A Complete Guide to Teaching English in Taiwan
Where
to Teach English in Taiwan
a. Public Schools:
Public schools in Taiwan, which
include primary, junior high, and senior high schools, are a common place for
foreign English teachers. These schools typically have larger class sizes, and
teachers may be responsible for teaching several classes each day. Working in
public schools provides a stable job with decent benefits, including paid
holidays and bonuses. Teachers in public schools work alongside local teachers,
often in a team-teaching format.
b. Private Schools and Buxibans:
Private schools, known as
*buxibans* (補習班), are cram schools where students go for extra tutoring
after their regular school hours. These schools are very popular in Taiwan, and
many foreigners find employment in them. The environment in *buxibans* is more
fast-paced, with smaller class sizes and more flexible curriculums. However,
the workload can be heavier, with evening and weekend hours being common.
*Buxibans* tend to offer higher salaries than public schools but may lack the
same level of job security.
c. International Schools:
International schools are an
attractive option for experienced teachers with relevant qualifications. These
schools offer a Western-style education and cater to children of expatriates
and affluent Taiwanese families. The curriculum is usually based on the
British, American, or IB (International Baccalaureate) systems. International
schools offer the highest salaries, excellent benefits, and a professional
working environment. However, the competition for these positions is fierce,
and candidates usually need a teaching degree and experience.
d. Universities:
Teaching at a university in
Taiwan can be a prestigious and less demanding option. University positions
usually involve teaching English majors or offering general English courses.
The workload is lighter compared to public schools and *buxibans*, with fewer
teaching hours and more time for research or personal pursuits. However,
university jobs are highly competitive, and most positions require a master’s
degree, though a PhD may be preferred.
e. Private Tutoring:
Many teachers in Taiwan
supplement their income by offering private tutoring. This can be done legally
by securing the proper permits, or informally, although the latter can pose
legal risks. Private tutoring offers flexibility and the potential for higher
hourly rates, but it also requires building a client base and managing one’s
schedule effectively.
Requirements for Teaching English in Taiwan
a. Native English Speaker:
Most teaching jobs in Taiwan
require candidates to be native English speakers from one of the recognised
English-speaking countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand,
Ireland, and South Africa.
b. Bachelor’s Degree:
A bachelor’s degree in any field
is a minimum requirement for obtaining a work permit to teach in Taiwan. While
the degree doesn’t need to be in education, having a degree related to English
or education can be advantageous.
c. TEFL/TESOL Certification:
A TEFL (Teaching English as a
Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
certification is highly recommended and, in some cases, required. The
certification should include at least 120 hours of instruction. Schools often
prefer teachers with a TEFL certification from an accredited institution.
d. Clean Criminal Record:
A background check is required to
obtain a work permit and visa to teach in Taiwan. A clean criminal record is
essential.
e. Health Check:
A health check is part of the
visa application process. This usually involves a physical examination and tests
for communicable diseases.
f. Teaching Experience:
While not always required, prior
teaching experience can be a significant advantage, especially for positions in
international schools and universities. Experience can also lead to higher
salaries and better job opportunities.
The Best TEFL Certification for Teaching in Taiwan
a. CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults):
Offered by Cambridge University,
CELTA is one of the most prestigious TEFL certifications globally. It’s widely
recognised and respected, especially by international schools and higher
education institutions. The course involves 120+ hours of instruction,
including practical teaching experience.
b. Trinity CertTESOL:
The Trinity CertTESOL, offered by
Trinity College London, is another highly regarded certification. It is
comparable to CELTA in terms of quality and recognition. The course includes a
minimum of 130 hours of study, along with observed teaching practice.
c. Online TEFL Courses:
For those who prefer the
flexibility of online learning, TEFL courses offered by institutions such as
The TEFL Academy, International TEFL Academy, and Premier TEFL are good
choices. These courses should be accredited, offer at least 120 hours of
training, and ideally include a practical teaching component.
d. Local TEFL Courses in Taiwan:
Some institutions in Taiwan offer
TEFL courses that are tailored to teaching English in the local context. These
courses can be beneficial as they often include practical components and local
teaching methodologies.
Types of Teaching Jobs in Taiwan
a. Kindergarten and Pre-School Teaching:
Kindergarten and pre-school
teaching are popular among foreign teachers. These positions involve working
with young children, focusing on basic English vocabulary, pronunciation, and
simple conversation skills. The work can be rewarding but also demanding,
requiring a lot of energy and creativity.
b. Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High School Teaching:
Teaching in elementary, junior
high, and senior high schools is more structured. Teachers are often
responsible for following a curriculum that includes reading, writing,
listening, and speaking. The focus is on helping students develop a strong
foundation in English to prepare them for further education or exams.
c. Adult English Teaching:
Many *buxibans* offer classes for
adults, including business professionals who need to improve their English for
work. These classes are often held in the evenings or on weekends. Teaching
adults can be more challenging as it requires adapting lessons to meet the
specific needs and interests of learners.
d. Exam Preparation:
Some teachers specialise in
preparing students for English proficiency exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or
TOEIC. This niche requires a deep understanding of the exams and the ability to
teach test-taking strategies.
e. Business English:
Teaching business English is a
lucrative niche in Taiwan. This involves working with professionals who need
English for their jobs. Lessons often focus on business communication,
presentations, negotiations, and industry-specific vocabulary.
f. Teaching Online:
The rise of online education has
opened up opportunities for teaching English to Taiwanese students remotely.
Online teaching platforms such as VIPKid, 51Talk, and others allow teachers to
work from anywhere, provided they have a stable internet connection. Online
teaching offers flexibility but requires strong self-discipline and the ability
to engage students through a screen.
Average Salary for English Teachers in Taiwan
a. Public Schools:
Teachers in public schools can
expect to earn between $2000 to $2400 USD per month. The job typically includes
benefits such as paid holidays, bonuses, and sometimes housing allowances.
b. Private Schools:
Salaries in private are usually
higher, ranging from $2000 to $3500 USD per month, with the possibility of
earning more through overtime.
c. International Schools:
International school teachers
earn the highest salaries, often ranging from $2500 to $4000 USD per month.
These positions come with comprehensive benefits, including housing allowances,
health insurance, and return flights.
d. Universities:
University positions offer
salaries between $2500 to $3500 USD per month. The workload is lighter, but
additional income can be earned through research grants, private tutoring, or
teaching additional classes.
e. Private Tutoring:
Private tutors can charge between
@15 to $30 USD per hour, depending on their experience and the client’s needs.
Experienced tutors can earn significantly more, especially when teaching
business English or preparing students for exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
Teaching
English Online to Taiwanese Students
Teaching English online to
Taiwanese students is a viable option, especially in the wake of the COVID-19
pandemic, which has accelerated the adoption of online learning. Many Taiwanese
parents prefer online lessons for their children due to the convenience and
flexibility it offers.
