Welcome to
David’s English CenterDavid’s English Center is one of Taiwan’s largest and most respected private adult English instruction centers, with 16 schools islandwide. David’s boasts franchises in eight different cities. It is our goal to provide a professional, stimulating environment for adult students of English as a second language. We have an ever-growing student body and we are always searching for energetic and qualified native English speakers to join the David’s family.
For students, we offer a wide variety of courses that we feel certain will benefit their English abilities in every area. For teachers already living in Taiwan or considering relocating here, David’s can provide the challenging, enriching and supportive work environment you’ve been looking for. We invite you to join the David’s family.
Mission Statement
David’s English Center takes its position as one of Taiwan’s leading adult ESL schools as a challenge to constantly progress and improve our level of service. Our small class sizes and flexible student-oriented curriculum allow our students’ abilities to grow in the areas most needed. Our experienced teachers understand that only through working with, not lecturing to, our students can they achieve their goals in English study. David’s is committed to providing a professional, stimulating and challenging environment for adult students of English as a second language. This is our focus, and results are our promise.
The David’s Story
In the late 1980’s, as Taiwan’s economy was booming, the need for English language instruction grew exponentially. Private kindergartens and cram schools began popping up in cities and towns across the island. David’s English Center was founded in 1987 on the belief that the over-saturation of children’s schools left many adults feeling they were being left out of the mix. An interested group of like-minded teachers felt they knew how to bridge this gap.
As with all new businesses, success wasn’t easy, but in time, students from around Taiwan began to find in David’s a comfortable environment to pursue their English studies. In no time, David’s had forged a name for itself among the most respected and successful adult English centers in the country. 15 David’s branches can now be found across eight cities in Taiwan. Currently, each branch averages 250 students annually with a franchise-wide enrollment of over 3,750 students. David’s currently employs around 200 foreign teachers and more than 150 Taiwanese teachers and staff.
With each passing year and every new school opening, we have continued to adapt, with new materials, better trained teachers and a friendly, more efficient staff. As our enrollment continues to grow, so does our need for passionate, qualified teachers.
The David’s horizon holds plans for new school openings around Taiwan. The fact that the majority of our teachers choose to renew their contracts at the end of their first year speaks volumes. Yet, we are always looking to welcome new teachers and their vibrant personalities to our growing family.
David’s Program
Our conversation classes are our most popular, generally held Monday through Thursday mornings and evenings, and all day Saturdays. These are broken down into basic, intermediate and advanced levels, each consisting of three sub-levels. Native Chinese-speaking teachers are responsible for the three basic classes as well as the first intermediate course. Native English-speaking instructors teach the remaining intermediates and all of the advanced classes.
David’s business English conversation classes are very popular among our white collar students. These courses are taught in-center by native English speaking teachers and held Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Attending students are generally of an advanced level. A business background is helpful, but not necessary for teaching these courses.
One-on-one private classes are taught both in-center and off-site by local and foreign teachers. The teacher usually custom designs the curriculum according to the student’s level and needs. These classes are often business English, but may be daily conversation as well.
David’s also offers grammar and pronunciation classes, which are taught in-center by native Chinese-speaking teachers.
Company classes are taught off-site by foreign and local teachers. Teachers travel to the students’ offices, often during the lunch hour or evening. These classes may be business English or daily conversation, depending on the student’s needs.
Our Students
Our student body is comprised of adults of all ages and walks of life. During the course of one teaching day, teachers may find themselves in engaging conversations with doctors, sales people, university students or veterinarians. You’d be hard pressed to find a better or more interesting way to gain insight into the heartbeat of Taiwan’s constantly changing culture. David’s teachers all agree that our classrooms are a place where they, too, can learn.
Our in-center group classes are largely attended by, but not confined to, university students, recent graduates and young professionals. During private one-on-one instruction, teachers may find themselves with men and women of all ages and backgrounds, from corporate executives and politicians to students and other teachers.
David’s provides in-office company classes. This gives teachers a chance to get out and experience office life in Taiwan. While geared more toward business English, students of our company classes enjoy the chance to get away from their cubicles and share with their foreign teachers.
We also offer summer and winter intensive classes. The majority of these students are on break from university and looking as much for fun as for English training.
