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Teach English in Taiwan
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March 1, 2024
Table of Content
Other benefits available
Where teachers earn the most
Taiwan cost of living
Saving as a TEFL teacher
How to start teaching
Taiwan might not be the most well-known TEFL destination in Asia, but it has a lot to offer. From competitive salaries and a low cost of living to a tropical climate and gorgeous natural scenery, Taiwan is fast becoming a hub for TEFL teachers.
In Taiwan, you’re likely to find a teaching position in a public school, a buxiban or private school, or a university.
A public school teaching position will earn you a monthly teaching salary of NT$ 60,000 – NT$ 75,000 ($2,000 – $2,500) but teaching degrees are expected for these positions.
At a buxiban/private school, the average salary starts from NT$ 45,000 to NT$ 60,000 ($1,500 – $2,000), but the more you work, the more you’ll earn.
Your monthly salary at a university starts from around NT$55,000 ($1,700).
In addition to salary, what other benefits can be available?
Teaching packages in Taiwan include several benefits.
A housing stipend is usually provided, though full accommodation is not as common as in countries like South Korea. Health insurance is common. Airfare may be re-imbursed, and an end-of-contract bonus could be on the cards as well. Taiwan enjoys between 10 and 15 days of official holidays a year, and schools could offer even more. Private schools are known to give teachers an additional 20 days off each school year.
Where in Taiwan do teachers earn the most?
Though this is not true for all positions, higher-paying jobs are found in the bigger cities of Taipei and New Taipei. Happily, Taipei and New Taipei are thriving ESL markets, so there are plenty of jobs for suitably qualified TEFL teachers.
The smaller cities of Kaohsiung and Taichung offer slightly lower salaries but also lower costs of living.
How much is the cost of living in Taiwan?
Taipei and New Taipei are two of the most expensive cities to live in in Taiwan. In fact, in 2023 Taipei was considered the 8th most expensive city in the world. However, it still ranks as cheaper to live in than other Asian places like Hong Kong and Seoul. It’s common for teachers to live in New Taipei and enjoy a lower cost of living and commute into Taipei for work every day.
Taichung and Kaohsiung are much more affordable cities to live in. Taitung is the cheapest city to live in in Taiwan but there are not many teaching opportunities there.
Is it possible to save in Taiwan as a teacher?
Absolutely. The low cost of living and generous salaries allow TEFL teachers to live well and save at the same time. On average, TEFL teachers save around $1,000 a month. Some of our alumni have saved enough to pay back thousands of dollars of debt back home, or fund a well-deserved trip around Asia.
Our top tips to save money in Taiwan:
- Eat local. Move away from Western-style foods and eat at local restaurants or markets. Taiwanese food is delicious and wallet-friendly.
- Frequent your local 7-Eleven! Yes, you heard right! 7-Elevens in Taiwan are another world. You can enjoy the free wifi while you grab a bite to eat – and you can even have your dry cleaning done!
- Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Hotels usually add a 10% tip onto your bill but there’s no need to tip in restaurants or to taxi drivers.
- Using public transport like the bus is a cost-effective travel option, but if you can, walk or ride a bicycle to save even more.
How to start teaching English in Taiwan
Ready to get teaching in one of the safest countries in the world?
First of all, complete a 120-hour TEFL certification from a reputable, internationally recognised TEFL course provider. Get your paperwork in order and organise your police clearance.
Hop online and check out websites like The TEFL Academy’s Jobs Board, or Taiwanese-centred websites like Tealit.
Table of Content
Taiwan might not be the most well-known TEFL destination in Asia, but it has a lot to offer. From competitive salaries and a low cost of living to a tropical climate and gorgeous natural scenery, Taiwan is fast becoming a hub for TEFL teachers.
In Taiwan, you’re likely to find a teaching position in a public school, a buxiban or private school, or a university.
A public school teaching position will earn you a monthly teaching salary of NT$ 60,000 – NT$ 75,000 ($2,000 – $2,500) but teaching degrees are expected for these positions.
At a buxiban/private school, the average salary starts from NT$ 45,000 to NT$ 60,000 ($1,500 – $2,000), but the more you work, the more you’ll earn.
Your monthly salary at a university starts from around NT$55,000 ($1,700).
In addition to salary, what other benefits can be available?
Teaching packages in Taiwan include several benefits.
A housing stipend is usually provided, though full accommodation is not as common as in countries like South Korea. Health insurance is common. Airfare may be re-imbursed, and an end-of-contract bonus could be on the cards as well. Taiwan enjoys between 10 and 15 days of official holidays a year, and schools could offer even more. Private schools are known to give teachers an additional 20 days off each school year.
Where in Taiwan do teachers earn the most?
Though this is not true for all positions, higher-paying jobs are found in the bigger cities of Taipei and New Taipei. Happily, Taipei and New Taipei are thriving ESL markets, so there are plenty of jobs for suitably qualified TEFL teachers.
The smaller cities of Kaohsiung and Taichung offer slightly lower salaries but also lower costs of living.
How much is the cost of living in Taiwan?
Taipei and New Taipei are two of the most expensive cities to live in in Taiwan. In fact, in 2023 Taipei was considered the 8th most expensive city in the world. However, it still ranks as cheaper to live in than other Asian places like Hong Kong and Seoul. It’s common for teachers to live in New Taipei and enjoy a lower cost of living and commute into Taipei for work every day.
Taichung and Kaohsiung are much more affordable cities to live in. Taitung is the cheapest city to live in in Taiwan but there are not many teaching opportunities there.
Is it possible to save in Taiwan as a teacher?
Absolutely. The low cost of living and generous salaries allow TEFL teachers to live well and save at the same time. On average, TEFL teachers save around $1,000 a month. Some of our alumni have saved enough to pay back thousands of dollars of debt back home, or fund a well-deserved trip around Asia.
Our top tips to save money in Taiwan:
- Eat local. Move away from Western-style foods and eat at local restaurants or markets. Taiwanese food is delicious and wallet-friendly.
- Frequent your local 7-Eleven! Yes, you heard right! 7-Elevens in Taiwan are another world. You can enjoy the free wifi while you grab a bite to eat – and you can even have your dry cleaning done!
- Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Hotels usually add a 10% tip onto your bill but there’s no need to tip in restaurants or to taxi drivers.
- Using public transport like the bus is a cost-effective travel option, but if you can, walk or ride a bicycle to save even more.
How to start teaching English in Taiwan
Ready to get teaching in one of the safest countries in the world?
First of all, complete a 120-hour TEFL certification from a reputable, internationally recognised TEFL course provider. Get your paperwork in order and organise your police clearance.
Hop online and check out websites like The TEFL Academy’s Jobs Board, or Taiwanese-centred websites like Tealit.
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