Tag: guest writers

It’s funny thinking back on all the little social faux pas I made on a daily basis during my first few weeks in Taipei, and I certainly wish someone had been able to spot me in a crowd and lend a helping hand, especially when I was lost in the city.

The learning curve for a new ESL teacher can be pretty steep. But don’t get discouraged. Here are five things that every new ESL teacher should know. Master these basic concepts and ideas, and you’ll be well on your way to teaching like a pro and feeling totally comfortable every time you step into the classroom.

In 16 days, I will join the numbers of brave men and women who plugged their noses and dove face first into a bowl of stinky tofu. Wish me luck, friends.

It’s difficult to take control back from a class that is used to acting out and behaving badly, but it’s not impossible. What it takes is patience, persistence, commitment, and a long-term strategy. Follow these guidelines for taking back control from a difficult class, and you’ll find things starting to turn around before you know it.

After an entire year of daily practices, it’s going to be arduous to simply drop the habits I’ve picked up – these 10 listed especially.

Usually run by thin, gorgeous, and impossibly chic young women, the boutiques of Taipei are not to be missed when you’re aching for a little retail therapy. Although the selections are usually great, buyers beware: there are Taiwanese boutique shopping rules to be learned.

Every teacher has, at some point in their career, experienced that deer-in-the-headlights moment when you realize that you’re completely out of lesson material with twenty minutes left in class. For those of us who aren’t improvisational geniuses, having a solid repertoire of “filler” activities is crucial for those moments.

As flowery summer dresses and oversized sunglasses come out, it’s the perfect atmosphere for dating. If you happen to find yourself head over heels for a person in Taiwan, then keep these 10 tips in mind as you begin your pursuit. (Consider me your Cupid!)