Taiwan vs Thailand: Where to Teach English

Choosing between Taiwan and Thailand as your destination to teach English isn’t easy—both countries offer a unique blend of culture, lifestyle, and teaching opportunities. On one hand, you’ve got Taiwan: a tech-forward island nation with excellent infrastructure, modern cities, and a strong demand for English teachers. On the other, there’s Thailand: a tropical paradise known for its vibrant street life, rich traditions, and famously relaxed lifestyle.

Both destinations are friendly to new teachers, offer relatively low costs of living, and have large English teaching markets. But that’s where the similarities end. Taiwan leans toward structure and high expectations, while Thailand offers more flexibility and a laid-back classroom culture. Salaries, visa requirements, and long-term prospects also differ in subtle but important ways.

In this guide, we’ll compare Taiwan and Thailand side-by-side—covering everything from eligibility requirements and job markets to cost of living and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to build a career, travel light, or experience East or Southeast Asia for the first time, this comparison will help you figure out which country fits your goals best.

Teaching Requirements and Eligibility

Getting started as a teacher in either Taiwan or Thailand means meeting a few baseline criteria—but how strict or flexible those criteria are can affect your ability to qualify quickly.

Taiwan has a more rigid visa process that favors native English speakers from seven specific countries (US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa). A bachelor’s degree is mandatory, and if you only have an associate degree, you’ll also need a TEFL certificate. A clean national criminal background check and health check are also required. While experience isn’t necessary, many schools expect you to arrive ready to work in a structured environment. Non-native English speakers can teach in Taiwan, but usually only in non-English roles unless they already hold residency or another qualifying visa.

Thailand, in contrast, is more flexible. A bachelor’s degree in any field is still required to get a work permit, but schools are more open to hiring non-native speakers—especially if they pass an English proficiency test like the TOEIC (score of 600+) or IELTS (score of 5+). TEFL certification is not required by law but is often requested by schools. A police check and basic health exam are part of the visa process, but these are usually simple to complete. Thailand is a particularly welcoming place for first-time teachers or career changers who may not yet have classroom experience.

Summary of Key Requirements

Bottom Line:
Choose Taiwan if you meet all the formal requirements and want a stable, career-oriented teaching path. Choose Thailand if you're looking for a more flexible entry into the TEFL world—even as a non-native or someone with minimal teaching experience.

Job Market and Hiring Landscape

Both Taiwan and Thailand offer plenty of opportunities to teach English, but the job market functions quite differently in each.

In Taiwan, the backbone of the English teaching industry is the buxiban—private after-school cram schools. These operate year-round and are located in nearly every city and town. Jobs at buxibans tend to be consistent, with steady hours and well-defined responsibilities. Public school positions are also available through structured programs like the Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP), which places teachers in elementary and junior high schools. International schools and kindergartens add more variety but usually require higher qualifications.

Hiring in Taiwan happens year-round, though the biggest waves tend to come before the start of each semester (February and August). Most jobs are in urban centers like Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan, though demand in smaller cities is growing. Schools often prefer in-country applicants who can start quickly and attend interviews in person.

Thailand’s job market is more fluid and informal. There’s strong demand for English teachers in both government-run public schools and private language centers. Public schools usually follow the Thai academic calendar, which starts in May and again in November—so those are the peak hiring times. However, language centers and private schools hire all year, especially in big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.

Turnover in Thailand is high, which means new opportunities constantly pop up—even mid-semester. It’s also easier to land a job in Thailand without much experience, especially if you’re on the ground and ready to start immediately. Rural placements are common too, and often come with fewer applicants, making it easier to get hired quickly.

Comparison Summary:

Bottom Line:
Taiwan suits teachers looking for structured roles with clearer expectations and steady schedules. Thailand is ideal if you’re spontaneous, want to start quickly, or are open to working in less conventional settings with more day-to-day flexibility.

Salary and Benefits

When it comes to pay, Taiwan generally comes out ahead on paper—but Thailand balances the equation with a lower cost of living and more relaxed working conditions. Your lifestyle expectations and financial goals will likely influence which one feels like the better deal.

