Discover the Joys of Teaching English in Taiwan

Are you an experienced and qualified international English teacher? Discover the joys of teaching English in Taiwan while enjoying the cultures.

Taiwan is a captivating island nation where modern metropolises seamlessly blend with beautiful landscapes and ancient cultural traditions. It’s also a fantastic place to teach English.

Does the enriching journey of teaching English in Taiwan, where vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and professional growth converge sounds like your kind of lifestyle? Here is our guide to discovering this country’s fantastic teaching landscape.

The beauty of Taiwan

From lively night markets and modern infrastructure to serene mountain trails and pristine beaches, Taiwan offers a diverse array of experiences waiting to be explored by adventurous travellers.

Taiwan is a beautiful combination of cultural history and modern cities. The island’s larger cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung are places where culture, entertainment, and innovation meet with futuristic skyscrapers, local cuisine, and yearly festivals. A popular activity is visiting one of Taiwan’s many night markets to try out exotic street food, find unique souvenirs or indulge in the local culture.

Despite its small size, the island nation of Taiwan is known for its stunning natural landscapes that go from huge mountain ranges to dramatic coastlines and a picturesque traditional countryside. Adventurers can find lush forests, natural hot springs, and endless vistas, all within easy reach from major cities.

Why teach English in Taiwan?

Teaching English in Taiwan offers many opportunities for educators seeking an adventure abroad while also furthering their careers , such as cultural immersion in a beautiful country, modern infrastructure, travel opportunities, and a supportive international community.

Taiwan has a rich culture influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and their indigenous traditions. Living and working in Taiwan creates the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Taiwanese lifestyle as you participate in cultural festivals, enjoy the local cuisine, and explore historical landmarks. Helpfully for TEFL teachers, Taiwanese people hold educators in high regard, and English teachers often receive a warm welcome.

Having international experience on your resume is never a bad thing. By teaching English in Taiwan you show sensitivity to cultural differences, flexibility, and adaptability to unfamiliar situations. Taiwan has teaching opportunities in various settings where educators hone their teaching skills and gain valuable experience.

Moving to a new country requires an adjustment, but Taiwan does make it easier with its excellent safety, efficient public transportation, and modern infrastructure. Thanks to Taiwan’s excellent transportation, the island is also an ideal base for exploring neighbouring countries. Alluring destinations including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and China are within easy reach, but there’s also so much to explore within Taiwan’s borders.

With Taiwan placing such a strong emphasis on globalisation, it has also created a strong international community that can offer a network of like-minded people and support in times of need. Whether you're seeking advice on navigating cultural differences or looking for social activities and events, you'll find a welcoming community of fellow expats eager to share their experiences and insights.

English demand in Taiwan

The demand for English language proficiency in Taiwan is driven by multiple factors such as globalisation, technological advancements, tourism and hospitality, and study abroad opportunities.

Taiwan’s increasing interest in international trade and commerce has made clear that proficiency in English is necessary for success in business, technology, and academia. As a result, there is a high demand for English language skills among workers and students alike.

Taiwan is especially interested in technological advancements and has a large software development, engineering and IT services industry. Collaboration with international partners and clients all over the world creates a need for proficiency in English.

Given Taiwan’s natural beauty, it comes as no surprise that the island also has a thriving tourism and hospitality industry. To communicate more easily with international visitors, hospitality staff relies heavily on English as a common language. Therefore, there is a demand for English language proficiency among hospitality professionals, tour guides, and service industry workers.

There is much interest in studying abroad or pursuing an international career among Taiwanese students. Global competition for these positions is fierce, and strong English language skills can give an extra advantage. This drives demand for English language instruction, including preparation for standardised tests such as the TOEFL and IELTS.

The Taiwanese Education System

Taiwan has both public and private schools for all levels of education. The government regulates and funds public schools. The curriculum of these public schools is standardised and covers a wide range of subjects, including Chinese language and literature, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and physical education.

Private schools also receive some government funding but operate independently and have more freedom in their subjects and extracurricular activities.

English is a mandatory subject in the Taiwanese education system from elementary level onwards, thus there is a constant need for qualified English teachers, both in public and private (language) schools. Teachers in Taiwan are required to complete rigorous training and certification programs before they can teach in schools. Professional development opportunities are also available to help teachers improve their skills and stay updated with educational trends and practices. This focus on quality means that there's plenty to know in terms of the requirements for teaching in Taiwan.

Personal Growth

Teaching English in Taiwan is not only a great travel opportunity and a way to further your career, but it also contributes to your personal growth. Living and working in a foreign country exposes teachers to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. Full immersion in Taiwanese culture creates cultural competence and an appreciation for diversity.

Starting a new life in a different cultural context requires strong adaptability and flexibility, skills everyone can use to their benefit no matter their profession. The same goes for communication. Teaching English to non-native speakers requires effective communication and interpersonal skills. Teachers learn to convey ideas clearly, adapt their teaching methods to diverse learning styles, and communicate across language barriers.

By placing yourself out of your comfort zone, you will develop better self-awareness, more confidence, and increased independence as you navigate new challenges and overcome obstacles. This journey can lead to better problem-solving skills and more creativity that you can use in every aspect of your life, so let’s get started.