
When Alice was a young girl, she used to live close to downtown Changhua. As we were riding our little motorcycle through downtown, I noticed quite a few English language schools. They call them "cram schools" here. Some parents will send their children to these English-language training schools so that they can get a headstart in their English. Many of today's kids begin learning English as early as 6-8 years old. Ten years ago, they began learning at age 13 or 14. The children attend these cram schools after their regular classes are over at 5 p.m., which might take them to about 6 or 7 p.m. Then they go home for supper and do homework. We have it pretty

easy in North America so I don't know why we complain so much. Today, there are many of these cram schools in Taiwan. People in Taiwan seem to really appreciate the value of learning English and this is evidenced by their parents who work hard so they can afford to send their kids to these English language schools. A few of

these cram schools might have several native Enlgish-speaking teachers but most of them are taught by native Taiwanese teachers who have done ther education in Canada or the United States and have returned to Taiwan.

Alice knows a former co-worker here in Changhua who opened up her own English language training school and has done quite well for herself. However, today's cram school market is quite competitive here in Taiwan. There are many cram schools, even in the small city of Changhua. There are also many ESL teachers in Taiwan, especially in the City of Taipei. Many people have come from foreign countries to teach English as a Second Language. Th

is is good experience for a lot of new university graduates. I wish I had done this after I first finished my undergraduate studies but this is kind of late for me now. I would have had great overseas experience. If anyone has a chance to become an ESL teacher overseas, they should definitely take the opportunity. It'll really broaden a young person's view of the world. By the way, native English speakers who come here to teach tend to be respected for their proficiency in English.
(photos: 1) us at National Changhua University of Education; 2) Kevin standing next to Confucius; 3) Alice at Changhua University campus; 4) us in Lugang; 5) Alice in Lugang.)
1 comment:
Good for people to know.
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