12 Pros and Cons of Teaching English in Taiwan

The excitement is building as you’re clicking through potential ESL jobs. Taiwan seems as great of a choice as anywhere in east Asia. You’re craving a bit of island life while making enough to pay back student loans. On top of that you want loads of street food, affordability, modern but also exotic. Time to start searching those job postings you ambitious ESL traveling teacher! Moving to Taiwan to teach English is within your grasp. 

If you teach in Taipei, you’ll have gorgeous architecture and views almost in your backyard!

You’ve got access to big city living, like Taipei, Kaohsiung or Taichung which are all just a quick train or bus ride on over to the beaches. You’ll have plenty to keep you entertained while still having access to explore the entire country in your downtime. Whether you’re zipping up to the top of Taipei 101, the world’s 10th tallest building or indulging in pungent new street eats, you’re about to have a the time of your life teaching English in Taiwan. 

Why teaching English in Taiwan is a popular choice 

Teaching English in Taiwan jobs are great for earning a livable salary while throwing yourself into a brand new culture. With similar perks as teaching abroad in China, Japan and South Korea, it’s another wonderful hub for ESL teachers. You can make good money, find loads of expats who are just as excited about living on this island as you, meet some of the friendliest locals, and it’s safe!

So now what? There’s gotta be a catch, right? It can’t all be magical island-y life with a mix of beautiful mountains that drape across the skyline background. Well, with any ESL job—heck!—ANY job there are pros and cons, but for some reason Taiwan seems to be a place where the pros outweigh the cons. So let’s do it! Let’s getcha set up to teach English abroad in Taiwan!

Pros of teaching English in Taiwan

Taiwan has plenty of schools in need of ESL teachers. Here are some points to add to your “must go here” list when considering teaching English in Taiwan. 

1. You’ll save $$! 

With a low cost of living, you’ll be able to save a chunk of your teaching English in Taiwan salary. Compensation varies between $1,400 - $2,400 per month depending on your experience. If you live somewhat frugally, which is easy in Taiwan, you’ll be able to pay back those student loans or build a travel the world savings while teaching English in Taiwan. Regardless of what your salary is, you’ll have a life that allows you have more cash and not just break even. 

2. Contract perks for ESL jobs. 

Taiwan jobs offer some wonderful benefits which can include housing or a housing stipend. On top of that, most schools offer health insurance, two weeks vacation, and round trip flights! Teaching English abroad in Taiwan seems almost too good to be true. How can you pass this up!? 

3. You’ll love the tropical weather. 

This could be you, skipping down a tropical beach!

If hiking snowy mountains is your thing, you may want to reconsider. But if you love the warm tropics, Taiwan is calling your name. Leave your puffy coat and snow shoes behind and snag your bikini and some sunblock. You’ll be able to play outside and find a new appreciation for air con and fruit smoothies while teaching English in Taiwan. You may need a long sleeve in the winter once you adapt to the weather, but you’ll likely never be too cold. 

4. There are many diverse landscapes. 

For those who want a big city, you’ve got three to choose from in Taiwan with over a million in population. On the weekends you can easily go hiking and find that gorgeous view you’ve been craving. About 20% of Taiwan is protected land for those who need to get out and enjoy nature. Taiwan also has beaches for those lazy weekends or evenings where you can truly unwind. With 770 miles of coastline that holds in nine national parks, your sure to find your fave new spots or a hidden hot springs that you’ll fall in love with. 

5. You can binge eat all the good street food. 

You will find yourself in Taiwan absolutely overwhelmed with all of the food in front of your face. It’s almost impossible to walk down the street and not snag something from a local cart. Luckily, if you teach English abroad in Taiwan you will have time to try it all! When you’re cruising through one of the many famous night markets you’ll be drooling over Taiwanese beef noodles, oyster omelettes, chicken cutlets, cheesy potatoes, mysterious sausages, dumplings, and fried milk! And, of course, you’ve got to try the stinky tofu. Now you can finally start up that foodie blog you’ve been putting off! 

Try not to drool on your computer

6. Take the opportunity to learn Mandarin. 

Want to learn the world’s most spoken language? Why not!? If you’re living and teaching English abroad in Taiwan you can seize the opportunity to learn the local lingo as well. You’ll make more friends, be more cultured, and have a hobby that can spruce up your resume along with teaching English in Taiwan. What better way to be an effective language teacher than to be a student as well! 

7. Your teaching contract is sorted before you take off! 

Although some countries may say it’s a-okay to fly on over and knock on school doors, you’ll find it better to apply for Taiwan teaching English jobs beforehand. This way you can make sure your visa, housing, job, and flights are all sorted before you end up abroad. It’s nice to have some security knowing that you’re all taken care of before arrival. 

Cons of teaching English in Taiwan

Although we love Taiwan, we’ve gotta be real. Taiwan teaching English jobs aren’t all wonderful wanderlust on a daily basis. Here are some things to consider if you are gung-ho on jetting off to Taiwan to teach English.

1. Taiwan has strict teaching requirements. 

If you want to teach abroad in Taiwan you must be from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, or South Africa. Almost every single teaching job in Taiwan requires a bachelor’s degree. However, there is a very small percentage of experienced teachers who can secure a job if they have their associate’s degree. 

