Teaching English at a Buxiban (Cram School) in Taiwan

In Taiwan, education is a serious pursuit—and it doesn’t stop when the school bell rings. After regular school hours, many students head straight to cram schools, known locally as buxibans (補習班). These private institutions are where kids brush up on English, sharpen their math skills, or prep for important exams.

For foreign teachers, buxibans are often the first step into the Taiwanese education system. They offer steady jobs, visa sponsorship, and the chance to live in vibrant cities like Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung. If you're looking to teach, explore Taiwan, and connect with students outside the traditional school structure, the buxiban route might just be your perfect starting point.

📘 1. What Is a Buxiban?

A buxiban (補習班) literally translates to “supplementary learning class” and is commonly referred to in English as a cram school. These are privately run academies where Taiwanese students go after regular school hours for additional tutoring and academic support.

While buxibans cover a range of subjects—from math and science to music and exam prep—English is by far the most popular focus, especially for foreign teachers. Students might attend buxiban multiple times a week, often late into the evening, to get ahead or keep up with their schoolwork.

Unlike public schools, which follow a standardized national curriculum, buxibans are more commercial and competitive. Parents pay tuition expecting results, and students juggle both systems, balancing long days of formal education with extra hours of study in the evening. It’s a reflection of Taiwan’s high-achievement academic culture—and for many foreign teachers, the heart of the country’s ESL job market.

🏫 2. How Buxibans Differ from Public Schools

Buxibans aren’t part of the government education system—they’re private businesses, and that difference shapes everything from their goals to their classroom culture. Where public schools are bound by a national curriculum and a structured school year, buxibans operate with one key priority: results that satisfy paying parents.

This customer-service mindset means classes often focus on test performance, oral fluency, or confidence in speaking—depending on the school’s branding and clientele. Parents expect to see progress, and that expectation puts both students and teachers in a high-performance environment.

Compared to public schools, buxibans usually have:

• Smaller class sizes, typically between 6–15 students
• More flexibility in lesson structure, though many use set curricula
• A faster pace, as students are already familiar with the basics
• A stronger emphasis on student participation and speaking practice

As a teacher, you’ll be expected to keep lessons engaging and results-driven, often balancing structure with creativity. It’s a more commercial setting—but also one that offers hands-on experience and regular student interaction.

🧑‍🏫 3. What Buxiban Teachers Actually Do

As a foreign teacher at a buxiban, your main responsibility is teaching English-focused classes, typically aimed at boosting students' speaking, listening, reading, and pronunciation skills. Depending on the school, you might also cover phonics for younger learners or grammar and test prep for older students working toward TOEFL or GEPT exams.

Most buxibans provide a curriculum and teaching materials, but teachers are expected to adapt lessons to suit student levels and keep things lively. Classes tend to be short—around 40 to 60 minutes—but you’ll usually see the same students several times a week, which helps build rapport and track progress.

Your duties might also include:

• Marking homework and keeping class records
• Writing student evaluations or brief report cards
• Occasionally meeting with parents or participating in open houses
• Managing classroom behavior without much external support

While the environment is more business-like than a public school, it offers a great chance to sharpen your classroom skills and build meaningful relationships with students.

📅 4. Typical Schedule and Working Hours

Buxiban teaching schedules are built around the traditional school day—since students attend these classes after their regular public school ends. Most teachers start work in the early to mid-afternoon (around 2:00 or 3:00 PM) and continue through the evening, often finishing by 9:00 or 10:00 PM.

Many schools operate Monday through Saturday, and while you may get one or two weekdays off, Saturday classes are common, especially for more advanced or exam-prep sessions.

Expect to teach multiple 40–60 minute classes, either in back-to-back blocks or spaced with short prep breaks. Some schools use split shifts—with morning kindergarten classes and evening sessions for older students—though this is less common for foreign teachers unless you're working at a kindergarten-focused buxiban.

The upside? Mornings are free, so whether you want to sleep in, explore Taiwan, or run errands, you'll have the flexibility. The downside is working when most people are off—especially evenings and weekends—which can take some adjusting.