Whether teaching conversation or business English, one of the first things teachers in Taiwan will notice about their adult students is that while eager to learn, they are equally eager to share their experiences with other classmates and their teachers. Everybody involved stands to learn and experience a great deal.
Recruitment
What is expected of our teachers:
Requirements: Prospective teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited university in a native English-speaking country. An ESL or TESL certificate or one year of teaching experience is preferred, but exceptions can be made. David’s does not discriminate against one’s gender, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation. We welcome all qualified applicants.
Expectations: All teachers hired at David’s are required to sign a one-year contract and be available to teach at least 16 class hours per week. Outside of that, basically all we ask is that teachers dress and conduct themselves in a manner befitting a professional, and be at the school prepared to teach at least ten minutes before class.
Getting paid: David’s pays a very competitive hourly wage. Taxes in Taiwan are quite low compared to most western countries, usually about 13%, so teachers keep a lot more of their pay. Income tax for each pay period will be deducted by the payroll staff, who can also give you advice in filing for your tax refund. Most full-time teachers receive a yearly refund of around US$1,000. For more useful tax information, see: http://www.tealit.com/taxes.htm
Visa and Work Permit: David’s helps all of its teachers obtain their Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and work permit, which allow you to legally stay and work in Taiwan for at least one year. Your ARC, together with your multiple-entry visa, allows you to enter and leave Taiwan freely. Newcomers to Taiwan should note that they must enter the country on a visitor visa. If you enter on a landing visa, you will have to leave the country to purchase a visitor visa before you may obtain your ARC. Once you have your ARC, you’ll never have to worry about costly emergency visa runs.
Health Insurance: All David’s teachers are covered by Taiwan’s National Health Insurance. David’s teachers are responsible to pay a very small portion of this monthly fee according to school policy. The school and the government cover the rest. Most foreigners living in Taiwan agree that this comprehensive medical and dental coverage is an essential benefit.
Flexibility: We pride ourselves on being a very flexible employer. Teachers who maintain a minimum of at least 16 hours per week at David’s are left with plenty of time to pursue their own interests. Whether they are studying Chinese or Taiwanese language, arts and culture, or out of the city rock climbing and surfing, we consider the various experiences of our teachers to be a great asset to our students. Unlike many other local English centers, David’s does not frown on teachers taking second jobs as long as their initial commitment to David’s is fulfilled. We fully understand that the diverse groups of teachers who make David’s so successful are not in Taiwan solely for work. Given proper notice, we are also very flexible regarding personal vacation time because we understand the importance of visiting family and friends back home. We also know that traveling in Taiwan or other places in Asia is a must for most of our teachers.
Training: All new David’s teachers will complete a brief but comprehensive training session. This includes an orientation to the facilities, rules and expectations. New hires will be given one-on-one instruction regarding our curriculum, teaching materials and classroom protocol. They will also have the opportunity to observe in-center group classes. Our experienced teacher trainers insure that no teacher enters the classroom without the skills and tools to confidently and thoroughly facilitate all of their students’ needs. In the interest of continued training, every three months, a one day teacher training workshop is hosted by a different David’s branch.
Never Forget to Have Fun: Many of our teachers find that their time in Taiwan may be one of the more incredible and memorable experiences of their lives and we encourage all of our employees to get out there and live it. David’s hosts a variety of holiday parties including sumptuous feasts of traditional Taiwanese and Chinese food, and nights out on the town. Almost every company in Taiwan embarks on some sort of annual company trip and David’s is no exception. Past trips have included visits to hot spring resorts, ocean parks and mountain retreats. It’s a great opportunity to blow off steam with your colleagues and new friends.
Teacher Profiles
Throughout David’s many locations in Taiwan, our faculty is made up of an eclectic mix of local and foreign teachers whose backgrounds and interests are as diverse as the different countries they hail from. We have teachers from at least six native English-speaking countries and every corner of Taiwan. For many of our teachers, Taiwan is one more stop on a much larger journey and they bring with them their experiences from teaching in different countries. This creates a multicultural work environment that helps everyone grow both as people and teachers, and have a lot of fun while doing it. Everyone who takes the chance and teaches in Taiwan, no matter how long they stay, is changed in some way. They all come away with different stories, experiences and adventures. This is what a few of our teachers have to say about living in Taiwan and teaching at David’s.
