As a relative newcomer to the industrial world, Taiwan has been experiencing accompanying changes in its social and cultural structure. In China in the past, academic study was generally re served for the nobility or the rich, while toiling in the fields was the lot of most people. Today, however, everyone has a chance to go to school, and young people no longer have to give up their studies to help out at home. In fact, many students are taking up part-time jobs, even regarding them as "required courses." Competition for such jobs is understandably keen. One of the main benefits of this trend is that work helps to guide the individual in his emotional development, instills a sense of responsibility, and brings economic independence.

Some jobs provided by government agencies mainly involve paper work, while others from private companies require students to work part-time during the summer holidays. In other cases, "go-getter" students create jobs where there were none before. While this demands the most effort of all, it tends to be the most financially rewarding. For example, two college students who provided a service by going from door-to-door collecting names of prospective students for college preparatory schools earned more than US$1,000 in 10 days.

Still others have opted to be their own bosses and decide their own working hours by setting up sidewalk stalls and selling wares to passers-by. Working directly with the public in this way calls for a certain amount of boldness and self-confidence. But those who have a strong sales pitch and an honest face do well.

One student from the Nationalo Chengchi University has sold a lot of gloves by appealing to feelings of filial piety among passers-by. "Re member your body comes from your parents. So by protecting your hands, you are showing respect to your parents." This very logical argument in Chinese society has enabled the student to earn US$200 in just five days.

Other jobs commonly taken by students are teaching foreign languages and musical instruments, entertaining in restaurants, or acting as swimming pool lifeguards.

Tutoring younger people probably accounts for about half of all jobs taken by students. They explain assignments and prepare students for coming lessons and tests. Not only is the salary good for this kind of work, but also if students teach well, their reputations are enhanced. They also enjoy the chance to gain experience in teaching.

As Chiu Fu-hsien, a student at the National Chengchi University put it: "When I teach, I can communicate with children and parents who are often tense over the results of an examination. This will surely be of assistance to me when I have a family of my own."

A student who earns money by entertaining, Yang Shih-chen, ex plains that when he is on-stage and the spotlight shines down on him, he feels as if he, too, is being entertained. Although his salary is low, he is compensated by the opportunity to meet other people. To him, working is its own reward.

As a lifeguard, Kuan Heng-chih must be competent in such techniques as artifical respiration and heart massage. Perched in his high chair, he knows he may be called on at any moment to give assistance, and this feeling of being needed gives him a sense of satisfaction. He enjoys the work even though he must be constantly exposed to the wind, sun, and sand on the sea-shore.

Taiwan's young women are not left behind in the search for jobs. Employers usually look askance at Kuei Hsiang-mei when she applies for a job as lifeguard, but change their minds when they see her certificate of competency.

Students willing to take on heavy work can easily find jobs with construction companies. Salaries are quite high, but because they are not regarded as professionals, students are not allowed to take on the heaviest and most dangerous work. Construction work is not regarded as being suitable for women, but they can find jobs as factory workers. Women also take jobs as waitresses, saleswomen and clerks. Students regard working as a means of resting from their studies, supplementing their incomes and allowing them to see "the other side of life." For students who are looking for a different kind of diversion in the summer, the government has organized work-study programs which attract 15,000 participants per session. There are also social service activities such as assisting poor families with certain chores, and building roads in remote mountain areas.

Whatever the responsibilities or working environment, part-time and summer jobs certainly provide an opportunity for students to build up their characters and become stronger citizens. In the final analysis, it is society at large which will benefit from a more experienced, resourceful, and independent work force.

[Picture Caption]

This student from a vocational school works at a gas station during his spare time.

1. A work-study student helps a customer make a selection. 2. Female students working at an electronics factory. 3. Wearing a safety helmet and wielding a shovel, t his student has become a part-time construction worker. 4. This lucky young woman has found a jobas a lifeguard for the summer after a long struggle to overcome prejudices. 5. Students work du ring the summer as life guards.

1. Students selling their wares on the sidewalk. 2. Performing at a restaurant. 3. Selling is one of the most common types of work for students. Here, the product is a plastic covering for windshields of air-conditioned cars. 4. Working in the restaurant, students can practice their English while serving customers who can't speak Chinese.

A work-study student helps a customer make a selection.

Wearing a safety helmet and wielding a shovel, t his student has become a part-time construction worker.

Female students working at an electronics factory.

Wearing a safety helmet and wielding a shovel, t his student has become a part-time construction worker.

Students work du ring the summer as life guards.

Students selling their wares on the sidewalk.

Performing at a restaurant.

Selling is one of the most common types of work for students. Here, the product is a plastic covering for windshields of air-conditioned cars.

Working in the restaurant, students can practice their English while serving customers who can't speak Chinese.