Discover everything you need to know about teaching English in Taiwan — from salaries and visas to the best cities, lifestyle tips, and how to land the perfect job. Start your Taiwan teaching adventure with confidence!
Teaching English in Taiwan has become one of the most popular pathways for teachers and travelers seeking a blend of professional opportunity, cultural immersion, and high quality of life in East Asia.
Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher, a licensed educator, or a digital nomad pivoting into TEFL work, teaching English in Taiwan offers something for everyone and is a great way to make money while traveling.
This in-depth 2500+ word guide covers everything you need to know: salaries, visas, job types, city breakdowns, lifestyle, cost of living, pros and cons, how to find a job, and what life in the classroom is really like.
There are plenty of ways you can earn money while traveling and this is just one of a series from our Working Abroad Series.
Teaching English in Taiwan
Why Teach English in Taiwan?
Taiwan strikes the perfect balance between opportunity and livability. Many teachers describe it as “Southeast Asia meets Japan”; offering the affordability and warmth of Southeast Asia combined with Japan’s organization, safety, and convenience. Teachers enjoy:
- High salaries relative to living costs
- Safe, clean, and modern cities
- An extremely supportive community of foreign and local teachers
- Delicious, cheap food and endless travel opportunities
- Easy access to national parks, beaches, and mountains
Unlike some countries where English teachers feel temporary, Taiwan’s respect for educators provides a sense of stability and belonging.
Types of English Teaching Jobs in Taiwan
There are several pathways for teaching English in Taiwan, depending on qualifications, preferences, and career goals. Each offers a unique working environment, schedule, and salary range.
1. Buxibans (Cram Schools)
These are private after-school academies where many foreign teachers start their Taiwan journey.
Typical Schedule
- Afternoons to evenings (2pm–9pm)
- Occasional Saturday classes
- 20–30 teaching hours per week
Salary
- NT$600–700 per hour for new teachers
- Full-time salaries around NT$50,000–70,000/month
| Pros | Cons |
| – Easy to get hired – Less paperwork – Consistent demand across Taiwan – Great for first-time teachers | – Hours can be split or irregular – Not all schools are well managed – Some require unpaid prep time |
2. Public Schools
These positions are more structured and resemble Western-style teaching roles.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL certificate (sometimes)
- Teaching license preferred for higher-tier roles
Salary
- NT$62,000–90,000/month depending on experience
- End-of-year bonuses
- Regular pay increases
Schedule
- Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm
- 20–25 teaching hours/week
| Pros | Cons |
| – Paid holidays – Stable income – Long-term career trajectory | – More paperwork – Typically requires stronger qualifications – Hiring is competitive |
Public school jobs are often secured through government programs like FET (Foreign English Teacher Program).
3. Kindergartens
Officially, foreign teachers are not supposed to teach kindergarten English due to regulations, but many still do. These jobs pay well and offer a joyful, high-energy environment, an interesting start to teaching English in Taiwan.
Salary
- NT$60,000–80,000/month
| Pros | Cons |
| – Fun, creative work – Shorter teaching hours – High demand | – Grey legal area – Busy mornings – Requires patience with little learners |
4. Universities and International Schools
These are the highest-paying, most prestigious roles.
University Salary
- NT$70,000–120,000/month
International School Salary
- NT$90,000–200,000/month depending on experience
- Housing stipends often provided
| Pros | Cons |
| – Professional community – Excellent benefits – Long-term development | – Extremely competitive – Strict qualifications |
Salary Expectations in Taiwan
Most English teachers fall between NT$55,000–90,000 per month, depending on job type and hours.
Breakdown by role:
| Job Type | Expected Salary |
| Buxiban | NT$50,000–70,000 |
| Public School | NT$62,000–90,000 |
| Kindergarten | NT$60,000–80,000 |
| University | NT$70,000–120,000 |
| International School | NT$90,000–200,000+ |
Because living costs are moderate, many teachers save NT$10,000–40,000/month, depending on lifestyle.
Visa Requirements for Teaching English in Taiwan
For those looking for teaching English in Taiwan jobs, you need:
1. A Bachelor’s Degree: Any subject is generally accepted.
2. Passport from an English-Speaking Country: Typically USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.
3. A Criminal Background Check: Clean record required.
4. TEFL Certificate (sometimes optional): Helpful but not always required for buxibans.
5. Work Permit and ARC Once hired, your employer arranges: Work Permit, ARC (Alien Resident Certificate). Your ARC is your ID card in Taiwan and is essential for renting apartments, opening bank accounts, or accessing healthcare.
