Introduction
Most English instructors teach in private English “cram” schools (in Mandarin, buxibans – pronounced boo-she-ban). These provide courses at every level, from elementary school to university. Aside from buxibans, ESL teachers may be hired by private schools and private companies and do in-home tutoring.
Buxibans are located throughout Taiwan and vary greatly in size. Smaller schools have a more personal approach but they may be less stable than the larger ones and don’t always offer their teachers a work permit.
Hiring criteria also vary. Some Buxibans will employ non-native English-speakers, while others insist on native English speakers, preferably with North American accents.
A typical full-time employee can expect to teach 15 to 25 hours per week. Employers must grant employees a minimum of 14 teaching hours and a maximum of 36 teaching hours per week. The work is physically demanding, especially classes for younger children, and teachers must spend additional hours planning sessions.
Elementary and Kindergarten buxibans
Most schools offering classes at the elementary or kindergarten level do not require native English speakers to have previous teaching experience or ESL certification. Managers usually look for commitment, determination and enthusiasm in candidates. Full-time employees work on average 15 to 25 hours a week.
English classes emphasize conversation, and most classes have between 5 and 25 students. Students can be as young as two years old, so “teaching English” can sometimes amount to basic childcare. Some schools may provide the help of a Taiwanese teacher to maintain discipline. Most schools insist that classes be conducted entirely in English.
Some schools prescribe the course of study and teaching approach; others don’t even have books available. When considering a job, check what educational materials the educational facility provides.
High School, University and buxibans
Teaching positions are less widely available in high schools and universities than in schools catering to young children. Introducing yourself directly to principals, deans and professors in English departments may help in finding work opportunities. Classes include up to 25 students and are usually held in the late afternoon or early evening. The number of hours worked is similar to what is expected at elementary-level buxibans (15 to 25 hours a week), although the salary is slightly higher. Whether materials and books are provided depends on the individual institution. Unlike the mainly oral teaching at the kindergarten and elementary school level, high school and university classes offer a mix of conversation, reading, listening and writing activities in a more formal structure.
There are also several large buxibans where students prepare for university entrance exams and for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. Most overseas institutions require non-native English-speaking applicants to take the TOEFL in order to evaluate English proficiency. Teaching positions in these types of organization are harder to find, but salaries are often higher. These buxibans usually require their teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education, complemented with some teaching experience. Classes may have more than 100 students and concentrate on grammar. Teachers may be required to give brief explanations in Mandarin. Significant preparation time is required for these classes.
University English Night Classes
The university year consists of two semesters starting in September and late January. Universities now require ESL teachers to have a degree (if possible, a master’s) in education, and preferably some teaching experience. The classes offered are for students, as well as businesspeople who are considering overseas assignments or trying to improve their English skills. Expectations of ESL teachers at this level are high; the students are keen to learn and have usually paid for the classes themselves.
Private Companies
Some companies sponsor English classes for their staff, either during or after work hours. Most companies do not have specific hiring criteria, although they may ask for a resume to submit to their budgeting department. The pay depends on the size of the company. Some companies expect their staff to achieve a certain level of English proficiency and may ask applicants for teaching positions to write an exam. Other companies stress conversational skills and require little preparation time for classes.
Private Junior, Middle and Elementary Schools
In early 2000, an amendment to the Employment Service Law allowed private junior, middle and elementary schools to hire foreign teachers. For more information on hiring possibilities and procedures, contact us.
In-home Tutoring
Some ESL teachers work at institutions other than the one that sponsored them or teach privately. Be forewarned: According to Taiwanese law, teaching at an institution other than the one that sponsored you – or teaching privately – is illegal.
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