obviously). Can anyone offer any insight on if you think these cities might be what I am looking for and also if it is possible to send some money back to the US to pay off my debt? Other suggestions are also very welcome!
What is the living situation like in either of these countries for foreigners? I've heard some pretty negative things about both places, but especially about Korea. I'd love to hear other people's experiences about either place.
Also, is it better to come and look for a job there? I’ve seen mixed reports. When coming how much money do you recommend coming with? Is there a time of year that is best to look for a job (regardless of the July tax thing in Taiwan, I’ve read a lot about it already)?
Finally, has anyone lived in either place with asthma? My asthma isn’t very serious and is well controlled but I would love to hear firsthand if the pollution is that bad.
Thank you so much for all your help.
What is the living situation like in either of these countries for foreigners? I've heard some pretty negative things about both places, but especially about Korea. I'd love to hear other people's experiences about either place.
Also, is it better to come and look for a job there? I’ve seen mixed reports. When coming how much money do you recommend coming with? Is there a time of year that is best to look for a job (regardless of the July tax thing in Taiwan, I’ve read a lot about it already)?
Finally, has anyone lived in either place with asthma? My asthma isn’t very serious and is well controlled but I would love to hear firsthand if the pollution is that bad.
Thank you so much for all your help.