TEACH ENGLISH IN TAIWAN

Everything you need to know to get a job teaching English in Taiwan

 
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About Teaching English in Taiwan

To find a job teaching English in Taiwan, most teachers will need to have a TEFL certificate, a bachelor's degree, and a clean criminal background check. Native English speakers are preferred. The average salary range for an English teacher in Taiwan is about $1,000 - $2,000 USD per month.

Asia's English teaching market is one of the largest in the world, and Taiwan is one of the oldest and most established markets among Asian nations. Taiwan is a fantastic option for those interested in learning Mandarin but seeking a place a bit smaller than China.

English teachers in Taiwan can expect to find jobs primarily after the Lunar New Year (this varies each year, but typically falls in late January or early February) and again in July - August. Interviews are conducted well in advance, both over the phone and via e-mail. If teachers prefer, positions can also be found on the ground in person.

an English teacher in Taiwan in her classroom with her TEFL students an English teacher in Taiwan with his two Taiwanese friends


Instructors are responsible for airfare and housing expenses. Most English teachers in Taiwan live with coworkers or other expatriates. English Teaching positions are with either children or adults, though the market for teaching children is particularly outstanding.

Most English teaching jobs in Taiwan are found in major cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taoyuan, and Tainan.

How to Teach English in Taiwan: Requirements

TEFL Certification Taiwan

Do you need a TEFL to teach in Taiwan?

Though not technically a legal requirement, reputable private language schools in Taiwan will typically require that their teachers be TEFL certified. Quality schools offering quality jobs typically are not interested in hiring teachers who have not received proper training. Your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. Because schools and recruiters interview prospective teachers in advance from their home country, most Americans and Canadians take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Read More: What are the Basic Requirements to Teach English in Taiwan?

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You will need to be a native-English speaker to teach English in Taiwan. This means you must be a citizen from a recognized English-speaking nation: U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

Degree Requirements for Taiwan

English teachers need a bachelor's degree to teach English in Taiwan. Please note, your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

*Please Note: There is an exception to this requirement. One organization, Hess International Education Group, hires teachers who possess an Associate’s Degree (commonly known as an "AA" degree) in addition to a TEFL certification.

FBI Background Check

As of 2019, a clean FBI criminal background check (US citizens)/national criminal background check is required (minor traffic violations will not disqualify you).

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Taiwan

TEFL Jobs Taiwan

The most common teaching jobs in Taiwan consist of:

  • Teaching children in public schools.
  • Teaching children in private language schools.
  • Teaching business professionals at their place of work.

Although business professional teaching roles are an option, the market for teaching children is particularly outstanding. 

ESL Jobs in Taiwan: Hiring & Visa

How do i get a job teaching English in Taiwan?

English teachers in Taiwan can expect to find jobs primarily after the Lunar New Year (this varies each year, but typically falls in late January or early February) and again in July - August.

Interviews are conducted well in advance, both over the phone and via e-mail. If teachers prefer, some positions can also be found on the ground in-person.

You enter Taiwan on a work visa that you obtain from your home country prior to your departure, although it is possible to process your visa in Taiwan.

TEFL Jobs in Taiwan: Hours

Schools in Taiwan typically offer 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving teachers plenty of time to travel and explore while they are employed.

Teaching Taiwanese Students

It is most common that your students will be school-aged children but depending on your job, you may find yourself teaching business professionals.

TEFL Taiwan Salary & Cost of Living

How much does it cost to live in Taiwan

Start-up costs will range from $1,500 - $2,500 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Taiwan until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher in Taiwan Salary

A generous salary of $1,000 - $2,000 per month enables English teachers in Taiwan to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $500-$1,500 USD per month - this provides an opportunity to save up to $500 USD per month after expenses.

TEFL Taiwan: Vacation Time

English teachers in Taiwan also receive 2 weeks of vacation each year in addition to sick days and national holidays.

 

What Does Teaching in Taiwan Look Like?

Watch ITA graduate Sydney Parsons show us a day in her life living and teaching English in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Want more? We've got you covered! Visit our Video Library to watch day-in-the-life videos from our alumni and get a glimpse into what your life as an English teacher in Taiwan could look like!

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Teaching English in Taiwan FAQs

What are the requirements to teach English in Taiwan?

