The Best Agencies For Teaching English In Taiwan

Taiwan has quickly become one of the most appealing destinations for English teachers. It offers a perfect mix of modern convenience, rich culture, stunning nature, and a strong demand for native-speaking teachers. Whether you’re drawn by the delicious food, friendly locals, or the opportunity to save money while exploring Asia, Taiwan is a favorite for first-time and experienced teachers alike.

But landing the right teaching job isn’t always as easy as it sounds—especially if you're applying from overseas or have no prior experience. That’s where recruitment agencies (also known as teaching placement companies) come in.

Working with a trusted agency can make your job search smoother and safer by offering:

• A faster hiring process with pre-screened schools
• Visa and paperwork support, so you don’t get stuck in bureaucracy
• Help finding reliable, legal work with fair contracts
• Local knowledge to guide your move, housing, and cultural transition

Whether you're looking for a public school job with structured hours or a cram school gig with flexibility and energy, this article will walk you through the best teaching agencies in Taiwan—highlighting what they offer, who they’re best for, and how they can help launch your next big adventure abroad.

✅ What to Look For in a Teaching Agency

Not all teaching agencies are created equal. While some offer excellent support and long-term guidance, others may fall short when it comes to transparency or teacher welfare. Before you sign anything, it’s important to understand what makes a recruitment agency truly reliable.

Here are the key qualities to look for:

📝 Transparent Contracts and Expectations

A good agency will clearly explain:

• What the job entails (schedule, student age, salary, benefits)
• Who your actual employer is (the agency vs. the school)
• What’s expected of you once you arrive

Avoid agencies that are vague about placement details or try to rush you into signing.

💸 Free Placement (No Fees for Teachers)

Legitimate teaching agencies in Taiwan should never charge you a placement fee. The school or program pays the agency—not the teacher. If you're asked to pay for a job offer, that’s a red flag.

🛂 Visa and Paperwork Support

The best agencies walk you through every step of the work permit and ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) process. They’ll tell you what documents to prepare, when to submit them, and how to navigate Taiwan’s bureaucracy.

📞 Good Communication and Post-Arrival Support

Look for an agency that:

• Responds quickly to emails and messages
• Has staff who speak fluent English
• Offers help after arrival (airport pickup, housing support, emergency contact)

You’ll feel more confident knowing there’s someone in your corner if you need help adjusting or resolving school-related issues.

🏫 Diverse School Options

A great agency should work with a variety of school types, such as:

• Buxibans (private cram schools)
• Public schools (elementary and junior high)
• Kindergartens
• Bilingual or international schools

This gives you more flexibility to find the environment that matches your teaching style and lifestyle goals.

🌟 Top Agencies and Companies for Teaching in Taiwan

1. Teach Taiwan

📋 Overview:

Teach Taiwan is one of the most reputable and established government-authorized recruitment platforms in Taiwan. It plays a key role in connecting qualified foreign teachers with public elementary and junior high schools across the island, including in Taipei, Taichung, and smaller cities.

Unlike cram schools (buxibans), which often focus on after-school English enrichment, Teach Taiwan works exclusively with the public school system—providing teachers with more structured schedules and long-term stability.

🌟 Strengths:

• Emphasis on daytime teaching hours with weekends and evenings free.
• Government-supported contracts that include benefits such as paid holidays and national health insurance.
• Bilingual support team that guides you through every step of the visa, work permit, and ARC process.
• Opportunities to live and work outside the major cities, where demand for English teachers remains high but competition is lower.

🎯 Best For:

• Teachers who want to avoid the late hours of cram schools and prefer more predictable routines.
• Educators with a passion for public service and classroom structure.
• Applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification. Prior teaching experience is often preferred but not always required, making it accessible to well-prepared newcomers.

💡 Note: Since this program involves working directly with the school system, expect to follow national curriculum guidelines and sometimes co-teach with local instructors.

Visit Website

2. ESL Dewey

📋 Overview:

ESL Dewey is a well-known Taiwanese-based recruitment agency that connects English teachers with a broad range of private educational institutions. Their network includes buxibans (cram schools), kindergartens, bilingual schools, and even some subject-specific teaching positions.

