So the planning has begun. Kate and I have formally applied to teaching jobs with Joyland, the school that Allison worked at in Taiwan. We are looking for decent hours to start out, but nothing that will overwhelm us as we settle into a new country. Most 'full-time' teaching jobs for foreigners will offer 20 hours a week, part-time jobs range from 10-15 hours a week. This is much different than in Canada where the average worker slaves for 40 hours or more each week to make ends meet. I like the idea of working less and having more time for pleasure! Kate and I plan to explore the whole island and other countries as well! We can't wait to take advantage of the low low cost of living and spend more money on leisure than we can in Canada. Once we get into a groove, we both plan to find part-time teaching and/or tutoring jobs to bring in some extra cash. Legally, we cannot work more than 35 hours a week in Taiwan. This will be beneficial as it will stop us from biting off more than we can chew.
As for now, we're both working and planning. We spent the Canada Day weekend camping up in Restoule Provincial Park, dreaming about when we will move up North for good (after Taiwan and other travels of course). We visited Nipissing University in North Bay and took a good look around. I am excited to go to a smaller school for teacher's college once I'm back from traveling I had the big Western experience, and I'm ready to move on to something more subdued (again, after big-city Taipei).
This blog will be where Kate and I report on our travels, regularly I hope. We will post the best pictures and I'm sure keep everyone back home entertained with stories of large spiders and cultural faux pas. I cannot, however, think of a witty name for this blog. I will continue to brainstorm, but any and all suggestions for a title are warmly welcome.
Laura