To teach English in Taiwan you must meet the following criteria:

  • TEFL Certification - though not technically a legal requirement, reputable private language schools in Taiwan will typically require that their teachers be TEFL certified. Quality schools offering quality jobs typically are not interested in hiring teachers who have not received proper training.
  • Citizenship from a recognized English-speaking nation: U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in any field - there is an exception to this requirement. One organization, Hess International Education Group, hires teachers who possess an Associate’s Degree (commonly known as an "AA" degree) in addition to a TEFL certification.
  • Original national level criminal record check (FBI in the U.S.) that is free of any charges or convictions.

Read More: What are the Basic Requirements to Teach English in Taiwan

What type of visa can I use to teach English in Taiwan?

Visa Name: Working Resident Visa

Visa Cost: $160 USD

Documents You Will Need:

  • Original Bachelor's Degree
  • Federal background check
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • x2 passport photos
  • Copy of flight itineraries


Visa Length:
This visa is valid for the length of your teaching contract (typically one year)

*Note: This is specific to US citizens applying for a visa, and that these visa laws can change, and that it is up to the teacher to look into the most current Visa requirements that a specific to them.

The type of visa you'll need in Taiwan (and how you get that visa) will depend on your nationality, teaching job, and perhaps other factors like whether you get your job in advance of your arrival, or if you get hired locally in Taiwan. Be sure to speak to an International TEFL Academy Advisor by calling 773-634-9900 to discuss your specific questions and concerns about teaching English in Taiwan, including the critical matter of visas.

Read More: What Type of Visa Can I Use to Teach English in Taiwan?

How much does an English teacher make in Taiwan?

First-time English teachers in Taiwan can expect to earn anywhere between $1,000 - $2,000 USD per month. This provides the opportunity to save upward of $500 USD per month. There are instances where some teachers may earn more than this based on previous experience or seniority at their school.

Read More: How Much Can I Earn and Save as an English Teacher in Taiwan?

Is there an age limit to teaching English in Taiwan?

In some countries, a teacher's age can play a factor in the hiring process. Certain teaching markets, especially for positions in Asia teaching English to children, look for younger teachers (21-35) and abide by certain age restrictions for hiring and qualifying for work visa sponsorship.

It’s important for mature teachers to fully understand the market they’re interested in and understand the specific age restrictions when considering teaching abroad in Asia, such as the retirement age in the country you are interested in.

If you are over 40 and are looking to teach English in Asia, be sure to talk with your International TEFL Academy Admissions Advisor at 773-634-9900 to run through options. 

Read More: Will I Face Age Restrictions Teaching English Abroad in Asia?

Are English teachers in demand in Taiwan?

There is a strong demand for English teachers in Taiwan. Most English teaching jobs in Taiwan are found in major cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taoyuan, and Tainan.

Is teaching English in Taiwan good?

Taiwan offers a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture in a subtropical environment with high living standards. English teachers in Taiwan can make enough money to save $500-$700 a month after expenses.

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Reviews From ITA Students Who Now Experience TEFL in Taiwan

Prisca Saint-Hilair

Teaches English in Taiwan

Prisca Saint-Hilair

I chose International TEFL Academy because of the amazing reviews and benefits that were provided such as an advisor, a professor that would respond quickly, communication with classmates, and most importantly having an alumni network even after finishing the course. I teach English in Hsinchu City and make $20 USD per hour, working 25-30 hours a week - I'm guaranteed a minimum of 90 teaching hours a month (min. $1,800 USD per month). I earn more than enough for someone who enjoys a lot of shopping, Western food eating, going to the movies, and enjoying a few drinks.

Zackary Wiggins

Teaches English in Taiwan

Zackary Wiggins

I decided to look into teaching abroad and I found ITA. After talking to one of their Advisors, I was hooked and decided that after the past five years of school, I needed to do something exciting and go somewhere I never had been before. Taiwan is a safe country, the locals are nice and helpful, the culture is beautiful, the landscape is breathtaking, and it's an all-around great time! Being part of the LGBT community does not provide many challenges here that might come with going to other parts of Asia. People in Taiwan tend to not care how you live your life, as long as you're not hurting anyone.

Niko Dinh-Phan

Taught English in Taiwan

Niko Dinh-Phan

I chose ITA because I really liked the support I read about and love that their love for travel and teaching is as big as mine. Their alumni association was something I looked forward to being part of, and I'm happy that they are always a resource for me for life! I taught in Taipei - Taiwan is one of the few countries that allow those who only have an Associates's degree to teach. If you are considering teaching abroad, I say go for it because you live in a world where you have that opportunity - to be able to explore is such an amazing feat all on its own. I highly recommend Taiwan to new travelers and teachers!