Pros: I was able to train in Taiwan, work for one of the most important companies on the planet that no one knows about, be exposed to culture outside the US, and am being given skills I can take to lots of desirable positions in the future. There are incompatibilities between work culture, learning/teaching style, and other expectations from the US to Taiwan. This is to be expected. My trainer, I think, has definitely met me part way, and I believe I can say I have done the same. There's still a gap, but this can be worked on.

Cons: The work culture in Taiwan is really different than in the US. I am sure TSMC will have to change to an 8-hour workday, five days a week, or do what other companies do with Fabs and run three days on, four days off, four days on, three days off rotations. As it is right now in Taiwan, the minimum amount of time at the company is 10 hours a day, but realistically, it is running up to even 12 hours a day. This is for those of us who are American training to go back to the new operation in Arizona. The reality for people from Taiwan is that they are doing even more than 12-hour days, often. There are also night shifts and weekend shifts on duty and/or on call. That last part is understandable as the fab lives 24/7. The training and experience really depend on the person who is your "trainer." My experience has lacked any structure but had no shortage of expectations. I came up with some process to approach learning new equipment and daily tasks, but to be honest, I don't know that I've arrived yet. TSMC doesn't seem to enshrine a sense of individual freedom. The company provides housing for those of us training from the States, but has very much micromanaged everything we do in our living arrangement. There's a curfew with no guests allowed, for example. And the long-term housing adds another hour commute.

Pros: Pay is nice. Equipment Engineer I at $85k/yr.

Cons: Long work hours, no support from supervisors, multiple language barriers, and discrimination. (If you're not Taiwanese, you will be yelled at/berated for the little things.)

Pros: Promotion is not based on your performance, but on your relation with the manager.

Cons: A job that pays your bills.