Simon Ellwood: Simon comes to Taiwan from England. He has been teaching at David’s for one year.
“One of my favorite things about living here is the convenience of the place. You can get anything, anytime. It’s great! Also, Taiwan is incredibly safe.”
“The secretaries at David’s are fantastic. So helpful and friendly, they are always smiling. They made me feel welcome from day one.”
“The thing that sticks out in my memory is the kindness and friendliness of the Taiwanese people. I encounter it every day.”
Karen Parr: Karen has called Taiwan and David’s home for a year and a half.
“I trust the owners and management to treat me fairly. I know many teachers who have worked for other schools and have had bad experiences. I’m thankful to have found a place where ‘ESL horror stories’ don’t happen.”
“I love shopping for clothes here. It costs me less money to dress fashionably here than in any other place I’ve lived. Also, the cities are very safe. A woman can walk by herself at night without fear.”
Paul Doucet: Paul comes to David’s from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He’s been with us for just over a year.
“David’s provides a professional yet laid back environment. I can’t imagine a friendlier or more helpful environment to work in.”
“I love the delicious and various foods, which are also so affordable. The nightlife rocks, the night markets are fun and you can learn so much about Taiwanese and Chinese culture from teaching adults.”
Kane Walters: Kane, from New Zealand, is a four-year veteran at David’s.
“After teaching a group of adults for over six months, they invited me out to join them to go to KTV (karaoke). It’s nice to feel we can become more than just teachers.”
“I really like teaching at David’s because there are no kids. The students actually want to learn.”
“I have made many friends with people from all over. My two best friends are from New York and England, and I’m from New Zealand. Where else could I make such friends?”
“I like hanging out on the fourth floor of Taipei 101. It has a large open space, English book store and coffee shop. It’s nice to sit down, have a cup of coffee and read a new book while the wife goes window shopping. Everybody’s happy.”
Rob Gilroy: Rob has been at David’s for five years.
“There’s nothing better than unwinding on the weekend in Yilan. It’s only an hour and a half from Taipei with hot springs in the winter, cold springs in the summer and beautifully fresh and cheap seafood. Can’t beat it.”
“When I first started at David’s I had a small health issue that turned out to be nothing. One of the staff used her own personal time to accompany me to the hospital to help translate. Anyone who has ever lived abroad knows what a difference that makes.”
“In most cities you can find great deals on street food or sit down dining at just about any hour you are hungry. Also, the bars stay open all night.”
David Howarth: David comes from England and has spent the last of his three plus years at David’s.
“One of the best things about David’s is my fellow teachers. Talking before and after class in the staff room is always enjoyable and sometimes hilarious.”
“Once you start to experiment with the food here in Taiwan, you’ll find it is outstanding.”
“The sunset at Danshui always makes for a great evening--a favorite of mine.”
“I enjoy having a variety of levels to teach that include many types of Taiwanese students.”
Mathew Driscoll: Mathew, from the U.S., has been at David’s for just under a year.
“I enjoy coming to work because David’s is like a big family. On my birthday, after I had been working here for only a few months, the secretaries bought me a cake and sang Happy Birthday. I was happily surprised. That really made me feel welcome.”
“I also love the public transportation. Both the metro system and the busses are convenient and clean. I enjoy living in Taipei because it takes less than an hour to be out amongst nature.”
Edward Smith: Ed is from the heartland of the U.S.A. and has been with us for over a year.
“I enjoyed spending time with a Taiwanese friend in Taichung during the Dragon Boat Festival, experiencing typical Taiwanese culture and eating traditional food.”
“I also like the wild parties at Luxy and MOS and other dens of iniquity and decadence.”
“I’ve made good friends at David’s who I can discuss academic and personal matters with, which allows me to facilitate myself as a better instructor.”
Dorothy Lewis: Dorothy is a Canadian who has spent three of her three-and-a-half years at David’s.
“Every Sunday I ump a baseball game with some Taiwanese boys and fathers. It is very interesting how the people walking by react to a female ump.”
“Night markets are most enjoyable, with a real sense of what Taiwan is all about. I LOVE MY SCOOTER!!! Any trip on my scooter is enjoyable.”