Where to Teach in Taiwan: Best Cities for Teachers
Taiwan offers a wide range of environments; from bustling metropolises to quiet coastal towns and plenty of great places for teaching English in Taiwan.
1. Taipei: The capital and most international city.
Why Teachers Love It
- Best nightlife and café scene
- Convenient metro system
- Huge expat community
Drawbacks
- Higher rent
- More competitive job market
2. Taichung: Often described as the city with the best overall quality of life.
Highlights
- Great weather (less rain than Taipei)
- Central location
- Friendly locals
- Many buxiban jobs
Teachers praise Taichung for having a more relaxed pace than Taipei but with plenty of urban amenities.
3. Kaohsiung: A port city with warm weather and laid-back vibes.
Why Choose Kaohsiung?
- Affordable rent
- Beaches and mountains nearby
- Lots of sunshine
- Growing job opportunities
Perfect for those wanting warm weather year-round.
4. Tainan: Known as Taiwan’s historical and culinary capital.
Good For:
- Food lovers
- Teachers wanting cultural immersion
- Slower pace of life
5. Hualien and the East Coast: Ideal for outdoor lovers who want to be close to nature.
Expect:
- Stunning mountains and beaches
- Smaller expat communities
- Limited but growing teaching jobs
Cost of Living for Teachers in Taiwan
Taiwan is not as cheap as Thailand or Vietnam, but far more affordable than Japan or South Korea, making it one of the best places to live in the world. Teachers can live comfortably on a modest salary making teaching English in Taiwan a great option for those wanting a good quality if life and some savings.
Typical Monthly Costs
| Expense | Cost (NT$) |
| Rent (studio) | 8,000–15,000 |
| Utilities | 1,500–2,500 |
| Phone & Internet | 500–1,000 |
| Groceries | 6,000–10,000 |
| Eating Out | 4,000–8,000 |
| Transportation | 800–1,500 |
Total Estimated Monthly Living Cost:
NT$25,000–40,000
If you earn NT$65,000 and spend NT$35,000, you can save around NT$30,000 monthly.
Finding a Teaching Job in Taiwan
There are three main routes.
1. Apply from Abroad: Many schools hire teachers before they arrive.
Best job boards:
- Tealit
- Dave’s ESL Cafe
- Facebook groups (Taiwan English Teachers)
- ESL Job Boards
- Reach To Teach (public school placements)
Pros: security before arrival
Cons: harder to evaluate school quality
2. Arrive in Taiwan and Job Hunt: This is very common and effective.
Advantages:
- Attend interviews in person
- See the school environment
- Start work quickly
Schools hire year-round, so timing is flexible.
3. Government Programs
Especially for public schools:
- FET Program
- NTUEEP (New Taipei)
- Kaohsiung Education Bureau
Stable, well-regulated, and great for long-term teachers.
A Day in the Life of a Taiwan English Teacher
Schedules vary by workplace, but here’s what you can expect.
Buxiban Teacher Schedule
2:00pm – Arrive at school, prep lessons
3:00pm–6:00pm – Younger student classes
6:00pm–7:00pm – Dinner break
7:00pm–9:00pm – Older student classes
9:15pm – Head home or meet coworkers for late-night food
Evenings are busy, but mornings are free—great for gym, errands, or travel.
Public School Teacher Schedule
8:00am – Morning assembly
9:00–12:00pm – Teach two to three classes
12:00–1:00pm – Lunch (often with other teachers)
1:00–3:00pm – Lesson planning or co-teaching
4:00pm – Finish for the day
Public school life feels more structured and balanced.
Teaching Culture and Classroom Expectations
Taiwan’s education culture values:
- Respect for teachers
- High academic expectations
- Politeness and discipline
- Clear routines and consistency
Students tend to be well-behaved but may be shy speaking English. Encouragement, games, and positive reinforcement work well.
Parents and schools value progress, so clear communication and quality teaching are essential.
