What is the FET Program for teaching English in Taiwan?
The FET (Foreign English Teachers) Program in Taiwan, overseen by the Ministry of Education, is an initiative aimed at recruiting overseas English teachers for placement in local public schools. While it shares a similar framework with renowned ESL teaching programs like EPIK in South Korea, JET in Japan, and TAPIF in France, the FET Program holds its unique appeal. It offers successful applicants not only a competitive salary but also an array of additional benefits, providing a comprehensive package for educators seeking international teaching experiences.
Also read: Where do schools provide free airfare for English teachers abroad?
Table of Contents
What are the requirements for the FET program?
How do I apply for the FET Program?
What are the benefits of the FET Program?
What are the requirements for the FET program?
To qualify for the FET Program in Taiwan, several key requirements must be met by applicants. These include:
- Being a native English speaker from a recognized English-speaking country.
- Holding a state-issued teaching license from your home country, validating your status as a certified teacher.
- Possessing a bachelor's degree or higher, with less than half of the coursework completed via distance learning.
- Providing a criminal background check from your home country.
- Holding an internationally recognized TESOL certificate, which demonstrates proficiency in teaching English as a foreign language.
It is important for potential applicants to note that the FET Program predominantly places teachers in suburban and rural areas of Taiwan, excluding major cities like Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung. Despite this, Taiwan's compact size and efficient transportation system make it easy to explore the country during free time.
Also read: Where do schools interview and hire English teachers in advance?
How do I apply for the FET Program?
Applying for the FET Program involves a series of steps. Initially, applicants must submit their application online by the deadline of April 30. Following this, candidates who meet the program's requirements will undergo an online interview. Successful applicants are notified of their acceptance before June. After acceptance, the next step is to apply for a work permit, which is a prerequisite for applying for a Resident Visa. Participants are expected to arrive in Taiwan around mid-August, in time for an orientation event and to sign their teaching contract. This contract spans one academic year, running until July of the following year. For those who find the experience rewarding and wish to continue, there is an option to renew the contract for a further year, provided the school agrees. For further details, visit the official FET Program website.
Also read: How can I pass an ESL job interview?
What are the benefits of the FET Program?
Participants in the FET Program benefit from a competitive salary structure, which varies based on academic qualifications and teaching experience in Taiwanese schools. The monthly salary range, depending on the level of degree, is as follows:
- For a Bachelor's degree, the salary ranges from NT$ 62,720 to NT$ 78,045, approximately $2,000 to $2,500.
- Holders of a Master's degree can expect between NT$ 69,965 and NT$ 86,820, roughly $2,300 to $2,800 per month.
- For those with a Doctoral degree, the salary is between NT$ 73,025 and NT$ 91,420, around $2,400 to $3,000 monthly.
Additionally, the FET Program offers a performance-based bonus at the end of the contract. An A grade performance results in an extra month's salary, while a B grade yields half a month's salary as a bonus. Beyond these financial incentives, the program includes benefits such as overtime pay, paid vacation time, and observance of all public holidays, making it an attractive package for educators looking to teach in Taiwan.