2. You may get island fever. 

If you love a good road trip, you’re not going to get too far. As far as travel goes, if you wish to spend some time in surrounding parts of Asia you’re going to have to fly―or swim if you’re really ambitious. ? Luckily, you are just a quick and cheap flight to many wonderful countries around Asia. 

Plus you can practice your swimming on one of the many beautiful beaches!

3. The weather can be a bit much.

Taiwan doesn’t have stellar air quality. You may find that the pollution is a bit more difficult to deal with than what you expected. However, just hop on over to Beijing for a weekend and come back and you will realize how thankful you are for Taiwan’s air quality. Yes, it’s no fun having to worry about the air you’re breathing, but your new stylish face mask will come in handy. Because Taipei is essentially in a bowl surrounded by mountains, it keeps the bad air in. So if this is a major concern, check out surrounding cities or spend your weekends out and about. 

Of course with any beautiful tropical beachy weather comes the rain… a lot of it. Rainy season is inevitable and may put you in a damp-er from May through October. But fear not! Rainy season means that you may get some afternoon downpours, but with the sweltering heat you’ll appreciate a bit of a cooling storm during this time. 

4. You may find the schools to be a bit superficial. 

If you are white, under 35, and not hideous you will likely find no problem securing a job. Unfortunately, parts of Asia still require photos before hiring and that seems to be a bit intimidating. It’s unfortunate, but take it as an opportunity to learn about other parts of the world and show Taiwan that everyone can do a great job teaching English, regardless of skin color, if their heart is really set on it. 

5. Some schools can be very business-minded. 

Private schools, aka cram schools, aka buxibans, have an agenda―and that is to make money. When parents are paying a school to educate their kiddos, they need to have good top notch results. It’s a competition for these schools and to stay afloat they will do what they can to rake in the dough. This is also why they want you! Having an exotic westerner come in and teach cute little Taiwanese children is all apart of the system. Just go with the flow and realize that you’ll need to adapt to new cultural norms regardless of where you work. 

Where can you work?

There are many different types of schools and teaching opportunities when you are browsing potential jobs to teach English. Taiwan offers these common opportunities. 

• Public schools. If you have a teaching certificate from home, public schools will be the best option for you. January, February, and August are peak hiring seasons although it’s possible to find a job year round. Your salary will be on the higher scale of $2,000 - $2,400 per month along with other benefits. It’s possible to teach elementary through high school ages at a public school.
• Private schools. Also known as buxibans or cram schools is where you will find it easiest to secure a job teaching English in Taiwan. Jobs in private schools are abundant and the requirements are not as strict as a public school. Your salary will range from $1,400 - $2,100 per month with the option to work overtime to make more cash. Before you sign a contract, see if you can chat with any current teachers or staff to ask about their personal experience. 
• Private tutoring. This is great if you want to make some side cash for that travel fund you’re building. You likely won’t find tutoring to be a full time job that provides a visa, but it’s great to look into once you are secured with a full-time position teaching in Taiwan. Not only will you get to set your own hours, but you’ll be able to chat with locals in a smaller and more relaxed setting. 
• Universities. If you have a Master’s in TESOL and at least one year of teaching experience, you should go after a university position teaching English in Taiwan! These are not as common for someone just starting out as an ESL teacher, but once you arrive in country, see what options there are at your local uni. 

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Programs to consider for teaching English in Taiwan

There are many recruiters that can hook you up with ESL jobs. Taiwan has loads of programs that make the process easy peasy. Make sure to read up on reviews and to contact a program staff member before you are 100% set on the first thing you see. Here are a few recommended programs to teach English abroad in Taiwan. 

1. Teach Away

Teach Away places ESL teachers in public and private schools across Taiwan. For those teaching in a private school, your salary will range from $1,400 to $2,100. If you have a teaching certificate back home, you are qualified to teach in a public school and could potentially make up to $2,400 per month! Teach Away offers contracts for six or 12 months, a contract completion bonus, and may offer up to over 20 days of vacation per year so that you can plan an ultimate vacay while teaching in Taiwan. 

2. The Cultural Exchange Project

The Cultural Exchange Project offers a free 120 TEFL certificate on top of a job in a private school. “What’s the catch?” you ask. There’s a small program fee (this fee is significantly lower than most TEFL certificates you can find abroad) and you need to commit to teaching in Taiwan for a year. That program fee will quickly get back into your pocket when you start making between $1,600 and $2,000 per month. There’s no better way to get a bit of professional development right off the bat so that you’re more confident on day one as an ESL teacher. The Cultural Exchange Project also offers amazing perks such as raises, bonuses, and a whole paid month off if you decide to extend beyond a year.

3. International TEFL Academy

International TEFL Academy recruits public and private school teachers year round for elementary aged students. You love the idea of a housing stipend, health insurance, vacay time, and free flights, right? Yeah, so do we! Perks on perks on perks. You’ll teach about 25 classroom hours per week and have plenty of time to explore Taiwan on the weekends without the stress of lesson planning. 

Go find English jobs in Taiwan

Now that you know the pros and cons of Taiwan teaching English jobs go check it out for yourself! You can read loads of blogs and articles all about the nitty gritty details which is great, but you’ve got to judge it for yourself. Teaching English in Taiwan will allow you to learn about another culture, step out of your comfort zone, and find a new home away from home in a wonderful part of Asia.

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