Pros of Teaching English in Taiwan
1. Safe, clean, and modern: One of the safest places in Asia.
2. Friendly locals: Taiwanese people are famously welcoming.
3. Great work–life balance: Especially in public schools.
4. Excellent food and travel: Night markets, hot springs, beaches, mountains—all easy to reach.
5. Easy to save money: Good salaries + low costs = high savings.
6. Strong expat communities: Especially in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
7. High teaching standards: Good for building a long-term teaching career.
Challenges of Teaching in Taiwan
1. Humid, hot summers: Typhoons occasionally occur.
2. Bureaucracy: ARC paperwork can feel slow.
3. Buxiban inconsistencies: Some cram schools can be disorganized or profit-driven.
4. Language barrier: Mandarin isn’t required but helps daily life.
5. Housing: Apartments can be small or older in style.
Living in Taiwan as a Foreigner
Most teachers find Taiwan comfortable and easy to adapt to. Daily life includes:
- Convenience stores on every corner
- Incredible public transportation
- Cheap street food
- A healthy work-life balance
Taiwan is also LGBTQ+ friendly, progressive, and inclusive—making it one of the easiest countries to settle into long-term.
Best Weekend Trips for Teachers
Taiwan is compact, making weekends perfect for exploring.
Popular teacher escapes:
- Taroko Gorge in Hualien
- Sun Moon Lake cycling and hiking
- Kenting for beaches
- Alishan for sunrise views
- Tainan for temples and food
- Yilan for hot springs
High-speed rail makes travel incredibly fast and affordable, great for those looking to backpack in Asia.
Is Teaching English in Taiwan Worth It?
For most teachers—absolutely yes.
If you’re looking for a destination that blends financial stability, cultural immersion, natural beauty, and warm communities, Taiwan is one of the best places in the world to teach English. Whether you’re planning a gap year, switching careers, or building long-term teaching experience, Taiwan offers opportunities for every kind of educator.
Many teachers who plan to stay one year end up staying three, five, or even permanently—proof of how easy it is to fall in love with Taiwan.
Teaching English in Taiwan Interview
Tell us about your experience working abroad?
Where to begin!?
When I started this journey I honestly didn’t know how long it would last. I’m thankful to have had the chance to make a lot of new friends and visit nearly every country in Asia over the last 4+ years. People here in Taiwan have been welcoming and friendly for the most part, and I hope to spend more happy years here.
Why did you decide to move abroad?
I guess you could say that I ‘caught the travel bug’ and decided to travel permanently. I had taken a few month-long trips while I was a student – but I felt like there was something more to see. I guess I wanted to experience something deeper than tourism and to see what life is like outside of the USA.
What did a typical day look like teaching English in Taiwan?
Most teachers in Taiwan work with school children ranging from as young as 2-years-old through to high school. Teachers are typically in school from 9 am – 4 pm, although this will vary from school to school. A typical contract is for 22 hours per week; which equates to roughly 4 hours of class and 3 hours of prep per day.
My typical day is a bit different, however. I teach a couple of hours in the morning from 9 am-noon, or 10am-noon depending on the day. My afternoons are spent tutoring students or planning my next big adventure until it’s time to head back to school in the evening. I teach for a couple of hours each night between 6 pm and 9:30 pm to business professionals who just left their offices for the day.
Why Taiwan?
Taiwan was a place that I had visited before and knew that I could survive in reasonable comfort. There are a number of other countries that I considered, but I wasn’t sure if I could adapt to the living standard over the long term.
How did you get a job working abroad?
It was a little bit of luck I guess!
I came to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, on a 3-month tourist visa. In my mind, it was enough time to either find a job or plan for the trip home.
The first month or so was spent getting settled in and adjusting to the local lifestyle (think cramped apartments and delicious street food).
After that, I started sending out emails with my resume to schools in the area. I tried to communicate as directly as I could with the schools and even hand-delivered my resume in a few cases.
It wasn’t long before I was called in for interviews and teaching demos which led to contract offers from several different schools.
Was it hard getting a visa to work and live in Taiwan?
It wasn’t overly difficult, although it did take around a month for the paperwork to be approved.
Getting a visa is pretty straightforward as long as you have a business willing to sponsor you via a work contract.
What are the best and worst things about living in Taiwan?
