Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I need to become an English teacher in Taiwan?

Actually, it is not difficult to become an English teacher here! ACI requires the following from our applicants:

a) Native English Speaker of English and must hold passports from the U.S and Canada. Please do not apply if you are not from the U.S. or Canada!
b) Able to work immediately.
c) Must hold a B.A. degree or higher and between the ages of 22 - 32. TESOL trainings help, but are not required.
d) A professional disposition and a sincere desire to teach children.
e) A team player that enjoys sharing and collaborating with colleagues.

2. How long are the teaching contracts? Do I get paid holidays?

Teaching contracts are usually one-year long. Full-time teachers usually will get paid for the Taiwanese national holidays (about 10 days a year). There are certain school events that the teachers are usually required to attend but will not receive pay. Some examples of these events are open houses for the school, Christmas parties, parent-teacher conferences, and graduation ceremonies. However, each school is unique, and these are simply general rules of thumb.

3. What happens if I break the contract?

The teacher will need to pay a penalty if he/she breaks the agreement. You should read through the contract thoroughly before you sign the contract with the school. Breaking the contract not only results in a fine, but may get you blacklisted. In that case you may be deported and never be allowed to teach in Taiwan again.

4. When/How am I paid?

You will receive pay directly from the school. ACI does not take a portion of your salary. Teachers are usually paid on the 10th or 15th of each month for previous month’s work. The school will either pay you in cash, check, or direct deposit. Some schools might keep a portion of your salary for the first few months. If they do require so, it will be stated in the contract. Some schools also give bonuses; they could be for attendance, performance, or cotract-renewal.

5. How does the tax system in Taiwan work?

The tax year in Taiwan runs from January to December. For the first six months (183 days) that you are in Taiwan, you will need to pay 20% tax on your earnings. This period of time is determined by the entry/exit stamps in your passport, and not your employment contract. You then file for tax returns before May 31st of the following year. However, if you arrive after July 31st, you will not be in this bracket. You will therefore still need to pay the 20% tax, but will not be able to file for tax return on it. If you arrive before the July 31st cutoff date and are present in Taiwan for longer than 183 days in that tax year (for example, if your arrival date was in March), then you can claim a partial refund on the taxes paid in the following year. Be careful as any time spent out of the country (visa runs, holidays, etc.) will not count toward this 183-day period.

5. Will I be reimbursed for airfare?

Rarely will a privately-owned cram school in Taiwan provide reimbursement.

7. Will the school provide living accommodations?

Schools in big cities usually will not provide any free accommodations. However, we or the school can assist in finding a suitable place to rent. On the other hand, schools located in more rural areas may give free housing (usually furnished and air-conditioned) or housing subsidy.

8. How many teaching hours are there in a week?

A full-time teaching job can be 20 to 25 hours a week. Often the teacher will also be requested for additional office hours at the school. Each school will vary slightly, and the terms will be specified in the contract.

9. How many students will I have per class?

It can be anywhere from 6 to 16. Usually, the maximum number of students will be 20 per class.

10. Does the school provide me with teaching curriculum, or can I use my own?

All of our schools will provide teaching curriculum, materials and lesson plans. You are allowed to be creative with your teaching as long as you operate under the stated guideline.

11. Can I tutor outside of the school I work for?

Private tutoring is a great and lucrative way for teachers to make some extra money. Officially, teaching at other places must be permitted by your contractual school. Usually, if you are doing a good job at your school, outside tutoring is acceptable. ACI will also assist the teachers in obtaining tutoring jobs.

12. How do I get the visa I need to work in Taiwan?

In order to teach legally in Taiwan, you must have a work visa and an alien residency certificate (ARC). Your school will apply for your ARC directly. You will not receive your ARC through ACI.

13. Do I need to get health insurance to come to Taiwan?

No! Taiwan has the 2nd best national health plan in the world. You can get your teeth cleaned for $5! The school will cover for 70% of the insurance, while you will pay 30%.