If you’ve decided to teach English in Asia but have no strong desire to visit any particular country, you might consider looking for TEFL/ESL jobs in Taiwan. Boasting a strong Chinese influence mixed with elements of Japanese, European and North American culture, Taiwan offers a balance of tradition and modernity, natural beauty and urban sophistication. It’s one of Asia’s most diverse destinations, but has its own unique heritage and exhilarating history buried just below the surface of its slick contemporary veneer. Most importantly for the job hunter, it provides many good opportunities for teaching English, as well as a few other non-ESL positions.
The majority of jobs in Taiwan available to foreigners are English teaching positions. As in many other East Asian countries, ESL is big business, and there is considerable demand for teachers from native English-speaking countries. The only essential document you’ll need is a legitimate university undergraduate degree. TEFL/TESL certificates are useful for attaining higher salaries and more competitive positions, but aren’t necessary for most jobs.
There are plenty of online services for those wishing to find employment from overseas – just do a web search for “Taiwan jobs.” Otherwise, if you’re willing to go to Taiwan with no guarantee, finding work once you arrive is easy, either through visiting cafés and bars frequented by foreigners, or by browsing the classified pages of the country’s English newspapers (try the Taipei Times or the China Post).
Most Taiwan jobs are at private “chain schools” that students attend in addition to public schools. Chain school teachers in Taiwan can expect to make between 50,000 and 60,000 New Taiwan dollars (NT$) a month, which translates into between $1,500-$2000 US dollars – significantly higher than what you can make across the Taiwan Strait in China. Salaries are calculated by the hour, and a normal work week consists of about 30 teaching hours, plus a few hours of unpaid prep time. There are also positions available at schools specializing in kindergarten and at universities, although more qualifications may be required.
Contracts for Taiwan teaching jobs don’t generally include airfare to Taiwan (although there are schools that do offer it), but the cost of living once you arrive is relatively low, and many employers offer an accommodation allowance. Saving money is eminently possible, which makes Taiwan a good choice for those looking to pay off student debts.
Most people teaching in Taiwan live in one of the three biggest cities – the capital, Taipei, in the north; the southern port city of Kaohsiung; or Taichung, in the middle near the west coast – so chances are you’ll end up living somewhere with a sizable expat community, and easy access to things like Western food and entertainment. One of the best things about Taiwan is the chance to learn Mandarin, which is the officially spoken language – and which, given China’s increasing role in global affairs, could allow you to add an impressive skill to your resume.
Taiwan’s international profile isn’t as glamourous as Japan’s or as imposing as China’s. For those seeking ESL jobs, however, it’s one of the most accessible and lucrative options, and provides a chance to explore a vibrant island nation that’s often unfairly overshadowed by its neighbours.
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