Best Part: The Food
Taiwan is renowned for its food and you can find something delicious to snack on at any hour of the day or night! Taiwanese cuisine draws mainly from Chinese roots, although there is a good deal of Japanese influence as well. If you ever visit Taiwan, be sure to check out the night markets! Here you will find a vast range of tempting street food ranging from ordinary to exotic.
Worst Part: Language Difficulties
I’ve picked up a bit of the language since I moved here, but regrettably haven’t taken formal classes. I’ve had many experiences where I’ve ended up buying the wrong food because my pronunciation wasn’t correct. I once bought a box of Century Eggs instead of normal eggs by mistake. No omelets were made on that day!
Taiwan has a reputation for being very expensive, would you agree with this?
The cost of living in Taiwan is certainly more expensive than in South-East Asia. But if you compare Taipei to the cost of living in nearby capital cities (Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing) it isn’t so bad. I’d say $2,000 per month would be enough to give you a reasonable level of comfort.
What is the best part of moving abroad?
Getting to experience a new way of life and new culture for sure. There are so many things I’d never have seen or learned if I was only visiting as a tourist. Living in Taiwan and doing extended travel through neighboring countries has given me a greater appreciation of life and its intricacies.
Was it hard to adapt to your new, expat life?
Apart from the language, I would say no. I consider myself to be fairly low-maintenance and accepting of the things I can’t change. I’m sure that played a big role in my ability to adapt to life in Taiwan. There were challenges, and times when I missed the ‘California lifestyle’ but I didn’t face any serious challenges.
What was your best moment of working abroad?
I teach University and Business students here in Taipei. The best part of my job is hearing about the success of my students. I love getting letters or photos from students who got accepted to a University overseas, achieved a high TOEIC or TOEFL score, or from students who were able to communicate more fluently on a business trip.
It might sound cliche, but having a job that involves helping others is the best part for me.
What was your worst moment of working abroad?
The only downside to my job is the work schedule which can be irregular at times. There isn’t much I can do if all of my students decide to take a holiday or business trip at the same time. To make up for the unstable salary I have to take classes at odd time-slots – leaving a lot of gaps in my schedule.
What advice would you give others who want to move abroad?
Plan a bit more than I did!
Once you decide on a country I’d recommend reading up on it as much as possible. This can be information from guidebooks, bloggers, other expats, etc. Every bit of information will help you prepare mentally and avoid culture shock.
It’s also a good idea to join local expat groups on Facebook before moving abroad. FB has a wealth of insight and information if you know how to find it. Seeing the struggles and challenges that other ex-pats face can help you when you move to that city in the future.
Thank you Chad, we can’t wait to visit Taiwan, it looks like an amazing place. Don’t forget to read our Work Abroad series.
Things to Know Before You Go To Taiwan
Teaching English in Taiwan FAQ
Do I need a degree to teach English in Taiwan?
Yes. A bachelor’s degree in any subject is required to legally obtain a work permit and ARC in Taiwan. Schools cannot hire foreign teachers without one.
Do I need to be a native English speaker?
Typically yes. Taiwan’s regulations require teachers to hold a passport from an English-speaking country such as the USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach in Taiwan?
A TEFL certificate is helpful but not always required for buxibans (cram schools). Public schools and higher-paying jobs prefer or require TEFL certification.
How much can I earn teaching English in Taiwan?
Most teachers earn NT$55,000–90,000 per month, depending on the school type. International schools and universities can pay significantly higher salaries.
Is Taiwan a good place to save money as an English teacher?
Yes. Thanks to low cost of living and competitive salaries, many teachers save NT$10,000–40,000 per month depending on lifestyle.
Is teaching experience required?
Not always. Buxibans frequently hire first-time teachers. Public schools and international schools prefer experienced or licensed teachers.
What is the cost of living in Taiwan?
The average teacher spends NT$25,000–40,000 per month on rent, food, and transportation—allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and savings.
Where is the best place to teach English in Taiwan?
Popular choices include:
- Taipei for city life and expat community
- Taichung for the best weather and lifestyle balance
- Kaohsiung for warm weather and affordability
- Tainan for culture and food
- Hualien for nature lovers
Can I teach English in Taiwan without knowing Mandarin?
Yes. Many teachers work and live comfortably using English. However, learning basic Mandarin helps with daily life and building relationships.
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