Teach English in Taiwan

Would you like to teach English in Taiwan? It’s no longer a secret that Taiwan has some of the best English teaching prospects in Asia. Of course, many people pick Taiwan because of its inexpensive cost of living and plentiful high-paying jobs. However, living in Taiwan also provides an excellent opportunity to study Chinese while immersed in Taiwan’s distinctive blend of urban advancement and traditional Chinese culture.

There are some impressive landmarks that you need to visit during your time as an English teacher in Taiwan, including the National Palace Museum, which houses one of the most significant collections of Chinese Imperial artefacts. The Yushan National Park is perfect if you like walking and is a stunning backdrop with the most impressive scenery. Also, the Rainbow Village is a must-see. A local man named Huang Yung-fu decided that his home village lacked colour and was looking old and boring, so he decided to paint it. All of it! He apparently hasn’t finished yet, and it really is a sight to behold, with bright colours at every turn. Finally, if you want to escape to the beach, check out the island archipelago Penghu; there are loads of glorious sandy paradise-like beaches for you to while away the hours and the local restaurants and street vendors sell the most delicious fresh-caught seafood delights. As you will discover, the work-life balance on offer to an English teacher in Taiwan is good, so you will have plenty of downtime to go exploring and see all the unique places this country is famous for. 

Do you want to teach English in Taiwan? Then, we’ve got your back! Continue reading to find out more about the many sorts of teaching positions, average pay and benefits, and how to find a teaching career in Taiwan!

Teach English in Taiwan: Types of Teaching Jobs

There are various choices for English teachers who want to work in Taiwan. Find out how to get started as an English teacher in this beautiful country.

Buxiban

Almost all new English teachers in Taiwan begin their careers at buxibans or private cram schools. Students ranging in age from 4 to 15 years old attend these schools after school hours solely to learn English. The lecture hours will often range from 2 pm to 10 pm. Hess, Shane, Reach to Teach, and Kojen is the largest of these buxibans, but there are others, so there are plenty of opportunities just waiting for you if you want to teach English in Taiwan.. In addition, hundreds of other tiny schools exist around the country, so researching and comparing schools is critical to separating the excellent from the bad.

Public schools

You have the option of working in the Taiwanese public school system if you are a certified English teacher in your native country and have a few years of experience. The majority of available English teaching positions in Taiwan are for high school students rather than primary or middle school students. In public schools, rather than private after-school programmes, you will have more leeway in deciding your own teaching curriculum. In addition, many public schools offer a bonus at the end of your six to twelve-month contract.

University

It is more difficult to find a job teaching English in Taiwanese universities than at other educational institutions. To teach at this level, you will typically require at least a master’s degree or a PhD; although this is not unique to the area, the same would apply in the UK. However, the advantage is that you often work fewer hours for more money.

Where to teach English in Taiwan

It’s crucial to conduct your study before going to Taiwan, just as you would before starting a job in any new nation. Start by visiting one of Taiwan’s major cities where English teachers abroad in Taiwan are likely to find work. They all offer something different and so you want to find the area that best fits your lifestyle in order to really enjoy your time teaching English in Taiwan.

Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan’s capital and largest city, attracts a high number of English teachers. There’s never a dull moment in this city, which is home to night markets, historic buildings, and retail avenues. Although you’ll undoubtedly make a lot of Taiwanese acquaintances, the sizable ex-pat population will make your move smoother.

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, which is in the southern half of the island, has tropical weather and gorgeous beaches. English teaching bobs are numerous in this area, and fewer people speak English than in Taipei, making it ideal for cultural immersion.

Taichung

Despite being Taiwan’s second-largest city, it is close to wonderful trekking spots that are ideal for environment lovers. This location’s accessibility will also appeal to active English teachers in Taiwan. In addition, Taichung is centrally placed in Taiwan, making it simple to travel throughout the rest of the island.

How to get a job teaching English in Taiwan?

Qualified candidates will have little issue finding the appropriate fit teaching English in Taiwan using a mix of the Go Overseas job board, programme ads, and recruiters who work to place instructors in Taiwan. Continue reading to find out what you’ll need to succeed in the Taiwanese teaching market.

Where to find a job?

Online job ads, such as the Go Overseas job board, and using a recruiter are the most prevalent ways to locate English teaching jobs in Taiwan. Many recruiters in Taiwan specialise in placing English teaching jobs, as you’ll quickly learn. Many forum entries debate the benefits and drawbacks of recruiters. Still, we believe that the majority provide high-quality services that make the transfer for anyone hoping to teach English in Taiwan smoother.

When to apply for a job teaching English in Taiwan?

Because the new school year begins in the fall (late August/early September), it is ideal to start looking for an English teaching position in Taiwan a few months ahead of time, towards the end of June or the beginning of July.

Work Visa

It’s ideal to find an English teaching position in Taiwan before you arrive, as the school will usually sponsor your work visa and assist with the paperwork. You’ll need to have a health check and apply for an Alien Resident Card and a work permit before you can start teaching lawfully in Taiwan. A copy of your university diploma, a background check, and your passport are all required (valid for at least six months). It’s also worth noting that arriving in Taiwan on a tourist visa with the goal of finding work is unlawful.

Classroom culture

There is a standard curriculum in buxibans that has already been established and is ready for new English teachers in Taiwan. The materials are mostly enjoyable and well-grounded in teaching the kind of English that Taiwanese can understand. However, there is a high emphasis on spelling and memorisation, with reading and comprehension receiving less attention. This is exacerbated by educational principles that place a premium on speedy results at the expense of learning. Some pupils, for example, may prefer to memorise a book rather than learning how to read it.

Children in both public and private schools are frequently overworked and under pressure to perform. Maintaining a balance of instructive and enjoyable lectures while avoiding high expectations will help your students feel less stressed.

A Taiwanese co-teacher will assist with classroom control and comprehension in many Taiwanese classes with a foreign teacher.

Culture and etiquette tips

Visiting Taiwan, particularly for Western visitors, can be an eye-opening experience. Because staring and pointing are not considered disrespectful, tourists who don’t look like the locals may find themselves the centre of attention. However, keep in mind that Taiwanese people are genuinely warm and friendly. It is not unusual for a stranger to offer to drive you to your hostel or pay for your supper if you are a guest. Taiwanese people take enormous satisfaction in looking after their families, friends, and strangers.

When it comes to eating, vegetarians and vegans will have a lot of options. Buddhist and Taoist religions support vegetarian diets, and a considerable percentage of the population identifies as Buddhist or Taoist.