Taiwan vs Vietnam: Where to Teach English

Looking to teach English in Asia but torn between Taiwan and Vietnam? You’re not alone. Both countries are popular choices among new and experienced teachers — but they offer vastly different experiences in the classroom and beyond. Taiwan combines structure, stability, and modern infrastructure with strong government-backed teaching programs. Vietnam, on the other hand, offers flexibility, vibrant energy, and one of the highest savings potentials in Asia thanks to low living costs and high demand for teachers.

Taiwan feels polished and orderly — with clean streets, efficient public transport, and a deep-rooted culture that blends tradition with modernity. Teaching jobs often come with clear contracts, well-established programs, and reliable benefits. Vietnam offers a different kind of thrill: buzzing streets, world-class street food, and a teaching market that’s more informal, dynamic, and easier to break into, even if you’re new to the field or not a native speaker.

Both places are incredibly rewarding, but they attract different types of people. Whether you’re looking for structure or spontaneity, peaceful mountains or pulsing city life, here’s how the two destinations stack up.

Teaching Requirements and Eligibility

To legally teach in Taiwan or Vietnam, there are some shared basics: a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certification, and a clean background check. But the details — especially around work visas and eligibility for non-native speakers — vary a lot between the two.

Taiwan has a more structured, government-regulated system. You’ll need to be a native English speaker (from one of seven approved countries) to get a teaching visa, and most schools require a degree plus a 120-hour TEFL certificate. The Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP) is the main route into public schools, and it comes with clear expectations, benefits, and support — but also stricter requirements.

Vietnam, on the other hand, is much more relaxed. As long as you have a degree and a TEFL certificate, you can get hired — even if you’re not a native speaker. Non-natives just need to provide proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS or TOEFL score. Teaching experience is nice but not essential. Many first-time teachers, digital nomads, and career changers get their start here because the entry barrier is lower.

Another big difference lies in the visa process. Taiwan requires a formal job offer and government paperwork before you arrive, which can take weeks. Vietnam allows many teachers to enter on a tourist visa, find a job, and then switch to a work visa from within the country — a much quicker and more flexible option, though less official upfront.

Key Differences:

• Native Speaker Requirement: Taiwan strictly requires it; Vietnam does not.
• Work Visa Timing: Taiwan = before arrival; Vietnam = often after arrival.
• Teaching Certificate: Strongly preferred in both; legally required in Vietnam.
• Flexibility for Non-Natives: Vietnam is much more open.
• Formal Programs: Taiwan offers government-sponsored placements (like TFETP); Vietnam is mostly private and direct-to-school.

If you’re looking for a professional, stable, and well-organized environment with long-term growth potential, Taiwan may be the better fit. If you want fast access to the classroom, fewer barriers, and a more adventurous start, Vietnam offers the freedom to jump right in.

Job Market and Hiring Landscape

Both Taiwan and Vietnam have healthy demand for English teachers, but the way you find work — and where you end up — can look very different depending on the country.

In Taiwan, the job market is structured and fairly competitive. Many teachers work through centralized government programs like TFETP for public schools, or get hired into buxibans (private cram schools) that cater to kids after regular school hours. These buxibans are the most accessible entry point for new teachers. International schools and universities offer better pay and benefits, but require teaching credentials and experience.

Jobs are concentrated in larger cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, though some government placements take teachers to smaller towns. Hiring tends to follow the school calendar, with most openings posted in the spring and summer for the fall term. However, buxibans hire year-round depending on enrollment needs.

Vietnam, by contrast, has an incredibly flexible and fast-moving job market. Private language centers dominate the scene, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. These centers serve kids, teens, and adults — and they’re almost always hiring. Public school and university jobs exist but are less common unless you're highly qualified. International schools, as in Taiwan, are competitive and credential-based.

There’s no set hiring season in Vietnam. Jobs open and close all year round, and many teachers land work within days of arriving in the country. Turnover is high, especially in private language centers, which means there’s always demand — and plenty of opportunities even if you’re new.

Key Differences:

• Taiwan: Structured hiring, peak seasons, formal job offers before arrival
• Vietnam: Ongoing hiring, informal interviews, fast onboarding after arrival
• Taiwan: Government-run programs (TFETP) and strict school types
• Vietnam: Language centers dominate, with looser standards and faster entry
• Urban vs Rural: Both countries offer city-heavy markets, but Taiwan has more rural placements via TFETP

If you want a predictable, government-backed job with structure and support, Taiwan’s market is a solid fit. If you want speed, flexibility, and tons of opportunities to job-hop or tutor privately, Vietnam’s the easier place to get started.

Salary and Benefits

When it comes to pay, both countries offer decent incomes — but how far that income stretches depends on local costs and perks like housing and insurance.

In Taiwan, average salaries range from NT$40,000 to NT$70,000 ($1,250–$2,200 USD) per month at buxibans and public schools, while international schools can pay upwards of NT$200,000 ($6,000 USD) for licensed teachers. Benefits are strong: many contracts include housing stipends, health insurance, paid vacation, year-end bonuses, and flight reimbursements — especially if you’re hired through TFETP or at an international school.

