The excitement is building as you’re clicking through potential ESL jobs. Taiwan seems as great of a choice as anywhere in east Asia. You’re craving a bit of island life while making enough to pay back student loans. On top of that you want loads of street food, affordability, modern but also exotic. Time to start searching those job postings you ambitious ESL traveling teacher! Moving to Taiwan to teach English is within your grasp.
If you teach in Taipei, you’ll have gorgeous architecture and views almost in your backyard!
You’ve got access to big city living, like Taipei, Kaohsiung or Taichung which are all just a quick train or bus ride on over to the beaches. You’ll have plenty to keep you entertained while still having access to explore the entire country in your downtime. Whether you’re zipping up to the top of Taipei 101, the world’s 10th tallest building or indulging in pungent new street eats, you’re about to have a the time of your life teaching English in Taiwan.
Why teaching English in Taiwan is a popular choice
Teaching English in Taiwan jobs are great for earning a livable salary while throwing yourself into a brand new culture. With similar perks as teaching abroad in China, Japan and South Korea, it’s another wonderful hub for ESL teachers. You can make good money, find loads of expats who are just as excited about living on this island as you, meet some of the friendliest locals, and it’s safe!
So now what? There’s gotta be a catch, right? It can’t all be magical island-y life with a mix of beautiful mountains that drape across the skyline background. Well, with any ESL job—heck!—ANY job there are pros and cons, but for some reason Taiwan seems to be a place where the pros outweigh the cons. So let’s do it! Let’s getcha set up to teach English abroad in Taiwan!
Pros of teaching English in Taiwan
Taiwan has plenty of schools in need of ESL teachers. Here are some points to add to your “must go here” list when considering teaching English in Taiwan.
1. You’ll save $$!
With a low cost of living, you’ll be able to save a chunk of your teaching English in Taiwan salary. Compensation varies between $1,400 - $2,400 per month depending on your experience. If you live somewhat frugally, which is easy in Taiwan, you’ll be able to pay back those student loans or build a travel the world savings while teaching English in Taiwan. Regardless of what your salary is, you’ll have a life that allows you have more cash and not just break even.
2. Contract perks for ESL jobs.
Taiwan jobs offer some wonderful benefits which can include housing or a housing stipend. On top of that, most schools offer health insurance, two weeks vacation, and round trip flights! Teaching English abroad in Taiwan seems almost too good to be true. How can you pass this up!?
3. You’ll love the tropical weather.
This could be you, skipping down a tropical beach!
If hiking snowy mountains is your thing, you may want to reconsider. But if you love the warm tropics, Taiwan is calling your name. Leave your puffy coat and snow shoes behind and snag your bikini and some sunblock. You’ll be able to play outside and find a new appreciation for air con and fruit smoothies while teaching English in Taiwan. You may need a long sleeve in the winter once you adapt to the weather, but you’ll likely never be too cold.
4. There are many diverse landscapes.
For those who want a big city, you’ve got three to choose from in Taiwan with over a million in population. On the weekends you can easily go hiking and find that gorgeous view you’ve been craving. About 20% of Taiwan is protected land for those who need to get out and enjoy nature. Taiwan also has beaches for those lazy weekends or evenings where you can truly unwind. With 770 miles of coastline that holds in nine national parks, your sure to find your fave new spots or a hidden hot springs that you’ll fall in love with.
5. You can binge eat all the good street food.
You will find yourself in Taiwan absolutely overwhelmed with all of the food in front of your face. It’s almost impossible to walk down the street and not snag something from a local cart. Luckily, if you teach English abroad in Taiwan you will have time to try it all! When you’re cruising through one of the many famous night markets you’ll be drooling over Taiwanese beef noodles, oyster omelettes, chicken cutlets, cheesy potatoes, mysterious sausages, dumplings, and fried milk! And, of course, you’ve got to try the stinky tofu. Now you can finally start up that foodie blog you’ve been putting off!
Try not to drool on your computer
6. Take the opportunity to learn Mandarin.
Want to learn the world’s most spoken language? Why not!? If you’re living and teaching English abroad in Taiwan you can seize the opportunity to learn the local lingo as well. You’ll make more friends, be more cultured, and have a hobby that can spruce up your resume along with teaching English in Taiwan. What better way to be an effective language teacher than to be a student as well!
7. Your teaching contract is sorted before you take off!
Although some countries may say it’s a-okay to fly on over and knock on school doors, you’ll find it better to apply for Taiwan teaching English jobs beforehand. This way you can make sure your visa, housing, job, and flights are all sorted before you end up abroad. It’s nice to have some security knowing that you’re all taken care of before arrival.
