The Top Programs For Teaching English in Taiwan

If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching English in a place with tropical scenery, modern cities, and deep cultural roots, Taiwan might just check all your boxes. From bustling night markets and high-speed trains to friendly locals and a lower cost of living than Japan or Korea, Taiwan offers one of the most balanced lifestyles in Asia for foreign teachers.

But when it comes to finding structured, secure ways to teach English legally in Taiwan, your options are narrower than in some neighboring countries. Unlike South Korea or Spain, Taiwan doesn’t offer a wide variety of government-run programs. Instead, it has one major public school initiative—the Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP). This is the official route for native English speakers to work in elementary and junior high schools across the island, especially in rural areas where English support is needed most.

Beyond TFETP, there are still a handful of structured alternatives that can provide job security, cultural immersion, and legal peace of mind. These include university-based teaching roles, local education bureau contracts, and in-country TEFL certification programs that offer job placement support.

This guide breaks down the best public and semi-structured teaching programs in Taiwan—what they offer, what they require, and who they’re best suited for. If you're looking for more than just a private cram school job, this is where to start.

🏫 TFETP — Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program

What It Is

The Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP) is Taiwan’s only official, government-backed program for hiring foreign English teachers in public schools. Managed by the Ministry of Education, TFETP was created to expand and improve the country’s English-language instruction—especially in rural and underserved areas. It effectively replaced the earlier "FET" system, consolidating Taiwan’s public school hiring process under one streamlined initiative.

This program is part of Taiwan’s national strategy to become bilingual in Mandarin and English by 2030. As a result, TFETP is not just a teaching job—it’s a cultural exchange effort designed to expose students to native English speakers while also enriching local communities through long-term educational partnerships.

Unlike private cram schools (buxibans), which often focus on test prep and high-pressure environments, TFETP places teachers in public elementary and junior high schools with regular hours, national holidays off, and strong institutional support.

Where You’ll Teach

TFETP placements are spread throughout Taiwan, including:

• Smaller cities, towns, and rural regions that don’t have the same access to English education as urban centers like Taipei or Kaohsiung
• Public elementary schools and junior high schools, where teachers work as co-teachers alongside local instructors

While you can request certain regions, final placement is assigned based on need. If you're open to a more rural setting, your chances of acceptance and a smoother visa process are typically higher.

Requirements

To qualify for TFETP, applicants must meet the following:

• Be a native English speaker from an approved country:
  🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇿🇦 South Africa

• Hold at minimum a bachelor’s degree in any subject

• Possess a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate with at least 120 hours of coursework
  (Note: A teaching license or education degree may exempt this requirement.)

• Submit a national-level criminal background check (FBI, RCMP, ACRO, etc.)

• Ideally, applicants should demonstrate flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine interest in working with young learners

Mandarin proficiency is not required for this program.

Benefits

TFETP provides a robust compensation and support package, including:

• Monthly salary ranging from NT$62,720 to NT$91,420 (~USD $2,000–$2,900), depending on experience, qualifications, and placement location
• Free housing or a monthly housing allowance (typically NT$5,000–$10,000)
• Paid school holidays, national vacation days, and up to 10 days of sick leave
• One-time travel stipend to cover international airfare
• Contract completion bonus and potential for renewal
• Full visa sponsorship, legal work permit, and ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)
• Pre-departure guidance and in-country support from regional coordinators

What to Expect

As a TFETP teacher, your role includes:

• Co-teaching with a local Taiwanese English teacher
• Assisting with lesson planning and classroom activities
• Participating in cultural events and language exchange efforts
• Teaching 20–22 hours per week (plus prep and office time)

The teaching environment is typically relaxed and collaborative, with less pressure than buxibans or cram schools. Class sizes are moderate, and teachers are encouraged to bring creativity and cultural insight to their lessons.

Best For

TFETP is best suited for:

• First-time teachers who want a structured, legal entry into Taiwan’s education system
• Experienced educators seeking a public school setting with benefits and long-term potential
• Those who value cultural immersion, a strong support system, and a government-backed pathway to live and teach in one of Asia’s most livable countries

If you’re looking for a stable, rewarding teaching experience in Taiwan—with real impact and community connection—TFETP is the gold standard.

🌱 Local Government Education Initiatives (Outside TFETP)

• Some Local Education Bureaus (LEBs) in Taiwan hire foreign English teachers independently of TFETP
• These contracts can vary by region and are often coordinated by the city or county’s education office

Features:

• Similar pay and benefits to TFETP, but terms can differ by region
• Contracts may include housing stipends, airfare reimbursement, and orientation support
• Application processes are often informal or locally managed

Pros:

• Good option for teachers already in Taiwan
• Can lead to longer-term placements and community connections
• Some locations may allow more input on school assignments

Cons:

• Less standardized support compared to TFETP
• Harder to apply from abroad; may require in-person interviews or a local presence
• Fewer English-language resources for applicants

Best for: Teachers with Taiwan experience, local networks, or a desire to live in less touristed areas

🌐 TEFL Course + Structured Placement Options

• Some TEFL course providers offer in-person certification programs in Taiwan, often paired with job placement assistance
• While these aren't official government programs, they provide structured guidance for first-time teachers

Features:

• 120+ hour TEFL training with classroom observation or practicum
• Local job market introductions (usually with buxibans or private schools)
• Ongoing support with housing, contract review, and visa process

Pros:

• Good entry point for those new to teaching or unfamiliar with Taiwan
• Builds confidence and offers face-to-face networking
• Some providers partner with reputable schools

Cons:

• Course fees apply (typically $1,200–$2,000+)
• Placements may be limited to cram schools, not public institutions

Best for: First-time teachers or career changers who want structure, training, and local job support while launching their teaching career in Taiwan

🎯 Which Path is Right for You?

• Want public school structure and government support? → Choose TFETP
• Have an advanced degree or academic background? → Look into university jobs
• Already in Taiwan or want more independence? → Consider LEB contracts or private hiring
• New to teaching and want a smoother start? → Go with an in-country TEFL course with job placement

🌟 Taiwan’s Teaching Landscape Has One Program — But Many Paths

• While TFETP is the only official government-backed teaching program, it’s far from the only route into the classroom
• From university roles to local education bureau contracts and TEFL course placements, Taiwan offers a variety of legal and rewarding entry points
• Whether you're seeking structure, independence, or a soft landing as a new teacher, there's a path that fits your goals
• With its mix of vibrant culture, safety, and competitive benefits, Taiwan remains one of the best places to begin—or continue—your English teaching journey