 How much can I earn teaching English in Taiwan? East Asia is one of the most popular regions for teaching English abroad, with countries such as China, Japan and South Korea attracting tens of thousands of teachers every year. Also in their region, Taiwan is sometimes overlooked as a teaching destination due to its relatively small size in comparison to its neighbors. However, due to a strong demand throughout the country, foreign teachers can reasonably expect to earn at least 2,000 US dollars per month, even without any previous experience. With a highly developed infrastructure, a stable economy, plenty of job opportunities, high salaries and a relatively low cost of living, Taiwan has become an increasingly popular destination for teaching English abroad. Native English speakers with a TEFL certification should have little trouble finding a suitable position in a public school or privately run language academy. Teaching jobs can be found right across the country, but are most numerous in large cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung and Tainan. Salary There are several types of schools that employ foreign teachers in Taiwan, all of which offer various salaries depending on your previous classroom experience and level of teaching qualifications. Many positions are paid on an hourly rate that starts at around 600 NTD, currently 20 US dollars, and can rise up to 1300 NTD, 40 US dollars, for those with extensive experience. In addition to your salary, many teaching positions also include significant added benefits, such as return airfares, paid accommodation, health insurance and a bonus on completion of the contract. Employers For many first-time teachers in Taiwan, a network of privately run cram schools, known as Buxi Ban, offer a good entry point into teaching English abroad. Throughout the country, there are hundreds of schools, many part of large chains, that are keen to employ native English speakers for around 20 US dollars per hour. Typically working hours are four teaching hours per day, five days a week. There are also a large number of kindergartens throughout Taiwan that offer similar hours and pay. For teachers with previous experience, a more lucrative option is offered by foreign run Buxi Bans. Language schools in this category pay anywhere from 30 to 40 US dollars per hour plus bonuses, so competition for available positions can be fierce. Although the pay is considerably more than a standard language center, expectations are also much higher and a good understanding of Mandarin may be well expected. The public school system also offers plenty of opportunities for foreign teachers. Salaries range from around 60,000 to 70,000 NTD, currently 1,900 to 2,200 US dollars per month, with the majority of positions available at high school level. Working hours are often more than in private academies, as extensive lesson planning may be necessary. Foreign teachers are also expected to perform extra duties, so a typical working day can be from a 30 am to 5 pm. The biggest salaries and offer for English language teachers in Taiwan can be found in international schools that generally follow an American-based curriculum. These positions are small in number and usually require a high level of teaching qualifications. Applications for available jobs are highly competitive, as salaries can be as high as 200,000 NTD, over 6,000 dollars per month. Cost of living A combination of high salaries and a low cost of living in comparison to many western countries make it possible for foreign teachers to live a very comfortable lifestyle during their stay in Taiwan. Eating out at local establishments is very cheap, as is transport around the country. The biggest expense is likely to be rent, which can range from 5,000 NTD to 15,000 NTD per month for a shared apartment depending on your location. However, many teachers will find that housing expenses are included in their contract, making it possible to save a considerable percentage of your salary every month.