Dreaming of working abroad? Taiwan beckons with its rich culture, stable economy, and a growing need for English teachers. For Filipinos seeking a chance to share their language skills and culture, becoming an English teacher in Taiwan is an exciting option. The draw isn’t just about teaching—it’s also about the good pay and perks that the island offers to attract skilled educators.
In this article, we’ll break down the details of salaries and benefits crafted for Filipino teachers in Taiwan. From understanding the money side of things to exploring the extra advantages that come with the job, come along as we uncover the opportunities for those eager to make a difference while enjoying a rewarding career abroad.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Exploring the Rewards of Filipino English Teachers in Taiwan
This article is based on a YouTube video by the OFW vlogger “It’s a CRIStory.” In this video, the Taiwan-based Filipino teacher talks about the salary and benefits of working in Taiwan. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
The TFETP, initiated by the Ministry of Education (MOE), is a comprehensive effort to recruit skilled foreign English teachers and teaching assistants. Evolving from the earlier Foreign English Teachers Program (FET Program) established in 2004, TFETP aims to support local governments in hiring educators for public elementary and junior high schools.
In 2021, the FET Program transitioned into TFETP with an expanded scope and mission. The program actively seeks teaching talents to create more opportunities for Taiwanese students to learn English in schools nationwide.
Key Features of TFETP:
- Recruitment Focus: TFETP actively recruits talented Foreign English Teachers (FET) and Foreign English Teaching Assistants to meet the growing demand for English language education.
- Centers for Support: TFETP operates through two centers— North Center and South Center. These centers play a pivotal role in recruitment, professional development, and supervision of foreign English teachers and teaching assistants after they are assigned to schools.
- Geographical Responsibilities:
- North Center: Covers areas including Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Keelung City, Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Yilan County, Miaoli County, Kinmen County, Lienchiang County (Matsu), and Penghu County.
- South Center: Manages responsibilities for Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Hualien County, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Yunlin County, and Taitung County.
The TFETP reflects the commitment of the MOE to foster a conducive environment for English language learning, providing students with diverse and skilled educators. As the program continues to evolve, it contributes significantly to the overall educational landscape in Taiwan.
Salary and Benefits of Foreign English Teaching Assistants in Taiwan
- Flight Reimbursement: Covers arrival and return trip expenses; maximum reimbursement of 40,000 NTD.
- Housing Allowance: Capped at 26,000 NTD per school year; not needed if accommodation is provided.
- Monthly Salary: Minimum of 48,000 NTD; varies with experience; additional income for extra hours.
- Certificate Class Reimbursement: Up to NTD 5,000 monthly for TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA certifications.
- Transportation Reimbursement: Actual expenses reimbursed; maximum NT$ 3,000 per school year.
- National Health Insurance and Work Accident Insurance/Labor Insurance: Provided, with labor pension for eligible applicants; subject to school accounting office approval.
Embarking on your journey as a Foreign English Teaching Assistant, you’ll find that this role comes with a lower salary bracket and doesn’t require a teaching license. Despite this, the compensations and benefits make the endeavor financially appealing for those eager to teach in Taiwan.
1. Flight Reimbursement
One of the noteworthy perks is the flight reimbursement, encompassing expenses for both arrival in Taiwan and the return trip home. The maximum reimbursement amount stands at 40,000 NTD, roughly equivalent to 72,000 pesos at the current exchange rate of 1.8. However, it’s imperative to verify this figure with the school to which you are assigned, as policies may vary.
2. Housing Allowance
Navigating the housing landscape, foreign teachers are entitled to a housing allowance based on actual expenses, capped at 26,000 NTD for each school year. In pesos, this amounts to approximately 46,800 pesos. It’s essential to note that if the school provides accommodation, this allowance becomes redundant. While private institutions often offer accommodation, public schools may not provide free housing. This distinction becomes more pronounced in small cities, where housing may be more accessible. However, in the bustling capital, accommodation costs can escalate. Opting for a shared apartment with common facilities may provide a more economical solution, albeit with certain inconveniences. As a testament to the varying experiences, some vloggers currently reside in small studio apartments, highlighting the trade-offs between lower rent and potential inconveniences.