In Taiwan, English teachers typically earn between $1,800 and $2,500 USD per month (55,000–80,000 TWD), with the potential for more if you work overtime or at multiple schools. Public school jobs through TFETP or similar programs often include bonuses, paid vacations, and health insurance. Some international schools and kindergartens pay more but also expect longer hours and advanced qualifications. Private tutoring can also bring in extra cash, especially in bigger cities.

Taiwanese schools sometimes offer housing stipends or help with relocation, but it's not universal. Health insurance is handled through Taiwan’s excellent National Health Insurance system, which is affordable and high-quality—even for foreigners.

In Thailand, salaries are lower, typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month (35,000–55,000 THB) for most entry-level positions. International schools and universities can offer more, sometimes up to $2,500 USD or higher, but these jobs are competitive and often require advanced degrees or teaching licenses.

While Thailand rarely includes housing in contracts, the low cost of accommodation means you can live well on a modest budget. Health insurance varies—some schools provide basic coverage, but many teachers opt for private plans or pay out of pocket (which is still affordable for routine care).

Both countries offer some room for private tutoring or online side gigs, especially once you’re established and understand local demand. In Thailand, you’ll have more freedom to do this informally, whereas Taiwan tends to regulate it more closely, especially for teachers on specific visas.

Comparison Summary:

Bottom Line:
Choose Taiwan if you’re focused on financial stability, solid benefits, and savings potential. Choose Thailand if you’re looking for a more flexible lifestyle where your money stretches further—even if the base salary is lower.

Cost of Living

Both Taiwan and Thailand are affordable by Western standards, but how far your money goes—and what kind of life you get for it—varies depending on the lifestyle you choose and where you're based.

In Taiwan, life in Taipei is noticeably more expensive than in other cities like Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Taipei might cost $500–$800 USD, while the same apartment outside the capital could drop to $250–$500 USD. Food is relatively cheap—especially from local eateries, night markets, and convenience stores. Utilities, mobile data, and public transport are all inexpensive and efficient. Taiwan’s metro systems and high-speed rail make getting around easy and affordable.

In Thailand, especially outside of Bangkok, cost of living is incredibly low. Rent for a modern studio or one-bedroom apartment can range from $150–$400 USD, even in popular cities like Chiang Mai or Hua Hin. Street food is everywhere, and a meal can cost less than $2 USD. Transport options like tuk-tuks, buses, and ride-share apps are cheap and widely used. Gyms, yoga classes, and massage therapy are affordable and part of daily life for many expats.

If you're looking to save aggressively, Thailand gives you more breathing room on a lower salary. But if you want modern amenities with structure and ease, Taiwan delivers excellent value for money.

Comparison Summary:

Lifestyle and Cultural Fit

When it comes to lifestyle, Taiwan and Thailand deliver two very different rhythms. Your personality and preferences will play a big role in which one feels like home.

Taiwan is ideal if you’re looking for a balance of modern convenience and Asian tradition. Taipei is clean, efficient, and full of cozy cafés, polite crowds, and quiet parks. It’s a society that values harmony and order—perfect for people who like structure, peace, and tech-driven convenience. The expat community is smaller but tight-knit, and locals tend to be helpful, especially if you make an effort with Mandarin. Weekends can take you to mountains, hot springs, or quiet fishing towns—all reachable by train.

Thailand, on the other hand, is a sensory explosion. It’s louder, more chaotic, and endlessly exciting. Bangkok buzzes with life 24/7—from rooftop bars and bustling markets to motorcycle taxis and temple bells. But even within the chaos, there’s an ease to life here. People are friendly, open, and quick to joke or lend a hand. Teachers often find it easier to make friends and integrate into local life. Plus, Thailand is a top spot for travel lovers—weekend getaways to islands, national parks, or neighboring countries are both easy and affordable.

In terms of language, both countries are accessible without fluency, but Mandarin (Taiwan) can be a long-term asset. Thai is easier to pick up for conversational use, and English is more commonly understood in tourist areas.