The agency’s bilingual website allows teachers to browse open job listings directly, and they provide one-on-one support throughout the hiring process. Their local roots and large database of schools make them a trusted go-to for many teachers in Taiwan—especially those looking to make a change.

🌟 Strengths:

• Offers a diverse selection of job types: full-time, part-time, short-term, or long-term.
• Strong local presence, which means faster communication and more in-person support if you're already in Taiwan.
• Works with teachers of varying levels of experience, making it a great choice whether you’re a newcomer or already teaching in the country.
• Flexibility in placements across multiple cities and regions.

🎯 Best For:

• Teachers who are already living in Taiwan and want to change schools or upgrade their contract.
• Applicants who prefer to browse and apply to specific jobs rather than wait for a general placement.
• Those who want flexibility in hours or location, including part-time work or off-the-beaten-path placements.

💡 Tip: If you're already in Taiwan on a tourist or visitor visa, ESL Dewey may be able to help you find an employer willing to process your work permit without needing to leave the country.

Visit Website

3. Phoenix Group Asia

📋 Overview:

Phoenix Group Asia is a growing and reputable recruitment agency that specializes in placing teachers into private-sector English teaching jobs, particularly in cram schools (buxibans) and language centers across Taiwan. They maintain close relationships with a network of well-vetted schools and offer year-round hiring, making them a great option for teachers looking to get started without waiting for a specific intake period.

Their approach is especially appealing to first-time teachers or those seeking structure and reliability from day one.

🌟 Strengths:

• Emphasizes quality placements with trusted private schools—not just filling positions quickly.
• Offers step-by-step support through the entire hiring process, including work permit applications, health checks, and ARC registration.
• Known for being responsive, honest, and professional—traits that stand out in a sometimes chaotic ESL job market.
• Teachers often praise them for clarity in communication and their commitment to checking in after placement.

🎯 Best For:

• Teachers who prefer the structured schedules and higher hourly pay that buxibans often offer.
• Applicants looking for private-sector roles in major cities like Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung.
• First-time teachers who want guidance from a hands-on, detail-oriented team.

💡 While cram schools typically involve evening and weekend hours, Phoenix Group helps ensure those hours come with good contracts and consistent pay.

Visit Website

4. PIDI – Teach in Taiwan

📋 Overview:

PIDI (Professional International Development Institute) is a government-affiliated recruitment organization that places licensed foreign teachers into public schools across Taiwan. Focused primarily on English education, PIDI operates in coordination with Taiwan’s Ministry of Education to support long-term educational goals and language development programs.

Unlike private recruiters, PIDI specializes in structured placements within public elementary and junior high schools, offering stable work environments, consistent hours, and government-backed contracts. Their services include visa support, onboarding assistance, and ongoing communication throughout the academic year.

🌟 Strengths:

• Works directly with Taiwan’s public school system, ensuring transparent contracts and legal protections.
• Offers a reliable, salaried teaching experience with set schedules and national holidays.
• Provides visa and ARC support, along with orientation and school transition assistance.
• Ideal for teachers who want a clear pathway to public school teaching without navigating the process alone.

🎯 Best For:

• Teachers with a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate, especially those who value structure and job security.
• Educators seeking daytime teaching hours and a Monday–Friday work schedule.
• First-time teachers who want the stability of a government-backed program and support throughout the placement process.

💡 Tip: If you're hoping to teach in a public school but missed the TFETP recruitment window, PIDI may be able to connect you with mid-year or urgent openings.

Visit Website

5. Reach to Teach

📋 Overview:

Reach to Teach is an internationally recognized recruitment company that places teachers in several countries across Asia, including Taiwan, South Korea, and China. With a strong presence in Taiwan, they’re known for their hands-on approach, personalized support, and deep understanding of what first-time teachers need when moving abroad.

What sets Reach to Teach apart is their commitment to quality over quantity. They focus on finding the right fit—not just for the school, but for the teacher too.

