I am just about to head to Taiwan, but I don't have any kids, and I just graduated. Jobs are hard to come by in the US, much less a good job, but I feel the experience I had in Taiwan was like none other. If you have never been there before, I would take a visit at least. If you don't like the visit, then the answer will become clear.

I am going to Taiwan because I have little burdens against my going. You're talking about relocating your whole family. It's a big step, but there are American schools for your children to attend. I don't speak Chinese much, but you will learn just living there, even if you're not trying. People are nice in Taiwan if you know them or have connection to them. It is a bit more difficult to randomly talk to people like we do in the US.

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My answer 15 years ago, when I myself had 3 young children, would have been yes because I longed for the adventure and experience.

My answer now, after moving to Taiwan by myself 4 years ago at age 45, would be no, because now I don't think I could have handled the added stress of moving to a foreign country with young children.

Since you mention that you already have a good job in the US, I'm assuming you want to come for the adventure, to expose your kids to a different culture, etc. If so, I do think these are all great reasons.

If you move, I'd strongly recommend reading up beforehand on the stages of culture shock that you and your kids are sure to experience. Knowing what your psyche will naturally go through, and how to deal with it, will help during the negative periods that WILL happen, no matter how determined you may be to enjoy your exciting and exotic experience.

Yes, there are some American schools, and hopefully your job will be located in Taipei where those American schools are located. They are quite pricey, but perhaps your company will be reimbursing you the cost.

I've found Taiwanese people by far to be quite friendly and helpful, and that's probably the biggest reason I've chosen to stay (along with the ridiculously cheap medical care).

Taipei is pretty English friendly. While you can "pick up" a bit of Chinese without trying, it will be very limited without study or having a Chinese speaking significant other. It's not like Spanish or French or German, which have similar words and grammar, and an alphabet that you can easily read.

I don't want to emphasize the negatives, because actually I grown to love Taiwan and plan to retire here.

Committing yourself to live in a foreign country for 3 years is a big step, let alone committing others as well. I hope you'll continue to read blogs and forums to get as much information as you can, asking specific questions.

If you don't know, here are a couple of useful online sites where you can get more information and ask questions about life in Taiwan:

www.forumosa.com (general Taiwan life)
www.tealit.com (more specific for teachers)

Good luck on whatever you decide. Feel free to ask me any specific questions by email at STEVE4NLANGUAGE (AT) YAHOO (DOT) COM

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Thanks bkellyefl. Yes, it is a burden, especially with the kids. I'm really torn as the opportunity is very significant.

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Thanks Steve4nLanguage. I'm a 40 year old Asian American. The culture shock may not be as severe as both my wife and I spent our teenage years in Asia.

Actually, the primary reason for my consideration is financial. The bump in salary is very significant (my current pay is already very high) and they would cover my living expense. The thinking is that after 3-4 years, I would save significant amount of money.

The secondary reason is that I want my kids to be exposed to the Asian culture which promote certain values that I really like. However, I'm afraid that they would loose "something" by moving there. I'm not worry about curriculum, but rather the schooling differences. U.S. schools may have their short comings, but I really like the openness in the classrooms that promote self-confident, entrepreneurial mindset, and social skills, all of which are important to their lives. I would hate to trade that for any amount of money and really don't want to regret my decision.

Do I overly concerned? After all, they would be back in the U.S. for high-school and college.

I really appreciate all the inputs I can get before making my decision.

BTW, it will be in Hsinchu Science Park.

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Then I say, go for it!

I wish I had had that opportunity when I was a child. The experience will surely expand your kids' worldview; I think EVERY American child should have the opportunity to experience the world outside of the US bubble.

Hsinchu attracts worldwide professionals, so there are international schools there. My gut feeling is that the American/International schools are more progressive and Western in their philosophy compared to Taiwanese schools.

Good luck in whatever you decide (but I'm excited for your family if you do come over!)

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Dear Lancedal,
Here's my thought, if you are uncertain enough about this decision to ask a bunch of complete strangers for their input, then it's probably better to hold off on the move. For a decision this big, there should be some degree of certainty.

As for Asian values, while the culture you live in certainly does have an effect on how your kids will turn out, values are primarily established in the home, no matter your culture or country. Even here in Taiwan each family's values differ greatly from each other. If you want to promote certain values, begin by creating that environment at home. That will make a much larger difference than the country you're living in.

As a teacher in Taiwan, I can tell you that the schools and teachers here have their own shortcomings, many of which are not too far removed from the same problems in the US schools. There are obviously many factors to be considered here. My advice: deal in facts, rather than hearsay. You can't make a decision based on what you hope Taiwan might hypothetically bring to your children's educational and cultural development. That's too much speculation. Look at the facts, look at your family's needs, and go from there.

I wish you all the best!

God bless,
T

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Dear Tas7blue,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. Totally agreed with you that we shouldn't make decision from strangers's input. In fact, I don't even base my decision on inputs from people I know. After all, people, strangers or not, would just offer their perspective, uniquely from their own situations, not yours. How you take that is entirely up to you. That said, I always appreciate people who open up to offer their opinions, even strangers. I take them all in, filter them out, do my own research and soul searching, before making my final decision.

I would love to have some levels of certainty. However, how often we have such luxury to make decision in life. There is no certainty in buying a new car (or even getting marry for that matter :-). Until the day you have to make the decision, why not trying to learn so that level of uncertainty would be smaller and smaller.

I don't think my parents contributed 100% to making me who I am today. I picked up certain values from going through life. The benefit of getting your kids exposed to a certain culture is that they can witness it themselves so they can form their own values system (seeing is believing). My parents, as most Asian parents, never taught me to be assertive. In fact, they taught me NOT to be assertive. Growing up in the U.S., I realized controlled-assertive is a big asset.

Thanks for your wishes.

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Appreciate reading your concerns. I am trying my best to move to Taiwan for a good job. I hope my son will learn Chinese and have the experience of living in an Asian culture with peers who he resembles. Global exposure is will be an advantage in our childrens' future.

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