I've been teaching English in Japan for 14 months now, and my contract is up next August unless I decide to renew for another year. I just visited Taiwan however, and I absolutely LOVED it there. So, now I'm thinking about not renewing, and moving to Taiwan next summer instead. What is the English teaching situation like there? Any recommended companies/organizations? I would really like to teach in a public school, as that's what I've been doing in Japan, but a private conversation or cram-type school isn't out of the question. Also, is it difficult or expensive to find housing? Edit - also, how is a typical salary compared to the cost of living in Taipei? Thanks!
Taiwan - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
This is my second consecutive year of living in Taiwan. We also lived in Taipei for three one-year periods before I could retire from my job in Canada. The Ministry of Education for Taiwan has a program to place certified teachers in rural and remote areas of the country. I teach in a junior high school in a town of 10,000 people in Hualien County, but we live in the city. For some reason, elementary and junior high teachers are not required to pay income tax to Taiwan. National Health Insurance includes glasses, meds, and teeth, and the quality of care is outstanding. Coverage is inexpensive because the employer picks up a chunk of it. The MOE provides a salary that is very generous compared to what local teachers get, round trip air fare annually for teacher and spouse or family member, and a housing stipend that should cover you. Taiwan is a good balance between income (lower than Canada but higher than elsewhere) and cost of living (away lower than Canada). Evenings and weekends off are not to be sneezed at either. To my way of thinking, and problems notwithstanding, MOE is the best gig in Taiwan. I have a motorbike and my wife has a car. Our apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Our building has a pool and a gym, a party room and a games room, a rooftop ocean view deck, and dirt-cheap secure underground parking. We have been to Malaysia and Viet Nam, for two long weekend trips. We have also been to Hong Kong and China for short trips--as well as home for a few weeks in the summer. Having avoided the densely-populated, polluted, and more expensive west coast, we have clear air, and flowers and fresh fruit all year. My colleagues enjoyed their three years in Taitung, and people who were assigned to the outlying islands (Kinmen, Penghu, and Matsu) loved their assignments as well. What's not to love about it? Well, all is not peaches and cream. On the other hand, I consider it really unfair to criticize my employer on the Internet, where there is no opportunity for them to respond or defend themselves. Please email me privately for the rest of the story. I repeat, however, that I do not regret my decision to come here and work for MOE. Far from it.
2 :
Everything is pretty cheap here, especially compared to Taiwan. The best place to check for teaching positions is http//www.tealit.com/. It has jobs and lots more things of interest. You should also check out the site below. It will give you lots of information about Taiwan. http://www.taiwanfun.com/
3 :
taiwan is good
4 :
about your questions: 1) There's a lot of work. It's very easy to find work, especially in the big cities (Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung) 2) You should probably look at some of the websites below to find out about the schools. 3) Housing is cheaper than in Japan, especially outside of Taipei. Rents are pretty reasonable. I would highly suggest you look at some of the links below for more answers to your questions.
5 :
Glad to hear someone is interested in teaching English in Taiwan. The government in Taiwan promotes English with lots of efforts. It's right timing for you to teach English in Taiwan. Currently, I am lacking pertinent information that you need. But, I want to wish you the best if you eventually goes to Taiwan.
6 :
very expensive
