living in Beitou near Taipei Kuei Shan Intl. School

[masha]

Does anyone know about this neighborhood or school? I am thinking of sending my son there, and also hope to get an apt. near it.

[Just Jennifer]

Hi Masha,

I edited the subject to 'Beitou' because I think that's the neighborhood you meant. Correct me if I'm wrong.

My kids go to Kuei Shan and my two girls started there at 5 yo in the kindergarten program. How old is your son?

You referred to it as an international school but it's a local one, bilingual. (Do they use 'international' now?)

It is very local and if I remember correctly you are considering a move to Taiwan. We like the school and feel it's been the best fit for our family. However, if you are new to Taiwan, just be aware that it will take some time for your son to adjust to the culture, life style and language. It's also important to know that if you're planning to enroll your son for the upcoming fall semester, you'll need to submit an application *now* and there is also a lottery system. There are two kindergarten classes, 22 per class at the start of the year. I understand that that number can go up midyear so you could also try to enroll for the second semester (bypassing the 'lottery').

As for the neighborhood and getting an apartment there--it is a nice area just outside Tianmu. Public transportation is easy with the MRT and buses (if you're able and willing to walk to Zhongshan N. Road which is about ten minutes' walk from Kuei Shan). After school programs at TYPA will be convenient for you too if you live in the Kuei Shan neighborhood but not always easy to register. Shopping would be pretty convenient too.

Important: Although Kuei Shan might be considered part of 'Beitou' (I always forget that), it is the Kuei Shan neighborhood that I would consider convenient, not necessarily all of Beitou so keep that in mind as you do your apartment hunting if you're searching online. Hope that helps some. Do you know where you might be teaching? KS?

[audreylee71]

Hi Masha!

Welcome to Taiwan! My name is Audrey Lee-Gulotty and I happen to be a licensed real estate agent in Taiwan. I had a business for a while, but took about a year off to care for a sick family member (was flying back and forth between Taiwan and the U.S. for a while) so I stopped doing the real estate thing for a while. I'm actually now trying to relaunch my real estate business, my new website is under construction but should be up and running within a couple of weeks. I moved here almost 3 years ago, with my husband and kids. I speak fluent Mandarin and English. After hearing about the frustration many expats were having with regard to finding apartments here, I decided to start my own agency to help fill that void. I went and got my license so I'm legally allowed to conduct real estate transactions in Taiwan. I only do rentals, specializing in helping expats in Taiwan (specifically Taipei) find apartments/houses. I live in Tianmu so I know the area well. If you think you can utilize my services, please don't hesitate to contact me at gulottyrealty@gmail.com (this is a temporary email until my website is up, then I'll have one associated with my website) or 0989-109-351. I also know several local agents whom I collaborate with on occasion. So, if I don't have something that meets your needs, I can always reach out within my network to help you or any client find something suitable.

Wishing you all the best!

Audrey Lee-Gulotty