TEACH ENGLISH IN TAIWAN

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.

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.