i-to-i TEFL TAIWAN
Being controlled by the Chinese, Dutch and Japanese at different points has left a country in search of its own identity. Gleaming metropolises with bright neon signs have risen from the ashes of dictatorship, making Taiwan the model for progress in Asia, but with a great respect for its history.
Such a modern country should have a transport system to match, and Taiwan doesn't disappoint. Planes fly between the major cities and the buses are regular and comfortable. But for a real treat, take a train from Taipei's bustle to the spectacular natural scenery of the surrounding mountains.
TEFL in Taiwan (Contracts, Salary, Work)
- Demand for Teachers
- Main TEFL Regions
- Busiest TEFL Periods
- Contract Lengths
- Types of Teaching
- Accommodation
- Flight Reimbursement
- Currency
- Salary
- Taxes
- Cost of Living
- Potential to Save Money
- How Much TEFL Training is Recommended?
- Common teaching conditions
Finding Work
Work Visas
Why choose Taiwan?
Be Aware
Before you go
A Few Fun Facts
TEFL in Taiwan (Contracts, Salary, Work)
Demand for teachers
High.There’s a preference for North American teachers, but reputable schools will employ other nationalities as long as they speak clearly.
Main TEFL regions
Taipei & KaohsiungBusiest TEFL periods
Year-round.There are peaks in demand at the end of June and Late August.
Contract lengths
This varies depending on when you start, but usually 2-12 months.Types of teaching
- In-company: General English, Business English
- University English departments: General English, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Specific Purposes
- Private primary & secondary schools: General English, English for Younger Learners
- State primary & secondary schools: General English, English for Young Learners
- Private language schools (buhsibans): General English, EAP, Business English, TOEFL, GRE (university entry)
Accommodation
Your employer will usually help you to find a place to live.A three-bedroom apartment in Taipei costs around US$400 per month, or US$300 in one of the suburbs; so by sharing, you could pay as little US$100 per month.
Flight reimbursement
Depending on the length of your contract, your flights could be paid for or you could receive a bonus upon completion.Currency
New Taiwan Dollars (TWD)Symbol: NT$
Salary
Expect to make US$1,500-2,200 per month, perhaps more if you take on extra classes at unsociable hours.Pay is relative to your qualifications and experience
Taxes
Expect to pay between 7-9% tax, but this will be more like 20% if you’re in the country for less than six months.Cost of living
This is relatively low. Eating local food will only cost about US$3 per meal (in fact, eating out is more economical than eating in), and public transport is relatively cheap.Potential to save money
One of the main reasons English teachers venture to Taiwan is the chance to save money. Salaries are comparable to Japan, but living costs are much lower, so you could save as much as US$1000 per month once you’ve settled in.How much TEFL training is recommended?
While you only need a degree certificate to teach here, many of the better (and better-paid) jobs require a TEFL qualification, such as those offered by i-to-i.Common teaching conditions
A typical schedule involves about 25 hours of teaching, with some occasional weekend work; while classes tend to have up to 30 pupils.
Finding Work
How do I find work?
You can join a TEFL course with i-to-i, and we’ll arrange a well-paid job in one on Taiwan’s private schools.You also have the option of contacting an agency before leaving for Taiwan, although some are more honest than others and the quality of placements varies greatly.
Can I find work while in-country?
As with most TEFL locations, it’s easy enough to find a placement in-country. There are plenty of bushibans looking for teachers, especially at the beginning and end of the summer.Otherwise, just ask around at western bars and look for job ads on the notice boards and in English-language newspapers.
What is the usual hiring process?
Once you’ve sent off your application form, agencies will usually arrange a face-to-face interview and often decide on-the-spot if you’re suitable for them.Work Visas
Is a work visa required to find paid work in Taiwan?
Yes. If you’ve arranged a job beforehand, your employer will arrange your work permit which you then use to get a Resident Visa and an Alien Residency Certificate from your country’s Taiwanese embassy.If you plan to get a job while in Taiwan, you can enter on a 60-day Visitor Visa, but you must arrange a job within that time otherwise you’ll have to leave the country.
Work Visa requirements:
- Job offer
- Work permit
- Bachelor’s degree
- Passport valid for six months
- Bank statement
- Proof of flight out of Taiwan (or funds to buy one)
Why Choose Taiwan?
- Plenty to do, whether you prefer the city or the countryside
- Excellent public transport
- Lots of teaching posts
- Good opportunity to save money
Be Aware…
Taipei is one of the most polluted cities in the world, so be prepared and use public transport rather than buying a motorbike. This way you’ll also avoid the city’s many dangerous drivers.Before you go
Read this…
Keeping up with the War God by Steven Crook – a brief but fascinating and well-written view of the country and its people.Watch this…
Yi Yi – artistic drama about the contrasting lives of the members of a Taipei family.A Few Fun Facts
- Taiwan has, on average, more than one mobile phone per person. That’s more than anywhere else in the world.
- Taipei 101 is the second-tallest building on earth, reaching a staggering 1,667 feet in the air
- A company in Taipei makes dinnerware out of wheat, so you can eat your plate after you’ve finished your dinner!
- It’s common for Taiwanese to burn “ghost money” at Chinese New Year as an offering to their ancestors
