Article: The Localization of Taipei's International School

[Just Jennifer]

An interesting article in the Taiwan Review earlier this year about the Localization of Taipei's International Schools.

When you see the wealth and privilege at the Taipei American School it's hard to believe it was established by an American missionary for missionary kids (and later military dependents).

According to the article, it used to be that 80% of international school students were expatriates with 20% being local; today that's reversed.

[irishstu]

That's a very interesting article, Jennifer.

Out of interest, does anyone here know how much it currently costs to send a kid to TAS?

[cranky laowai]

Maybe it's one of those places where "If you have to ask...."

It costs about half a million NT$ per school year. Oh, and there's a one-time NT$200,000 "capital fee" and a NT$50,000 "registration fee." Plus some other expenses.

[sandman]

And plus, you have to remember that you're Irish, Stu! You REALLY want your kids growing up saying stuff like "Dude! Gnarly! Like! STOKED!" When you'd prefer them to be saying: "Father, that's really rather nice!"* These things must be taken into account.

*Hey, aul' fella? So howzit I canna tak the pony in the lift?"

[irishstu]

And plus, you have to remember that you're Irish, Stu! You REALLY want your kids growing up saying stuff like "Dude! Gnarly! Like! STOKED!" When you'd prefer them to be saying: "Father, that's really rather nice!"* These things must be taken into account.

*Hey, aul' fella? So howzit I canna tak the pony in the lift?"

Well I'm not asking because I'm thinking of SENDING them there. That would be impossible even if every single penny I earned was available to spend on my kids' education. I was just curious how ridiculously expensive it is these days. Still, good for them, I suppose - the market's there. I just feel like it's a different world from one my family could possibly live in.

[sandman]

And plus, you have to remember that you're Irish, Stu! You REALLY want your kids growing up saying stuff like "Dude! Gnarly! Like! STOKED!" When you'd prefer them to be saying: "Father, that's really rather nice!"* These things must be taken into account.

*Hey, aul' fella? So howzit I canna tak the pony in the lift?"

Well I'm not asking because I'm thinking of SENDING them there. That would be impossible even if every single penny I earned was available to spend on my kids' education. I was just curious how ridiculously expensive it is these days. Still, good for them, I suppose - the market's there. I just feel like it's a different world from one my family could possibly live in.

Mine too, Iris. But really, its not ridiculously expensive if you look at private schools in the UK. Its a bit on the high side is all. And yes, a very different world. But with fathers like you and me about the place, they'll get PLENTY of proper book laarnin'. You know this. Those schools have a very good record for putting kids into good colleges and that's how they tout their wares. MANY people get suckered by this (or not. Many really DO labour under the false impression that "where you went to school" or "how much it cost" is worth more than a fiddler's fart in the real world.) Many others know perfectly well that a kid can make a go of things in this world without a degree from some fancy school.
Me, I've signed mine up for lacrosse and competitive macrame. Going to cost me an absolute FORTUNE, but hey! Nothing's too good for my wee bundle of joy!

[divea]

Stu wouldn't your company pay for it?? Isn't it standard package deal?? I mean that's how most expats send their kiddos to intl. schools.

[irishstu]

Stu wouldn't your company pay for it?? Isn't it standard package deal?? I mean that's how most expats send their kiddos to intl. schools.

I don't have an expat contract. I'm hired as a local (albeit with a better pay grade than most of my colleagues). There's no way in HELL they would pay for my kids to go to TAS or TES. I do, however, get a very generous assistance from them to help pay for my kids' local school. I believe it's currently NT$2500 per year or thereabouts.

[divea]

I believe it's currently NT$2500 per year or thereabouts.

Surely you mean 25000.

[irishstu]

I believe it's currently NT$2500 per year or thereabouts.

Surely you mean 25000.

Nope.

[divea]

I believe it's currently NT$2500 per year or thereabouts.

Surely you mean 25000.

Nope.

Okay. That's very generous of them then.