KOJEN English Language School - Teach English in Taiwan

I had an awesome time but it was mostly because of the great friends and new experiences. Kojen at times can be very difficult to work for because of lack of communication and flexibilty. New teachers, me included, were offered very few and awkward hours like one 2 hour Saturday class that made it hard to travel. After about five months of surviving my hours gradually increased.

I loved my time in Taiwan but kojen didnt make it easy.

Kojen is one of the best reputation-ed, largest charter schools in Taiwan, they attempt to give you resources and the space to create your own lesson plans. They're not super hands on, which can be nerve racking at first, but then.. its a great thing.

Good luck!

My overall experience at Kojen was pretty good. The children were my favorite part of the experience. They were always very well behaved and very smart. It did feel like somewhat of a factory though - just pushing students through to the next level. Sometimes I wondered if they were really learning or simply memorizing sentences. But that seemed to be Kojen's style. Facilities were very basic, as were teaching supplies, but it was enough to get by. The rest of the staff was fairly friendly and always willing to help me with questions I had about living in Taiwan, but communications about specific class issues were sometimes few and far between. For example, I had no teaching experience before I arrived and only received one small piece of feedback in a whole year (which was 'when students are answering questions and speak too quietly, don't go over to them, make them speak up'). That was it - the only teaching advice I received the whole year. But teaching, for me, was a means to experiencing a year abroad. In that way, Kojen gave me exactly what I was expecting when I arrived. Teaching in the evenings (5-9 pm weekdays and Saturday mornings)gave me plenty of time to explore Taiwan with friends and get involved in the community (yoga and volunteering in the mornings/afternoons). The wage allowed for a very comfortable lifestyle as well (while saving some too).

The school is located in Kaoshiung, which is an amazing place to be. I loved the nature, the people and the food. Kojen has more than one school in the city and I had the chance to teach at 3 of them. The other teachers, ex-pat or Taiwanese were fun to be around and very helpful to newbies. I did not have any problems with my director and we had a good relationship. If you do what is asked of you, they will be help you accomplish what you want and help you in any way possible. I had a blast and would go back if I could.