Private tutoring is also a viable side hustle in Taiwan, with rates between NT$600–1,200 ($19–$38 USD) per hour. That said, the cost of living is higher than in Vietnam, especially in Taipei. Expect moderate monthly savings after expenses — typically $500–$800 USD, more with tutoring or shared housing.

Vietnam, on the other hand, offers lower base salaries — typically 27 to 51 million VND ($1,100–$2,100 USD) depending on the school type. Language centers tend to offer less in benefits (no housing or airfare) but often provide flexible hours, contract bonuses, and the chance to teach extra classes. Public schools and international schools offer better packages but are harder to land.

What makes Vietnam stand out is the low cost of living. Teachers can often save $800–$1,200 USD per month, even on modest salaries, simply because daily expenses are so cheap — meals for $2, rent under $400, and transport under $1. Private tutoring is also lucrative, with hourly rates of 345,000 to 1.4 million VND ($15–$60 USD) depending on experience and clientele.

Key Differences:

• Taiwan: Higher base salary, strong benefits, higher costs, moderate savings
• Vietnam: Lower base salary, fewer perks, low costs, high savings potential
• Tutoring: More regulated in Taiwan; more freelance flexibility in Vietnam
• Stability vs Hustle: Taiwan offers predictability, Vietnam offers hustle-based upside

If you’re looking to maximize savings on a modest salary, Vietnam wins. But if you value structured benefits and don’t mind a tighter budget, Taiwan’s perks and reliability may be worth the trade-off.

Cost of Living

Both Taiwan and Vietnam are affordable compared to Western countries, but how your money stretches — and the lifestyle it buys — can vary dramatically between the two.

Taiwan sits somewhere in the middle: not dirt cheap, but not expensive either. Rent is the biggest cost, especially in Taipei, where a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can run NT$18,000–30,000 ($550–$950 USD). Outside the capital, rent drops significantly. Utilities, internet, and transport are inexpensive and reliable — the MRT system in Taipei is among the best in Asia.

Food is affordable if you stick to local dishes and night markets, where meals cost NT$70–150 ($2–$5 USD). Western groceries, bars, and restaurants, however, are priced closer to what you’d expect back home. Health insurance is mandatory and very affordable, often included in your job contract. Entertainment, fitness memberships, and weekend trips are all accessible on a teacher’s salary, especially with budgeting.

Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries in Asia to live well. Rent in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi for a modern one-bedroom apartment can be 6–10 million VND ($250–$400 USD) — even less if you share. Utility bills are usually under $50 USD total per month. Internet is fast and cheap, and transport costs are negligible, especially if you ride a motorbike (rental or own).

Street food is not only a cultural staple but also a budgeting blessing. Full meals go for 30,000–60,000 VND ($1–$2.50 USD), and even higher-end cafes and restaurants rarely break the bank. Imported goods and upscale expat amenities are pricier, but still cheaper than in Taiwan overall.

Key Differences:

• Taiwan: Clean and modern, with a higher cost of rent and imported goods
• Vietnam: Ultra-affordable day-to-day life with high-quality local food
• Taiwan: Better infrastructure, reliable public transport
• Vietnam: Chaotic charm, but incredibly cost-effective

If you're budgeting carefully or saving aggressively, Vietnam is hard to beat. But if you want creature comforts with dependable infrastructure, Taiwan’s slightly higher costs might be worth it.

Lifestyle and Cultural Fit

Daily life in Taiwan and Vietnam feels different in almost every way — from the pace of the cities to how people interact with strangers. The decision often comes down to which environment you feel more at home in.

Taiwan is calm, clean, and incredibly well-organized. Locals are polite, respectful, and warm once you break the ice. While not everyone speaks English, most people are helpful — especially younger generations. Life moves at a manageable pace, with safe streets, excellent public services, and a deep respect for rules and social order. If you're the type who likes reliable systems and peaceful evenings, Taiwan will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Food is a major highlight — from night market snacks to home-style rice and noodle dishes — and Taiwan has a vibrant café scene. It’s also a great place to learn Mandarin, thanks to standardized Pinyin and widespread language centers. Cultural immersion is strong, especially if you engage with locals through classes, community events, or hobbies.

Vietnam is louder, livelier, and more spontaneous. Cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi pulse with energy, motorbikes, and the sounds of street life. Locals are warm, curious, and quick to strike up a conversation, even if English isn't widely spoken. It’s common to be invited to local events, shared meals, or language exchanges — especially outside touristy areas.

The food culture is phenomenal — fresh, flavorful, and cheap. Daily life is vibrant and full of surprises, but it can also be chaotic. Bureaucracy can be frustrating, traffic is intense, and systems aren’t always streamlined. Still, for many teachers, that unpredictability is part of the charm.

Key Differences:

• Taiwan: Calm, efficient, and a great place to settle into a peaceful routine
• Vietnam: High-energy, deeply social, and rich in cultural texture
• Taiwan: Mandarin immersion and strong community safety nets
• Vietnam: Local interaction is easy and engaging, even with a language barrier

If you prefer order, quiet confidence, and structured immersion, Taiwan offers a lifestyle that’s easy to grow into. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, love social spontaneity, and want every day to feel a little different, Vietnam will keep you engaged and inspired.

