Taitung Overview
Location
Taitung City lies on the southeast coast of Taiwan facing the Pacific Ocean. It is home to the largest aboriginal population in Taiwan.
Due in part to its remote location and isolation by mountains from Taiwan's main population centers, Taitung was the last part of the island to be colonized by Han Chinese immigrants (late 19th century). Throughout the 20th century, Taitung remained an economic backwater. Sparsely populated even today, this isolation may have been a blessing in disguise, as Taitung mostly escaped the urbanization and pollution that have come to plague other parts of Taiwan [1, 2].
Taitung is a place of many outdoor adventures. Plan a weekend getaway to Green Island or Orchid Island nearby, bathe in the hot springs in Zhiben, take a stroll across the Sanxiantai Bridge, or enjoy the panoramic views from Luye Plateau. In Taitung, you are bound to meet its natural beauty and hospitable people.
Weather
Taitung has a tropical climate with temperatures averaging 25°C and 75% humidity. During the dry season, beautiful fog can be seen rolling off the mountains.
Population
2025: 208,490
Number of ETAs + ETFs
2025-26: 11 ETAs + 4 ETFs
Number of Schools
2025-26: 17 elementary + 5 junior high schools
Teaching and Living
Grantees will be placed at schools in Taitung County (Guanshan, Taimali, Taitung City), ranging from elementary to junior high schools. These schools are typically small to medium-sized (50-200 students), and placements may involve teaching at one or two schools with students' English proficiency varies among schools and classes. Teaching in Taitung provides unique opportunities for cultural exchange and building personal connections with students, along with activities like traditional archery and indigenous language classes.
With its rolling mountains and perpetual coastal breeze, Taitung is for the adventurous ETA. Many schools have mountains right in their backyard and Taitung is best known for its lush environment. Be sure to check out the Hot Air Balloon festival in the summer!
Coordinators
Stanie Yu
Hello, my name is Stanie. I’m a Taitung local, but I studied and worked in Taipei for 10 years. Recently, I returned to my hometown to embark on a new journey with Fulbright.
Words for Incoming ETAs
Welcome to the stunning east coast! Taitung is blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich indigenous culture. Embrace the slow and relaxed pace of life here, and you’ll discover adventures beyond what you ever imagined.
Email: syu@fse.fulbright.org.tw
Mei Lee
Hello I am Mei, born and raised in Taitung. Before joining Fulbright, I've studied in Kaohsiung and worked in Taipei. Thus, working as a coordinator here allows me to reconnect with where I came from, and appreciate it from different perspectives.
Words for Incoming ETAs:
Surrounded by mountains and coastal areas, Taitung is rich in natural landscapes. It is a place full of natural beauty to explore, and easy-going people to meet, and a sense of serenity to discover! Go exploring the new culture, and embrace the unknown, it will leave you a memorable year!
Email: mclee@fse.fulbright.org.tw
Additional Site Info
Reflecting Midyear // Fulbright Taiwan" by 24-25 ETA Elizabeth Wrzesinski