Letters of Recommendation

We don't like to brag, so we let others do it for us. We continually update them so you can get an accurate idea of how we are doing. We hope you can write the next one for us!

Most of our teachers have said it is ok if you want to contact them, but that they want 'serious inquiries only.' Once you have filled out the questionnaire and sent us your resume, you may request some e-mail addresses of our current teachers.

October 15, 2001

To whom it may concern,

We are associated with Catherine through a recruiting firm (Taiwan Teachers) that places North American teachers with schools in Kaohsiung Taiwan.

A large leap of confidence is taken when we moved to a different culture and part of the world, not knowing the language or culture that we would soon be immersed in for the next year. Catherine made this shift seem effortless. The service and personal care that she gave us was not limited to what the company offered, but went above and beyond our expectations. Every aspect and detail was carefully planned, organized and executed.

We arrived in a peak and difficult period for Catherine and within two weeks of our arrival, we had acclimatized, learned some Chinese, purchased reliable scooters, found good jobs, and a respectable place to live. Catherine had also acquainted us with the city as well as introduced us to a social network of other teachers, and people that live in Kaohsiung. She also made sure that we got the basic training that was needed to become competent teachers. She was with us every step of the way, and was always making sure that the best decisions were made for our benefit.

Catherine was by our side throughout our initial steps into Taiwan, and I am sure that the other members of her company that she has left behind will be here for here for us when we leave Taiwan.

Sincerely,

Blake Webb

pbwebb@telus.net

James Smeaton

jamie_smeaton@hotmail.com

August 15, 2001

Here's the scoop on teaching in Taiwan. I hooked up with an agency called Taiwan-Teachers. They are based out of a city called Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. I feel EXTREMELY grateful to have fallen into their hands!!!! I've only begun to be informed about some nasty agency stories from fellow employees. Taiwan Teachers is totally legit and trustworthy, they found me an awesome job, a sweet pad, a scooter and took me to my medical check all within a couple of days. The big bonus is that I don't pay them, my employer does, which is a huge plus because other agencies charge you for their services. Not only are they my agents but they've also become my friends, and have hooked me up with other foreign friends to hang out with. Every Friday they throw a little shindig for all their teachers, which is really great for us rookies with no connections in a new place. My only advice for anyone considering teaching in Taiwan is to hook up with Taiwan-Teachers, your association with their agency will enable you a quick and stress free start here in Taiwan!!

Jennifer Wiebe, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

February 18th, 2001

In reference of Josh and Catherine Lawrence, of Taiwan Teachers:

The transition of moving to Taiwan was made much easier with the assistance
of Taiwan Teachers. Upon arrival, l was impressed with Josh's knowledge of
the teaching situation here. The teachers apartment was comfortable, and
Josh was more than willing to help meet my needs. I had interviews at 4
schools, consisting mostly of Josh bargaining with the manager for long
periods of time to get me the best deal - wage, hours, etc. He helped me
weigh up which school would meet my needs best. He helped me buy a scooter,
find an apartment, ect - all the things promised. I was most impressed,
however, by the personal touch given by Josh, Catherine and Lucas; their
assistance felt more like that given by a good friend then by some business.
After hearing all the horror stories about teaching English abroad, I knew
I'd be fine if I find someone I could trust. I'm very thankful for their
help.

Sincerely,
Justin Amthor
1999 BFA - Sculpture
University of Calgary

January 29, 2001

Dear Josh, Catherine, Lucas and the rest of the Taiwan Teachers staff...

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Taiwan Teachers for
helping with my transition into the English teaching community in Taiwan.
You helped make my move over from Canada as easy and welcoming as possible.
After introducing me to several potential employers, I was further reassured
by choosing a job that was right for me.

What impressed me the most with Taiwan Teachers is the on-going support I
have received while living in a foreign culture. Both Josh and Lucas have
made efforts to contact me to ensure that everything was working out for me
with my employment situation. Any problems I did have were quickly resolved
and clarified with my employers once Taiwan Teachers became involved.

Thank you all very much for your honesty, guidance, and continued support. I
would thoroughly recommend (and have already) your organization to anyone
considering Taiwan for future teaching opportunities.

Sincerely,
Coby Fulton
BFA Theatre in Education
University of Victoria, 1998

November 25, 2000 (updated)

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to convey the highest possible recommendation for Joshua Lawrence, who has been instrumental to my success as an English teacher here in Taiwan. Joshua possesses a number of qualities which are essential in helping the novice recruit – he speaks Chinese, is knowledgeable in the formalities and procedures involved in signing contracts and acquiring a working visa, and has close professional contacts through which to secure gainful employment. I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in teaching in Taiwan to enlist his services.

Sincerely,

Reneé Martyna
B.A. International Relations 1996
Okanagan University College
M.A. Middle East Studies
American University in Cairo, Egypt

12/2/99

RE:TAIWAN TEACHERS

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, 

THIS IS A LETTER IN REGARDS TO MY EXPERIENCE WITH TAIWAN TEACHERS. I AM A 
GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF  ELEMENTARY 
EDUCATION WITH AN AREA IN LEARNING ASSISTANCE. AFTER COMPLETING MY DEGREE I 
MADE THE DECISION TO TRAVEL OVER SEAS TO TEACH FOR A YEAR BEFORE EMBARKING 
ON MY CAREER IN CANADA. I TOOK SEVERAL MONTHS TO RESEARCH MY OPPORTUNITIES 
ABROAD. AFTER SEVERAL JOB OFFERS FROM JAPAN, KOREA, AND TAIWAN I ACCEPTED 
TAIWAN TEACHERS OFFER.

JOSHUA LAWRENCE TAKES PRIDE IN THE FACT HE AND TAIWAN TEACHERS OFFER  
SOMETHING UNIQUE TO FOREIGN TEACHING PLACEMENT. TAIWAN TEACHERS WAS THE BEST 
CHOICE I COULD HAVE MADE WERE I WAS ABLE TO RESEARCH JOB OPPORTUNITIES WHEN 
I ARRIVED IN TAIWAN. I WAS PROVIDED WITH A PLACE TO STAY AND TAKEN TO 
SEVERAL SCHOOLS FOR INTERVIEWS. THE DIFFERENCE WITH TAIWAN TEACHERS IS I WAS 
ABLE TO PICK THE JOB WHICH I FELT WAS BEST FOR ME AFTER I SAW THE CONDITIONS 
WHICH I WAS TO BE WORKING IN. TAIWAN TEACHERS ALSO HELPED WITH FINDING 
ACCOMMODATION AND PERMIT FORMALITIES. I THEREFORE WOULD RECOMMEND THOSE 
THINKING OF TEACHING IN TAIWAN TO NOT HESITATE USING TAIWAN TEACHERS 
SERVICES.


FRASER LEE

KOAHSIUNG, TAIWAN

November 20, 1999

To Whom It May Concern,

I have been asked to write a few words about Taiwan Teachers. I found the service to be extremely valuable. I was met at the airport when I arrived and taken to the Lawrence’s home. I was taken to five different schools for interviews. I was shown many different apartment options. I was assisted in finding and buying a scooter.

I have had a great experience so far. Many hurdles have been covered easily with Josh’s help. He has offered continued support in teaching ESL. I can strongly recommend this program to other recent graduates.

Sincerely,

Salena Bernhardt
B.Ed. 1999
University of Calgary