Teaching Environment and Classroom Culture

Your day-to-day teaching experience can vary dramatically between Taiwan and Vietnam — not just in terms of resources, but also in student behavior, classroom expectations, and the overall vibe.

Taiwan offers a more formal and structured teaching environment. Class sizes are usually reasonable (20–30 students), and students are generally respectful and disciplined, especially in public schools or buxibans (private cram schools). There’s an emphasis on test preparation, grammar, and rote memorization, though many programs now integrate more speaking and interactive activities.

You’ll typically follow a set curriculum with ready-made materials, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add your own flair — especially in speaking classes or younger levels. Classroom management tends to be easier due to strong cultural norms around respect and hierarchy. Teachers are expected to dress and behave professionally, and punctuality is non-negotiable. Support from staff varies by school, but you'll often have administrative help and a clear understanding of your responsibilities.

Vietnam, by contrast, offers a looser and often livelier classroom environment. Students — especially younger ones — are full of energy, and discipline can be a challenge if you're not used to managing behavior on your own. That said, they’re usually enthusiastic, affectionate, and excited to learn from foreign teachers.

Class sizes can be large (30–50 students), and resources may be minimal, particularly in public schools or rural areas. Flexibility is key: you might create your own materials, switch classrooms unexpectedly, or have limited guidance. But this freedom also allows room for creativity. If you're adaptable and enjoy thinking on your feet, you’ll likely thrive in Vietnam’s more dynamic teaching culture.

Key Differences:

• Taiwan: Respectful, orderly classrooms; structured curriculum; clearer job expectations
• Vietnam: Energetic, occasionally chaotic; flexible lesson planning; more autonomy and improvisation
• Taiwan: Supportive of consistency and professionalism
• Vietnam: Suited to outgoing teachers who can manage unpredictability

If you want to feel supported with a clear roadmap, Taiwan’s teaching culture is a great fit. If you prefer spontaneity, excitement, and don’t mind a bit of chaos, Vietnam offers an experience that’s anything but boring.

Long-Term Living and Career Growth

For many teachers, the first contract is just the beginning. Whether you're thinking of staying a few years, building a career, or even setting up a life abroad, the long-term outlook in Taiwan and Vietnam varies widely.

Taiwan offers a more stable and structured long-term pathway. Work visas are tied to your employer, but it’s relatively easy to switch jobs if you remain in good standing and maintain the paperwork. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency, provided you meet income and tax requirements. Health care is excellent, affordable, and available through the National Health Insurance (NHI) system. It's also a family-friendly place, with good international schools, public safety, and clean cities.

Career-wise, Taiwan has options beyond teaching — especially in editing, tech, or university roles — but you'll likely need strong Mandarin skills and a local network. Many teachers stay long-term by moving into public schools (through TFETP), opening side businesses (legally challenging but possible), or transitioning into remote work and tech startups.

Vietnam is more relaxed — and more unpredictable. There’s no clear path to permanent residency, and most long-term foreigners live on renewed business visas, work permits, or investor arrangements. Rules change often, and visa policies can vary depending on your province and immigration officer. Still, many teachers manage to stay for years with few issues, and some even start families or open small businesses with local partners.

Vietnam is especially popular among digital nomads and remote workers, thanks to its low cost of living, coworking spaces, and thriving expat communities. Healthcare is decent in major cities, with private hospitals offering affordable care. Long-term financial planning (e.g., pensions, savings) is trickier, but the freedom and quality of life often outweigh the lack of structure.

Key Differences:

• Taiwan: Stable path to PR, reliable public systems, and family-friendly infrastructure
• Vietnam: Flexible lifestyle, easier freelancing, but uncertain legal permanence
• Taiwan: Ideal for long-term planners and structured careers
• Vietnam: Great for those building a location-independent or entrepreneurial life

If you want a clear, legal long-term path with solid healthcare and public services, Taiwan is a strong choice. If you value flexibility, low costs, and the freedom to pivot your career or lifestyle, Vietnam opens more doors — even if the rules aren’t always written down.

Which Country Is Right for You?

You might prefer Taiwan if:

• You want a reliable, structured teaching job with strong legal backing
• You're looking for long-term residency and healthcare options
• You prefer a calm, organized environment with great infrastructure
• You’re interested in learning Mandarin and immersing in East Asian culture

You might prefer Vietnam if:

• You value flexibility and want to start teaching quickly
• You're looking to save money thanks to low daily expenses
• You enjoy a lively, social atmosphere and spontaneous living
• You're open to freelancing, side gigs, or remote work alongside teaching

Whether you're drawn to Taiwan's polished cities and long-term prospects or Vietnam's buzzing streets and budget-friendly freedom, both countries offer unforgettable experiences for teachers ready to embrace life abroad.

👉 Learn more:

• Teach English in Taiwan
• Teach English in Vietnam