Buxibans – Cram School Teaching in Taiwan
“Buxibans” are one of the most popular options for new teachers launching their careers in Taiwan, but what are they and how can you get hired by one?
Teaching at a cram school (called a “buxiban” in Taiwan) can be a great way to start your teaching career. As English is one of the most popular subjects offered at buxibans, there is a consistent high demand for professional English language teachers.
In this post, we will take a closer look at what “Buxibans” are, what teaching at one looks like, and what you should be on the lookout for when job hunting.
What is a “Buxiban”?
A buxiban (pronounced “boo-she-ban“) is a private tutoring center that offers a wide range of courses to students, including English, mathematics, science, and other subjects. Similar to Hagwons in South Korea, buxibans are open outside of regular school hours, and students attend them to get extra academic support.
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The demand for buxibans has increased in recent years due to the competitive nature of higher education and employment in Taiwan. As a result, buxibans have become a natural solution for parents who are looking for additional academic support for their children.
According to the Ministry of Education, there are over 54,000 cram schools in Taiwan (2020). Approximately 70% of high school students in Taiwan attend cram schools, and 60% of middle school students attend them as well.
What does teaching at a Buxiban look like?
Buxibans offer a lot of flexibility and variety for you as a teacher, as it is common to teach a wide range of students consisting of different ages and levels.
This means that you will need to be comfortable managing a large number of students of varying backgrounds that may also have different educational goals.
Who can teach at a buxiban?
Foreign English teachers who want to teach at a buxiban in Taiwan are required to obtain a work visa, also known as a resident visa with a work permit. The work permit allows foreign English teachers to legally work in Taiwan, while the resident visa allows them to stay in the country for an extended period of time.
Government requirements
In order to qualify for the work visa, you have to be able to meet certain qualification requirements set by the Taiwanese government.
🗺️ Citizenship: Foreign English teachers must have a passport from a country where English is one of their official languages. You can find the current list of recognized countries here: Nations with English as the Official or Common Language – 2023.
🎓Education: Foreign English teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution.
If the teacher also has a TESOL certificate then it might also be possible to gain a work permit with only an associate’s degree.
🔍 Criminal record check: Foreign English teachers must provide a criminal record check from their home country or the country where they have been living for the past five years. The criminal record check must be authenticated by the Taiwan Representative Office in the teacher’s home country.
🧡 Health check: Foreign workers must also undergo a health check to ensure that they are in good health and do not have any communicable diseases. The health check must be conducted by a medical institution in Taiwan within three months of the teacher’s arrival.
It’s good to keep in mind that these requirements are subject to change, and it is recommended that you consult with the Taiwanese government or a reputable agency to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.
Employer requirements
In addition to the requirements set by the Taiwanese government, employers may also have specific qualification requirements that they want you to be able to meet. These are generally less strict and more of a preference compared to the government requirements.
👩🏫 Teaching Experience: Buxibans can be great places for new teachers without experience, though having any previous experience working with children or teaching would still be beneficial.
📜 TEFL/TESOL Certification: Most buxibans require teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. This certification provides teachers with the necessary training and skills to effectively teach English as a foreign language.
🎓 Degrees: Some buxibans may prefer candidates with a degree in education, however, most employers are generally satisfied with a bachelor’s degree in any field as long as you have a TESOL/TEFL certificate.
Before you start applying for jobs, you should also spend some time making sure that your resume will attract the attention of recruiters. This can help save you both time and energy, as the job-hunting process can be quite time-consuming.
Getting your TESOL/TEFL certificate: In order to qualify for English teaching in Taiwan, you are going to need a recognized TESOL/TEFL certificate.
In our 120-hour TESOL/TEFL course, you’ll receive the proper training and certification needed to successfully launch a teaching career overseas and online.
If you haven’t enrolled in the course you can do so here:
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Benefits of teaching at Buxibans
There are many reasons why English teachers choose to pursue buxiban teaching positions. Here are some of the most popular benefits that attract foreign English teachers:
Overall, teaching at a buxiban in Taiwan can be a very rewarding experience for teachers looking to gain teaching experience, immerse themselves in a new culture, and advance their careers.
How to find Buxiban teaching opportunities
There are several ways to find Buxiban teaching opportunities for teachers that are interested in teaching in Taiwan. Here are some of the most common ways:.
Online job boards: There are numerous online job boards specifically for English teaching jobs in Taiwan. Most of them can be found by searching online using terms such as “English teaching jobs + Taiwan“, “ESL jobs + Taiwan“, “teaching job in Taiwan“, etc.
Recruitment agencies: There are several recruitment agencies that specialize in placing foreign English teachers in Buxiban positions. These agencies can help with the job search process, provide guidance on the application process, and offer support throughout the hiring process.
Social media: Many Buxibans advertise their job openings on social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Joining relevant Facebook groups and following English teaching-related accounts on Instagram or Twitter can be a good way to stay up-to-date on job openings.
Networking: Networking online with other foreign English teachers that are currently teaching in Taiwan can be a valuable way to learn about job openings and potentially get referrals from other teachers.
Direct applications: Some Buxibans may accept direct applications from foreign English teachers. In this case, it is important to research the Buxiban and send a tailored application that highlights relevant experience and qualifications.
It is important to note that finding a Buxiban teaching opportunity may take time and effort, and it is recommended to approach the job search process with patience and perseverance.
Choosing the right buxiban
Teaching at a buxiban can be an excellent opportunity for teachers who are passionate about helping students learn English. When looking for a job at a buxiban in Taiwan, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before deciding to go ahead with a job offer:
Research the employer – First, you’ll want to research the reputation of the buxiban you’re interested in. Look for reviews and ratings online to get an idea of the quality of education, work environment, benefits, and the overall reputation of the employer.
Research the location – Another factor to consider is the location of the buxiban. Some buxibans may be located in urban areas, while others may be in more rural areas. Keep in mind that the cost of living in urban areas may be higher, but there may also be more opportunities for socializing and exploring the city.
Research the teaching conditions – Consider the work schedule and workload. Some buxibans may require teachers to work long hours, while others may have a more flexible schedule. Make sure the work schedule and workload fit your lifestyle and priorities.
Conclusion
Buxibans in Taiwan offer a unique teaching experience for English teachers looking to teach abroad. With a high demand for English teachers and a wide range of teaching opportunities, teaching at a buxiban can be an excellent opportunity for new and experienced English teachers alike.
When preparing your job applications for teaching in Taiwan, remember to carefully research the reputation, location, benefits, and teaching conditions of the teaching position and employer before making a decision.
By keeping this in mind, you’ll be well-equipped when choosing the right buxiban to start your teaching career in Taiwan.
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