Does Taiwan have an atmosphere that's friendly, receptive, and welcoming to foreigners?

Question

I'm considering teaching English in Taiwan. A big factor in my decision is the atmosphere and general attitude towards foreigners.

I've been in countries that are completely receptive and warm to foreigners, where it's easy to make friends and feel welcome.

I've also been in countries that are the opposite, where it seems as if most citizens have a phobia of "outsiders".

Where does Taiwan fall on this spectrum? What are you basing your answer on?

Thanks very much!

Answer 1

I lived in Taiwan for 15 yrs of my life

they are very nice towards foreigners

generally shy

They'd love to make friends with you, except they're afraid to talk with you

BOTTOMLINE:  THEY ARE VERY VERY VERY FRIENDLY

Answer 2

They are not hostile  toward foreigners, but don't expect to be embraced in the street either. Unless you are acting weired, you can make a lot of friends there. I know some people from there and they are just normal people.

Answer 3

Taipei, Taiwan is great.

Don't take any package tours as they are much shorter than advertised, and end up at the same gift shop every time.

Knowing some Taiwanese will be very helpful as it is difficult to find some locals who can speak English.

When I was there six years ago, I needed an internet cafe.

To make a long story short, the owner of the convenience shop that I had entered to ask, directed one of the employees to take me there.

The place was at least 10 minutes on foot away, but the staff showed me where it was, AND came with me to ensure I would not have any trouble using the internet.

Answer 4

taiwanese are discriminating to all foreigners. positively discriminating to westerners (meaning overly friendly to them) and negatively discriminating to those who come from poorer countries (even kids look down to southeast asians). i speak the truth. i see the discrimination everywhere.

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Answer 5

Taiwanese are very friendly to foreigners generally. You shouldn't have any issues outside of frequent language issues if you lack Mandarin ability.

Answer 6

I didn't read every answer, just the first few.  But I agree with them.  The ONLY caution I do have is that many buxiban (English School) owners are not so nice to foreigners.  Be sure to look over the contract carefully and see if there's anything you are uncomfortable with.  Generally speaking, if a school wants to try to charge you for leaving a contract early, says that they have other penalties for problems, etc. they have had problems with too many foreigners in the past.  That often means the school is a problem, not the teachers.  So be sure to investigate and find a school that is comfortable to work at.

Take a look at

http://www.forumosa.com  

and read through the material in there.  There is a section on teaching English in Taiwan that is fantastic and gives a lot of insight.

Answer 7

Taiwan embraces foreigners.

There's a lot of foreigners in Taipei, so you don't have to worry. One of my friend taught English in Taiwan and she said that the kids loved her. She said it's a really good experience, to teach and to learn about the local culture there. When she was lost or confused, she didn't have to hesitate to ask the locals for direction or information. She said the locals were very friendly, and even took her to her destination, which was like 20 minutes away.

Don't worry, you'll love the people there, and the people will love you too!

:]

Answer 8

My wife and I have lived in Taiwan off and on since 2001, and we have just returned from a two-year stay in Hualien, on the east coast.  We lived in Taipei for two one-year periods, and we have travelled all over the place.

We have never, in all our lives or anywhere else, been treated with such extraordinary kindness and hospitality and generosity as we have been in Taiwan.

I would say that provided you have a respectful attitude to the place, the customs, and the people, you will find that the people are wonderful.

There is most certainly no "phobia" of outsiders.  If anything, the people are very curious about individual foreginers.  They will not hesitate to ask questions that to us are not appropriate, such as

- Are you married?

- How many children do you have?

- How much money do you make?

- How much rent do you pay?

It's not that people are nosy--they are simply very interested in foreigners.