Top Cities for ESL Teaching in Taiwan

Renowned for its welcoming culture, and rich blend of stunning natural landscapes and dynamic urban life, Taiwan has become an increasingly attractive ESL teaching destination that offers unique opportunities that cater to different lifestyles.

With an extensive focus on trade and global supply chains, Taiwan’s fast-growing demand for local talent with bilingual proficiency has greatly increased in recent years. To meet this demand, Taiwan aims to achieve a bilingual population fluent in both Mandarin and English by 2030.

As a result, Taiwan’s demand for skilled ESL teachers is rapidly growing, offering unique opportunities to make a significant impact on Taiwan’s educational landscape while exploring the island’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Join us as we explore the most popular cities for ESL teaching in Taiwan!

Taipei — The Thriving Capital

Starting off with the capital — Taipei, this vibrant city is the epicenter of Taiwan’s cultural, economic, and educational activities, making it a top destination for ESL teachers in not only Taiwan but in all of Asia.

An abundance of teaching opportunities

Taipei’s ESL job market is robust, supported by a high demand for English education across a variety of settings including private language centers, international schools, and corporate environments. Teachers can find opportunities to teach learners of all ages, from young children in kindergartens to business professionals seeking to improve their language skills.

Urban exploration and cultural Immersion

The city is a bustling metropolis filled with cultural landmarks such as the National Palace Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts in the world, and Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building. The city’s night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, offer a taste of Taiwan’s famous street food, while its efficient MRT system makes navigating the city’s diverse neighborhoods a breeze. For relaxation, the numerous hot springs in Beitou and around Taipei provide a perfect weekend getaway.

New Taipei City — A Diverse Metropolis

Encircling the capital city Taipei, New Taipei City is a growing metropolis that offers a diverse range of environments, from densely populated urban districts to scenic rural areas. Being a part of the larger Taipei metropolitan area, it provides a contrasting lifestyle to the capital while maintaining a close proximity to all that Taipei has to offer.

Varied teaching opportunities

New Taipei City has a rich variety of educational institutions, including public schools, private language academies (Buxibans), and international schools. The diversity in teaching settings—from high-tech districts like Banqiao to the coastal and mountainous regions—allows teachers to find opportunities that suit their preferences for both student demographics and classroom settings.

Lifestyle and leisure

New Taipei City is also known for its rich cultural variety, which covers everything from bustling markets and modern shopping districts to tranquil parks and hiking trails. Attractions like Jiufen, an old gold mining town now known for its picturesque traditional streets and tea houses, and the coastal beauty of Tamsui offer relaxing getaways for weekends. The area also hosts several cultural and historical sites, providing a deeper insight into Taiwan’s heritage.

Taichung — The cultural hub

Known for its stable year-round climate and sunny weather, Taichung offers a pleasant experience for teachers interested in blending urban life with cultural exploration.

Expansive job market

The city’s cultural diversity and dynamic economy have created a thriving environment for teaching innovations and professional growth. Taichung’s educational sector consists of numerous private and public schools, language centers, and higher education institutions. The city attracts many teachers with its mix of traditional teaching roles in schools and creative opportunities in language camps and workshops, which often focus on immersive English learning experiences.

Urban and cultural exploration

Taichung is a city of diversity, known for its cultural institutions like the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and the vibrant Taichung Jazz Festival. It also offers plentiful green spaces, such as the expansive Taichung Metropolitan Park, providing a breath of fresh air amidst city life. The city’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the rest of Taiwan.

Kaohsiung — The harbor city

Taiwan’s second-largest city is known for its port, industrial base, and growing cultural scene. It offers a laid-back alternative to the bustling capital.

Diverse teaching opportunities

Kaohsiung, known for its port and heavy industry, has increasingly invested in education, seeing a rise in ESL opportunities in public schools and language centers. The city’s growing tourism industry also provides unique opportunities for teaching English in hospitality and service industries, helping professionals enhance their interaction with international visitors.

Living and recreation

Kaohsiung offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle with a burgeoning arts scene and vibrant nightlife. The city’s Love River is perfect for evening strolls or bike rides, and the Pier-2 Art District regularly features art installations and music festivals. Its subtropical climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, making it an ideal location for those who prefer a balance of urban living and access to nature.

Tainan — The historical capital

Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, offers a deeply traditional experience, that is characterized by its slower pace of life and rich historical heritage.

Teaching opportunities

As the oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan is a fantastic location for teachers interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Taiwan. ESL jobs here can be found in public schools, private language academies, and through tutoring services. The city’s rich history provides a contextual backdrop that enhances the learning experience, making English lessons uniquely engaging.

Cultural depth and lifestyle

Tainan is famous for its traditional festivals and extensive historical sites, such as the Chihkan Tower and the Tainan Park. Its culinary offerings are unmatched, with local specialties that tell the story of the city’s past. Life in Tainan moves at a slower pace, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves deeply in Taiwanese culture and history.

What do you need to start teaching in Taiwan?

To teach English in Taiwan, you are required to possess a few key qualifications. Without these essential qualifications, it can be difficult to find teaching opportunities that allow you to apply for the necessary visa and work permit to legally live and work in Taiwan as an ESL teacher.

You should aim to obtain the following qualifications:

To confirm what requirements apply to you, it’s recommended to reach out to the closest Taiwanese representative office in your country.

Starting your teaching adventure

Teaching English in Taiwan opens the door to exciting professional career opportunities, while also allowing you to immerse yourself in the island’s rich traditions and modern innovations. Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced energy of Taipei, the historical charm of Tainan, or the scenic beauty of Hualien, Taiwan offers ESL teachers a diverse range of experiences.

Equipped with the necessary qualifications and an openness to explore Taiwanese culture, you’re ready to embark on a fulfilling journey in the heart of Asia.

Are you ready to start your next teaching adventure in Taiwan?

If you’d like to learn more about teaching English in Taiwan, feel free to explore our ESL teaching blog for useful tips and stories from our graduates:

• 🧑‍🏫 Teacher stories: Teaching English in Taiwan — Exploring the heart of Asia
• 🏫 Buxibans: Cram school teaching in Taiwan

If you have any questions about our courses and certificates, feel free to contact us via the website live chat or via our contact form.