Comparison Summary:

Bottom Line:
Choose Taiwan if you love structure, cleanliness, and tech-savvy urban life with easy access to nature. Choose Thailand if you’re after color, energy, and a warm, welcoming environment that makes every day feel like an adventure.

Teaching Environment and Classroom Culture

Your experience in the classroom can shape how much you enjoy teaching abroad. Taiwan and Thailand offer very different teaching cultures—each with its own set of expectations, challenges, and freedoms.

In Taiwan, the teaching environment tends to be more structured and academic. Students are respectful, quiet, and often shy, especially in traditional schools. There’s a strong focus on exams, grammar, and academic results, which can make classes feel serious and goal-oriented. In public schools or programs like TFETP, you’ll often co-teach alongside a local teacher, following a fixed curriculum. In buxibans (cram schools), you may have more independence but also pressure from parents or managers to deliver results.

Class sizes are manageable, and you’re usually given teaching materials—but lesson planning is still expected. There's also an emphasis on punctuality, dress code, and professionalism. Some schools may offer basic training or mentorship, but professional development is often self-driven.

Thailand takes a much looser approach. Students are curious and fun, though sometimes energetic to the point of chaotic. The classroom vibe is usually informal, with a lot of room for creativity. You might find yourself leading entire lessons solo, especially in rural schools, and while lesson planning is important, improvisation goes a long way.

Discipline can be inconsistent, and resources are often limited. That said, many teachers enjoy the freedom to experiment with games, music, and visual learning tools. You’re usually seen as the "fun foreign teacher"—a role that comes with both perks and challenges.

Comparison Summary:

Long-Term Living and Career Growth

For many, teaching abroad starts as a one-year adventure but turns into something longer. Whether you’re looking to build a stable future or just keep the journey going, your ability to stay, save, and grow professionally matters.

Taiwan offers more clarity for long-term living. If you're working legally through a school, visa renewals are straightforward, and many teachers stay for multiple years with minimal hassle. After five years of continuous residence (including teaching work), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. There's also a growing tech and digital economy, so transitioning into fields like IT, translation, or content creation isn’t unheard of—especially if you learn Mandarin.

Financially, Taiwan makes sense if you’re organized. While salaries aren’t sky-high, low taxes and a decent cost of living allow you to save modestly or build toward a stable base. Families can settle here too, though international school tuition and residency for dependents require planning.

Thailand, in contrast, is built more for short-term flexibility than long-term structure. Visa rules are looser in practice but change often and can feel unpredictable. Teachers often renew their Non-B visa and work permit yearly, and while that’s not overly difficult, it's rarely streamlined. Some rely on education visas, volunteer visas, or simply do periodic border runs (not ideal, but still common).

Thailand shines for digital nomads, online teachers, and lifestyle-oriented expats. Many pivot into tourism, wellness, or online work while living in affordable cities like Chiang Mai or beach towns like Krabi. There’s no clear path to permanent residency unless you invest significantly or marry a Thai citizen, but plenty of foreigners find ways to stay for years on end.

Comparison Summary:

Bottom Line:
Choose Taiwan if you're thinking long-term—whether that means career advancement, PR, or building roots. Choose Thailand if you’re seeking freedom, lifestyle, and a base that lets you mix teaching with side gigs or passion projects.

Which Country Is Right for You?

Still unsure which direction to take? Here's a side-by-side breakdown to help clarify your decision:

You might prefer Taiwan if:

• You want a more structured, professional teaching job
• You're looking for visa security and long-term residency options
• You enjoy city life, good infrastructure, and learning Mandarin
• You're career-minded but still want a high quality of life

You might prefer Thailand if:

• You want a laid-back lifestyle with warm weather and beaches
• You're okay with informal systems and flexible rules
• You're looking to live well on a lower income
• You value cultural immersion, food, and a vibrant expat community

Wherever you land, both countries offer exciting opportunities to grow, explore, and connect with a new culture. Whether you’re looking for stability or freedom, modern cities or tropical escapes, the right choice depends on the life you want to build.

👉 Explore further:

• Teach English in Taiwan
• Teach English in Thailand