How do I get a job teaching English in Taiwan?
To successfully get a job teaching English in Taiwan, understanding both the market demand and the essential qualifications is key. The Taiwanese government's aim to make the country bilingual in Chinese and English by 2030 is generating significant opportunities for ESL teachers. Here is what you need to secure a teaching position:
- Essential Qualifications: Possess a TESOL certificate and a bachelor's degree.
- Background Check: A clean criminal background is a mandatory requirement.
- Language Proficiency: Native or near-native English proficiency is highly preferred.
Table of Contents
What are the requirements for teaching English in Taiwan?
Who are the main employers of English teachers in Taiwan?
What is the visa process for teaching English in Taiwan?
Where are the best places for teaching English in Taiwan?
What are the requirements for teaching English in Taiwan?
To meet the requirements for teaching English in Taiwan, candidates must fulfill specific criteria:
- Nationality and Language Proficiency: You must be a native English speaker from the USA, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia.
- Age Requirement: Candidates need to be at least 20 years old.
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree in any subject is essential.
- TESOL Qualification: While not a legal necessity, most employers prefer candidates with a TESOL certification, especially for those new to teaching.
These criteria form the baseline for eligibility to teach English in Taiwan. Meeting them can significantly increase your chances of finding a teaching position in the Taiwanese ESL market.
Who are the main employers of English teachers in Taiwan?
The main employers of English teachers in Taiwan encompass various educational settings, each with unique characteristics:
- Private Language Schools: Predominant employers located in major towns and cities. These schools typically offer 12-month contracts, with a schedule that includes teaching kindergarten in the morning and older children in the afternoon and evening. No prior classroom experience is often required due to high demand.
- Government Schools: Offer positions requiring previous teaching experience. These jobs usually provide higher pay and better benefits compared to private schools, with standard working hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday).
- Buxibans (Cram Schools): Specialize in advanced English training for university admissions. These schools demand experienced teachers, often with some Chinese language skills. They offer longer contracts (two to three years), in-house training, high salaries, and bonuses.
- Universities: Offer positions for highly qualified and experienced teachers, featuring relatively shorter working hours and high salaries. These positions are less common.
Additionally, many teachers take on private tutoring in their spare time for extra income, often recruiting students from their primary employment, though this should be coordinated with the employer to avoid conflicts.
What is the visa process for teaching English in Taiwan?
The visa process for teaching English in Taiwan involves several key steps, starting with securing a teaching position:
- Securing a Teaching Job: Initially, obtain a teaching job in Taiwan. Your employer will provide an Employment Letter, which is necessary for the visa application.
- Initial Visa Application: Use the Employment Letter to apply for the visa required to enter Taiwan.
- Applying for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC): Once in Taiwan, apply for an ARC within the first 15 days of arrival. Your employer should assist with this process.
- Health Check Requirement: Obtain a basic health check, a prerequisite for applying for a work permit.
- Work Permit Application: With the health check completed, apply for a work permit, which typically takes 7 to 10 days to receive.
- Applying for a Resident's Visa: After receiving the work permit, apply for a resident's visa.
- Final ARC Application: The last step is to apply for the ARC, which serves as your Taiwanese ID.
Although this process may seem complex, most employers in Taiwan provide substantial assistance with the paperwork and procedures, making it relatively straightforward for new teachers.
Where are the best places for teaching English in Taiwan?
The best places for teaching English in Taiwan are centered around its major cities, each offering unique benefits:
- Taipei: As the capital, Taipei is the most sought-after destination for English teachers. It boasts a high concentration of jobs, competitive salaries, and a vibrant expat community, making it especially appealing for newcomers to overseas teaching.
- Taichung: Known as Taiwan's second city, Taichung is renowned for its high-quality educational institutions, stunning natural scenery, and a relatively cooler climate.
- Kaohsiung, Taoyuan, and Tainan: These cities are also excellent choices for teaching English. Kaohsiung offers a blend of urban and coastal life, Taoyuan is known for its cultural diversity, and Tainan, as an ancient capital, presents a rich cultural experience alongside teaching opportunities.
Each of these locations in Taiwan offers its own unique blend of professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and lifestyle advantages for English teachers.