🌟 Strengths:

• Provides personalized, step-by-step support throughout the hiring and relocation process.
• Known for screening both teachers and schools carefully to avoid bad placements.
• Offers ongoing support after arrival, including check-ins to ensure things are going well.
• Maintains strong relationships with both public schools and buxibans, giving candidates more placement options.
• Experienced with guiding Western applicants through the cultural and logistical transition.

🎯 Best For:

• First-time teachers who want extra support and peace of mind as they move abroad.
• Teachers who value pre-departure preparation, including help with documentation, packing, and cultural adjustment.
• Anyone looking for a transparent, ethical agency that will advocate for their best interests before and after arrival.

💡 Reach to Teach has built a solid reputation for helping teachers avoid common pitfalls and ensuring their first experience abroad is a positive one.

Visit Website

6. Korvia Consulting

📋 Overview:

Korvia Consulting is a well-established South Korean recruitment agency best known for placing teachers in EPIK and other public school programs in Korea. Recently, they’ve expanded their reach into Taiwan by partnering with select language academies and private schools.

While their Taiwan offerings are smaller in scale compared to their Korea placements, they bring the same level of professionalism and structure to the recruitment process—making them a strong option for teachers exploring jobs across East Asia.

🌟 Strengths:

• Offers placement support in both Korea and Taiwan, ideal for teachers considering multiple countries.
• Known for detailed pre-departure guidance and ongoing support.
• Structured recruitment process with a focus on matching teacher preferences to available roles.
• Works with reputable partners to ensure job legitimacy and visa support.

🎯 Best For:

• Teachers considering teaching in both Korea and Taiwan over the next few years.
• Applicants who value a clear, professional onboarding experience with experienced consultants.
• First-time teachers looking for a well-supported entry into Taiwan’s ESL market.

💡 Note: Korvia’s Taiwan positions are primarily in private academies and may be limited in number, but they’re ideal for teachers looking for security and reputable placement options.

Visit Website

📍 Should You Use a Recruitment Agency to Teach in Taiwan?

If you’re new to teaching abroad—or simply want a smoother transition into life in Taiwan—using a recruitment agency can be a huge help. But like anything, it comes with trade-offs. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide if this route is right for you.

✅ Pros:

• Faster job placement: Agencies often have direct relationships with schools, meaning they can place you more quickly than applying on your own.
• Visa and paperwork support: They guide you through the work permit, ARC, and health check processes so you don’t get stuck on the wrong side of bureaucracy.
• School vetting: Good agencies work only with reliable schools, which helps you avoid illegal offers, unpaid hours, or exploitative contracts.
• Ongoing support: Many agencies provide pre-departure advice, housing tips, and even post-arrival check-ins to make sure you’re adjusting well.

❌ Cons:

• Less control over placement: Agencies may place you in locations or schools that aren’t your first choice—especially if you’re flexible or new to the field.
• Focus on entry-level roles: Some agencies primarily work with buxibans and may not have options for licensed teachers or those seeking international schools.
• Not all agencies are equal: The quality of service varies, and some recruiters are more hands-on and ethical than others.

💡 Tip: Whether you go through an agency or apply directly to a school, always read your contract carefully. Look for clarity on hours, pay, holidays, and notice periods.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Teaching Agency for You

Working with a teaching agency can make your journey to Taiwan smoother, more secure, and far less overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time teaching abroad. The right agency does more than just connect you to a job; it provides guidance, peace of mind, and support every step of the way.

Whether you're aiming for a public school role, a cram school position in a busy city, or something with more flexibility, a good recruiter can help match you with a placement that fits your goals, experience, and preferred lifestyle.

Just remember:

• Do your research on any agency before signing anything.
• Ask direct questions about contract terms, visa processes, and school expectations.
• Prioritize transparency and communication—these are signs of a recruiter that truly has your back.

✨ A reliable agency can be the difference between a frustrating experience and a life-changing adventure. Choose wisely, prepare thoroughly, and take the leap with confidence.

Taiwan offers one of the best environments in Asia for teaching English—and with the right support, it can be one of the most rewarding chapters of your life abroad.