Situated just off mainland China, Taiwan has a population of approximately 23 million people. The terrain is fairly mountainous (but leave the skiis at home - this is a semi-tropical country). There are two defined seasons; fall/spring and summer. The temperature ranges from a low of 10 C in the cooler months to over 40 C in the summer. Humidity can be a problem for those who have repiratory problems, exacerbated by the pollution. Typhoons are common in the months of August, September, and October. So avoid low-lying areas when searching for a place to live; flooding is a common problem.There are odd tremors, but nothing too strong. Taiwan had its last Big One in 1999, and to my knowledge, isn't overdue for another (knock on wood) for some time. Please, don't quote me on this, however!
Taipei is the largest city, located in the north, Khaosiung (pronounced "Gow-shung') is south, while Taichung is centrally-located. Vacation spots include Kenting National Park (a beach area located on the southern tip of the island - check the map), Hualien (on the east coast, very beautiful and scenic), and Taroko Gorge (also on the east coast).
Taiwanese people are generally cordial and polite, as are most Asian people. Oddly enough, there seems to be an affliction I refer to as "MeFirst-Itis"; a condition whereby someone will cut in front of you at the 7-11, or any other place, for that matter. A remedy for this is a clearing of the voice and a polite, "I'm sorry" whilst indicating you physically occupy the space that they are trying to cut into. Most will clue-in and back-off.
If you enjoy getting around by bus, this is the place to be. The busing system is extensive but privately operated, which means that schedules are relative; that next bus may come two minutes from now, or an hour later. Patience is the key.
Taxis are an option, but expensive, and they tend to drive a little on the 'wild' side. Your best bet is to invest in a motor scooter, but only after you've learned "The Technique," that is to say, knowing the correct time to be aggressive, and when to be defensive. (A degree of omniscience is also beneficial). If you are someone prone to 'road rage', stick to public transit. Blind right hand turns, blind left hand turns, blind u-turns (maybe even driving blind), are the norm here. Sidewalks are considered an extra lane.
Kidding aside, many foreigners wind-up in an accident at some point, and a few die. One thing is for certain - you will be a better driver when your contract is finished.
Taiwan is slowly catching-up with its Asian counterparts (i.e., Japan, Korea) in terms of costs, but it isn't there - yet. If you're keen on going-out every night to drink/party, you may run into trouble - it's not cheap. For someone living frugally, one could expect to spend around NT$1000. (Exchange rates - $1 CAN = NT$22. $1 US = NT$32). Do the math before coming - you don't want to be left short.
You'll have lots to choose from, that's the good news. On the downside, native Taiwanese food is a little on the heavy side - oil is used extensively during preparation.
North American food (a la McDonalds, Wendys, Burger King) is available, but somewhat pricey. There are several thousand food stands throughout any given metropolitan area, so your best option is to get used to the local cuisine; it's far cheaper in the long run.
There are typically two types of contracts: 6 months or one year. Most schools prefer to hire for the year, considering the time and cost of processing work visas. Wages vary widely, but an average monthly salary would be around NT$50,000-60,000 for 120 hrs. teaching time. Finding employment can be easy, but it's always a better idea to shop around.
Taiwan has pretty much everything you'd find at home. There are usually expat stores where you can find those Keebler cookies, spices, etc. Unlike Korea, getting deodorant is also no problem.
Again, and this does bear repeating, driving on the island will be a test of your patience, nerves, and driving skill. If you're a naturally aggressive driver, you'll fit right in, as long as you can manage to keep your temper in check. People here drive pretty much anywhere there's room big enough for a scooter; this includes sidewalks and driving in the wrong lane.
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