👥 5. Who You'll Be Teaching

Most buxiban teachers work with elementary-aged students, typically between 6 and 12 years old. These young learners come straight from a full day at public school, so classes often blend fun, interactive activities with structured learning to keep them engaged.

Some buxibans specialize in middle or high school students, especially those focused on test preparation—like GEPT or TOEFL Junior. These learners are usually more academically focused but may be under more pressure, which can affect classroom energy and stress levels.

A smaller number of schools cater to adult learners, offering business English, conversational practice, or travel-oriented language lessons. These jobs are more common in urban areas like Taipei and Taichung but are less available overall.

Each age group comes with its own rhythm:

• Young kids need more energy, repetition, and classroom management.
• Teenagers expect structure and relevance to school exams.
• Adults seek practical conversation and cultural exchange.

Your experience will vary depending on the school’s focus and the student demographic they serve—but most first-time foreign teachers in Taiwan start off with elementary or middle school students.

🏢 6. Types of Buxibans (and Major Chains)

Not all buxibans are the same—there’s a wide range of school types, each offering a different teaching experience. Understanding these variations can help you find a job that fits your goals and personality.

Franchise Buxibans

Large chains like Hess, Shane English School, and Joy English are common entry points for new teachers. These schools offer:

• Structured curriculums and ready-made materials
• Comprehensive training programs
• Support with visas, housing, and onboarding

They tend to be more corporate, which means clear expectations—but also less freedom to adapt your lessons. You’ll likely be part of a large team with regular meetings and evaluations.

Independent / Local Buxibans

These are often smaller, family-run schools that operate in neighborhoods across Taiwan. They may be more flexible and personal, with closer relationships between staff and management. However, they can vary widely in professionalism, pay reliability, and teaching support.

Some perks of smaller schools:

• More freedom in lesson planning
• Greater influence over teaching style
• Often less formal work culture

Downsides:

• Less training or onboarding
• Inconsistent contract enforcement in some cases

Specialized Buxibans

There are also niche buxibans that cater to specific age groups or needs:

• Kindy Buxibans (for 3–6-year-olds): High energy required, but a fun and rewarding atmosphere.
• Adult Buxibans: Conversation-heavy classes, often evenings or weekends.
• Test Prep Centers: Focused on standardized exams like TOEFL or IELTS, more academic and intense.

Each type offers a different pace and teaching style—so it's worth exploring multiple options before committing.

💼 7. Salary, Contracts, and Benefits

Working at a buxiban in Taiwan generally comes with a solid salary and decent perks—especially considering the low cost of living. On average, foreign teachers earn between NT$50,000–70,000 per month (roughly USD $1,600–$2,200), depending on experience, location, and the school itself.

What’s Usually Included:

• Base Salary: Most schools offer a fixed monthly wage, sometimes with hourly bonuses or performance incentives.
• Health Insurance: Participation in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system is usually covered after your ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) is issued.
• Housing Support: Some schools provide free or subsidized housing, while others offer a housing stipend.
• End-of-Contract Bonus: Many buxibans give a completion bonus or severance equivalent to one month’s salary.
• Paid Training: Some chains pay you for training days, while others consider it unpaid orientation.

What You Might Need to Negotiate:

• Airfare Reimbursement: Unlike Korea, Taiwan buxibans rarely cover flights, but some may offer partial reimbursement.
• Vacation Time: Public holidays are covered, but paid time off is often limited. Negotiate for a few personal days if possible.
• Teaching Hours: Ensure you’re clear on whether your pay is based on contact hours (actual teaching) or office hours. It makes a big difference.

As always, read the contract carefully and speak with current or past teachers if you can. A little extra research can go a long way toward avoiding unpleasant surprises.

⚠️ 8. Pros and Cons of Buxiban Jobs

Like any teaching job abroad, working at a buxiban in Taiwan has its ups and downs. It’s one of the most common paths for new teachers—and for good reason—but it also comes with a few challenges you’ll want to weigh before diving in.