“Presently, I have a student who is a doctor. We are role playing for her medical test in the USA. She has a great sense of humor making her class productive and enjoyable.”
TESL Express
In September, 2006, David’s English Center went international with the opening of our TESL Express TESL/TEFL/TESOL training center in Seattle, Washington, USA. TESL Express is one of the newest, most affordable and time efficient ESL teacher training centers in the Pacific Northwest. Our flexible course schedule offers daytime intensive as well as evening classes. Upon completion of our course in as little as three weeks, you will receive a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language.
To teach adult ESL students in Taiwan, you need to have both a TESL certificate and a two-year degree from a college or university in a native English-speaking country or, without the certificate, a four-year degree. The skills, knowledge and insight you will gain by completing our program, along with your newly obtained TESL certificate, should give you a significant advantage in the competitive ESL field of Taiwan. Our doors are open to anyone interested in beginning a career teaching English. In many countries a TESL certificate is all that is needed to begin your teaching adventure.
TESL Express is affiliated with David’s English Centers of Taiwan. Upon completion of our course and with your instructor’s recommendation, we can arrange a job interview for you at one of David’s 15 Taiwan locations. For further information, check us out on the web at www.TESLexpress.com or drop by in person at:
1716 E Olive Way
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 328-3555
About Taiwan
From the bustling, modern metropolis of Taipei in the north to the white sand beaches of Kenting in the south, Taiwan offers up a diversity of people, landscapes and culture. Aptly named Formosa (beautiful) by the Portuguese in the late 1590s, Taiwan’s nearly 23 million people enthusiastically welcome its growing foreign community.
Most visitors become acquainted with Taiwan in its capital city, Taipei. Home to famous traditional night markets, dizzying traffic and the world’s tallest building, there is a little something for every taste. Most foreign visitors have little trouble navigating the urban mazes with the help of a very convenient metro and bus system.
As with the other major cities in Taiwan, convenience is king. Many restaurants are open 24 hours, night clubs keep thumping until dawn and the shopping scene is never ending. The major surprise is that while the pace seems frenetic, the people are polite, friendly and always seem to have time to help with any questions their foreign friends may have.
The west coast of Taiwan is densely populated, but easily traversed on the newly opened Taiwan High Speed Rail, cutting the five hour trip to Kaosiung, Taiwan’s southernmost and second largest city, to an hour and a half. Each city and town along the way, however, has its own points of interest and more than enough local flare. Taichung has the mind of a city, but the heart of small town. Hsinchu, Miaoli and Taoyuan all boast temples, markets and their own brands of the always delicious Taiwanese food.
The east coast of Taiwan is a must, with its rocky, wave-battered beaches and lazy fishing towns. You can feast on the freshest of local seafood in the port town Keelung, or soak away your city stress in the natural hot springs of Yilan. Farther down the central east coast are the mid-sized city of Hualien and the breathtaking marble and granite cliffs of Taroko Gorge, both of which are not to be missed. Taidong, in the southeast, is rich in aboriginal tradition and provides a relaxing contrast to the larger cities. The outlying Green and Orchid Islands are also well worth a visit.
In the south of Taiwan, the larger cities of Kaosiung and Tainan move along at a much gentler pace than their northern counterpart. Kaosiung boasts a new metro system, and the newly redeveloped Love River is perfect for an evening stroll. Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first, sits on the southern tip of the island, with tropical beach accommodation for every budget.
David’s English Center is a fixture in eight different cities, welcoming students and prospective teachers of various backgrounds. For these prospective teachers, we wish to warmly welcome you to join our growing family in any of our locations, from Taipei in the north to Tainan in the south. Wherever you live, you are never more than a short trip away from any other part of the island. We’d like nothing more than to share your experience, be it one year or the rest of your life, as you discover both what you can give to Taiwan and what Taiwan has to offer you.
Links
Here is a list of links that English teachers planning to live or already living in Taiwan may find useful or interesting. Send us an email if you are aware of any other links that you think would help.
http://www.teslexpress.com/ http://www.daveseslcafe.com/ http://www.tealit.com/ http://www.chinapost.com.tw/ http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ http://iteslj.org/ http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/ http://english.www.gov.tw/e-Gov/index.jsp http://www.gio.gov.tw/ http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/
