TEFL jobs in Taiwan

Almost all new English teachers in Taiwan begin their careers at buxibans or private cram schools. Students ranging in age from 4 to 15 years old attend these schools after school hours solely to learn English. The lecture hours will often range from 2 pm to 10 pm. Hess, Shane, Reach to Teach, and Kojen is the largest of these buxibans, but there are others, so there are plenty of opportunities just waiting for you if you want to teach English in Taiwan.. In addition, hundreds of other tiny schools exist around the country, so researching and comparing schools is critical to separating the excellent from the bad.

You have the option of working in the Taiwanese public school system if you are a certified English teacher in your native country and have a few years of experience. The majority of available English teaching positions in Taiwan are for high school students rather than primary or middle school students. In public schools, rather than private after-school programmes, you will have more leeway in deciding your own teaching curriculum. In addition, many public schools offer a bonus at the end of your six to twelve-month contract.

It is more difficult to find a job teaching English in Taiwanese universities than at other educational institutions. To teach at this level, you will typically require at least a master’s degree or a PhD; although this is not unique to the area, the same would apply in the UK. However, the advantage is that you often work fewer hours for more money.

Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Taichung, and Anping.

Salary will depend on the location and type of school but as a guide, the basic monthly salary for a full-time ESL teacher is likely to be in the region of NT€50,000–NT€65,000 (£1,335–£1,735/€1,700–€2,220) per month. In addition, freelance rates for one-to-one lessons are around NT€700 to NT€1,000 per hour (£19–£27/€24–€34).

A TEFL qualification isn’t a visa requirement to teach English in Taiwan. However, many schools will look for a 120-hour TEFL certificate as a minimum.

A bachelor’s degree (in any subject) is required.

September to July, with peak hiring times in January, February, and August.

Opportunities for teaching English in Taiwan include teaching at a private school (known as ‘cram schools’ or buxiban), teaching jobs at public schools and positions at universities, summer camps and freelance/private tutoring work.

The age restriction for teachers is 65, but teachers between the ages of 20-35 are preferred.

Previous teaching is not required for most jobs unless at an elite school or a more advanced position.