✅ Pros:

• High Demand, Quick Hiring: Buxibans are always looking for teachers, so the application process is usually fast, with jobs available year-round.
• Urban Living: Most schools are in cities or towns, putting you close to public transportation, restaurants, nightlife, and other expat comforts.
• Free Mornings: With afternoon/evening shifts, you have time during the day for hobbies, gym sessions, errands, or even part-time freelance work.
• Low Entry Barrier: Many positions don’t require a teaching license or education degree—just a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate.
• Build Classroom Confidence: Frequent classes with the same students help you gain real experience quickly, making it a strong stepping stone to other roles.

❌ Cons:

• Job Quality Varies: Not all buxibans are created equal. Some are fantastic places to work; others may come with long hours, unclear expectations, or unreliable management.
• Evening and Weekend Hours: If you value free evenings or plan to travel on weekends, the schedule might be a drawback.
• Limited Paid Time Off: Compared to public schools or university jobs, buxibans typically offer fewer vacation days.
• Performance Pressure: As private businesses, some buxibans emphasize customer satisfaction—meaning you might be judged by student retention, parent feedback, or trial lesson performance.

If you're adaptable, energetic, and realistic about what to expect, buxiban jobs can be an excellent way to teach, live, and thrive in Taiwan.

✅ 9. How to Choose the Right Buxiban

Not all buxibans are created equal, and your experience can vary dramatically depending on where you land. Taking the time to vet potential schools will help ensure a smoother, more enjoyable teaching journey in Taiwan.

Here’s what to look for when choosing the right buxiban:

📣 Reputation & Reviews

Start by looking up reviews from current or former teachers. Forums, Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and sites like Glassdoor can give you honest insight into how the school treats its staff. A few negative comments are normal—but if you see a pattern of late payments, long hours, or high turnover, consider it a red flag.

👶 Age Group & Class Size

Are you better with young kids or older students? Some buxibans focus exclusively on kindergarten or early elementary, while others cater to older children, teens, or even adults. Also ask how many students are in each class—small groups mean more interaction, but also more pressure to keep everyone engaged.

📚 Curriculum Style

Some schools give you a rigid curriculum and expect you to follow it closely, while others offer more flexibility and encourage you to bring your own ideas. Think about your teaching style—do you prefer structure or creativity?

📄 Contract Clarity & Support

Make sure the school is upfront about salary, hours, vacation days, and job duties. A good buxiban should clearly outline everything in a written contract and help you with visa paperwork, health insurance, and housing (or at least a housing allowance).

Taking the time to evaluate these factors can help you land a job where you’ll feel supported, respected, and excited to go to work each day.

🎯 10. Is a Buxiban Job Right for You?

Working at a buxiban can be a great way to start your teaching journey in Taiwan, but it’s not for everyone. The key is figuring out whether the pace, style, and environment match your personality and goals.

If you're flexible, outgoing, and enjoy working with younger learners, you'll likely thrive in a buxiban. These schools are especially good for people who prefer city life, want to meet other expats quickly, or are looking for a fast way into Taiwan’s job market without the long application cycles that come with public school roles.

Buxiban jobs also appeal to those who don’t mind working evenings, value free mornings, and are comfortable in a setting that blends teaching with customer service. You’ll have frequent contact with students and sometimes even their parents—making relationship-building a big part of the job.

However, if you're looking for long summer breaks, more predictable routines, or traditional classroom hierarchy, then buxibans might feel a bit intense or disorganized. Public school or university teaching roles may be a better fit for those priorities.

Ultimately, a buxiban job is a fast, accessible, and social way to live and work in Taiwan—especially for teachers who are adaptable and eager to dive into a new culture head-on.

📝 Conclusion: Buxibans as a Gateway to Teaching in Taiwan

Buxibans are at the heart of Taiwan’s after-school education culture, and for many foreign teachers, they serve as a reliable first step into life and work on the island. These private institutions offer structure, steady pay, and opportunities to teach eager learners in a fast-paced, urban setting.

While they may come with a few trade-offs—like evening hours or varied school quality—buxibans also bring flexibility, social connections, and an inside look at how education and family life intertwine in Taiwan. With a bit of research and the right mindset, teaching at a buxiban can be the beginning of an unforgettable chapter abroad.

👉 Explore English Teaching Jobs in Taiwan
👉 Compare Buxibans vs. Public Schools
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