3. Monthly Salary
The core of the financial package lies in the monthly salary, set at a minimum of 48,000 NTD. It’s crucial to recognize that this base figure is subject to variation based on your experience and qualifications. Some schools may also offer additional hours for increased income. At the current exchange rate of 1.8, this translates to a monthly salary of 86,400 pesos. While this amount is deemed acceptable, particularly for those stationed in smaller cities, it’s prudent to consider the cost of living in larger urban centers.
4. Certificate Class Reimbursement
For those acquiring TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA certifications, there’s an additional benefit. The school provides reimbursement of up to NTD 5,000 (Php 9,000) per month.
5. Transportation Reimbursement
Applicants can benefit from transportation reimbursement based on actual expenses, with a maximum of NT$ 3,000 every school year, as per the contract.
6. National Health Insurance and Work Accident Insurance/Labor Insurance
National health insurance, labor insurance, and work accident insurance are provided. Additionally, labor pension is offered if the applicant qualifies under Article 7 of the Labor Pension Act. It’s important to note that all reimbursements will be subject to approval by the school accounting office before being disbursed.
Salary and Benefits of Foreign English Teachers in Taiwan
- Salary
- Bachelor’s degree holders: NT$ 65,230~85,380.
- Master’s degree holders: NT$ 72,760~94,980.
- Doctoral degree holders: NT$ 75,950~100,010.
The salary is determined by the teacher’s highest education level and teaching experience. Teaching experience is calculated based on the period of teaching in Taiwan or overseas schools, excluding certain types of teaching experience.
- Flight Reimbursement
- The program covers one economy class airfare for the teacher’s journey to Taiwan and one ticket for the return trip.
- Maximum subsidy for each trip is NT$40,000.
- Reimbursement for one round-trip economy class airfare is also available for the teacher’s spouse or immediate family members visiting during the school year.
Note: Flight reimbursement details are subject to the employment contract; confirm with the designated school for more information.
- Housing Rental Reimbursement
- The employer provides housing rental reimbursement if accommodations are not provided.
- Maximum reimbursement is NT$5,000 per month for singles and NT$10,000 per month for families, based on actual rent expense.
- Exception: Reimbursement is not applicable if the accommodation is provided by the employer, owned by the teacher or their family in Taiwan, or if the cohabitant is also employed by the same English teaching program. The maximum reimbursement is NT$10,000.
- Performance Bonus
- Teachers who have worked for a school year and received an A grade in annual performance are awarded an extra month’s pay as a bonus.
- Teachers who have worked for a school year and received a B grade are given an extra 1/2 month’s pay as a bonus.
- Overtime Pay
- For elementary school, each period is NT$400.
- For junior high school, each period is NT$450.
- National Health Insurance and Work Accident Insurance/Labor Insurance
- National health insurance, labor insurance, and work accident insurance are provided.
- Labor pension is provided if the applicant is qualified based on Article 7 of the Labor Pension Act.
Teaching English in Taiwan comes with exciting opportunities for educators. The Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP), led by the Ministry of Education (MOE), shows Taiwan’s commitment to creating a great learning experience for students.
Teachers can look forward to good salaries based on education and experience, along with attractive extras like help with flights, housing, and health coverage. Taiwan cares not only about teachers’ skills but also their well-being. The TFETP’s recent growth in 2021 proves Taiwan’s dedication to hiring and keeping excellent teachers, building a diverse cultural exchange in classrooms.
The perks for foreign English teachers in Taiwan go beyond just pay. They show a complete approach to education, sharing cultures, and personal development. Teachers, as they start this adventure, aren’t just sharing language skills; they become essential contributors to Taiwan’s educational story. Taiwan, offering good pay and a supportive atmosphere, isn’t just a place that values education but also truly appreciates the teachers who make it happen.