Taiwan
150 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodAugust StartGrant Length11 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The ETA Program is a cross-cultural exchange program based in and operating with local schools. It aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Taiwan. English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) interact closely with Local English Teachers (LETs) to assist in the classroom, including cultural projects. ETAs’ activities vary by location. However, a common format is a minimum of 35 hours a week in your local school(s), with 18-20 classes per week or additional time at “English Village,” “English Van,” and other extracurricular events, running English camps, lesson planning time, club activities, consulting on American cultural issues, editing or writing English educational materials, and participating in special English teaching projects.
All ETAs are also required to have a community engagement during the grant period. ETAs share their skills, learn from others, affect the lives of others, and experience the joy of serving people from different cultures. This service work is in the assigned host community - making person-to-person connections and genuinely contributing to making their communities better. Projects are organized to help deliver services identified by local coordinators. ETAs are expected to complete 8 hours of community service each semester to foster their engagement with the community. The activities can be varied such as storytelling in the library, assisting the club activities in the elderly home, beach cleaning, etc. They can sign up for community service related to their interests through their local coordinators.
ETAs are placed in different kinds of schools in large and small communities, in cities and rural areas, many with diverse student populations.
To assist in placement, candidates should indicate preferences in the Statement of Grant Purpose for any or all of the following: elementary schools, junior high schools, rural areas, urban areas, minority areas, underprivileged areas, large city, small city, town, village, and/or island. While FSE strives to meet grantees’ expectations in cooperation with local governments and the Ministry of Education, it may not be possible to do so, and your flexibility and understanding are gratefully appreciated. FSE has limited control over the selection of schools participating in the program, which is determined by local education ministries.
In terms of community engagement, please describe what type of activities you enjoy, and can contribute to a project that employs your skills. Preferences are taken into consideration, but final assignments are based on the needs of the program.
As in any country, there is a great variety of schools and institutions in Taiwan. Conditions encountered from site to site vary greatly, and grantees should not expect their situations to be the same as those of other grantees. Co-teaching activities will vary depending on each school's situation and each ETA's background and qualifications. Some co-teaching situations may consist of co-teachers who only translate or manage the classroom; others may consist of co-teachers who actively plan and lead classes together with the ETA.
FSE conducts regular, on-going communication with host institutions, explaining the goals and ideals of the Fulbright exchange program, orienting schools and LETs on American values and customs, and managing expectations about hours in the classroom. FSE encourages ETAs and LETs to plan and conduct lessons together.
Grantees are supported by local coordinators in each site and by TEFL, Bilingual Education, and Intercultural Communication advisors throughout the grant period. Grantees are required to attend a month-long orientation at the beginning of the grant period, and biweekly TEFL and cross-cultural workshops each semester, and to submit regular reports on their educational and cultural experiences.
The ETA program in Taiwan offers a unique opportunity for ETAs to advance their teaching skills and immerse themselves in the educational and cultural environment of Taiwan.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period is 11 months.
All grantees must begin their grants on August 1, 2025 in order to attend a four-week pre-service training. The school year runs from September through June.
Orientation
The post-arrival orientation will be held in early August.
Candidate Profile
Graduating seniors, recent graduates, and master’s degree candidates/graduates are eligible who are willing to assist local English teachers (as co-teachers) mainly in elementary schools, junior high schools, or a few high schools and universities, but some may also teach independently. Candidates must be fluent English-speakers and need to be adaptable, flexible, independent, and enjoy working with young students. Teaching experience or experience working with young students is preferred, but not required.
Applicants should highlight experiences of overcoming adversity, demonstrating resilience, and fulfilling commitments. These qualities are often more indicative of a successful ETA experience than academic achievement.
ALL MAJORS: Applicants from all majors are encouraged to apply. Education majors are especially appropriate.
CERTIFIED TEACHERS: Applicants with teacher certification are very welcome. Instead of co-teaching, the grantees with teaching certificates may teach independently and may participate in teaching English in non-language subjects such as math, science, music, physical education, or art.
No Letter of Affiliation is required upon application.
ETAs cannot be accompanied by dependents.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
With a thriving economy, buoyed by rapid technological advancement, a healthcare revolution, and a vibrant media landscape, Taiwan boasts top global universities and academic departments equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
Taiwan features a foreigner-friendly environment with increasing in-bound travel and immigration, thriving international trade, and democratic institutions and freedoms. While Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language, Taiwan citizens are capable in basic English. Taiwan places emphasis on education, with an adult literacy rate over 98%.
There are three types of higher education institutions in Taiwan: private and public universities, junior colleges, and technical institutes. There are about 1.3 million students of higher education attending more than 160 institutions. Taiwan seeks to bolster the quality of instructors in the coming years. Through these efforts, Taiwan believes a comprehensive curriculum will be truly beneficial for students entering the job market.
Taiwan’s health care system is often measured against the world’s best. With its comprehensive medical facilities, convenient clinical visits, quality medical system, friendly service attitude and state-of-the-art-equipment, medical costs are very competitive in comparison with other advanced countries. Taiwan has become a leading choice for overseas medical treatments. Our U.S. grantees are offered Taiwan National Health Insurance during their grant periods after receiving the Taiwan Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). Also, they are exempted from Taiwan visa application fee (US$160) - it also applies to their dependents, and Taiwan Income Tax on the Fulbright stipend. In addition, there are airport pick-up and drop-off services provided.
Taiwan is considered to be a safe country and has high quality of life with great food, comfortable accommodations, extremely convenient transportation (there are metro systems in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taoyuan, New Taipei, and Taichung), fast internet, and beautiful scenery. The cost of living in Taiwan is relatively low and is a great place to learn Chinese. The weather is nice most of the time throughout the year. Winters are not too cold and summers have lots of sunshine. However, grantees should expect an environment that is semi-topical, with higher levels of heat and humidity in the spring, summer, and fall.
The academic year runs from mid-September to late June. The first semester is from September to January; the second semester is from late January or early February to late June (depending on the lunar calendar).
Please visit Taiwan’s Government Portal to learn more about Taiwan, including history, politics/diplomacy, economy, science/technology, and education/culture. Also, for our former U.S. grantees’ reflections (including research, teaching, and reflection of their living in Taiwan), please refer to the Reflection and Research website.
Eligibility
9 Months
- Candidates currently residing in Taiwan (or those who will be living there during the 2024-2025 academic year) will not be considered.
- A candidate who has lived outside the United States for five or more years in the six-year period preceding the date of application will be ineligible.
- Individuals with dual U.S.-Taiwan citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible.
- Applicants with completed doctorates at the time of the start of the award are not eligible.
- All Fulbright U.S. Student award recipients to Taiwan are required to travel to Taiwan on a J-type visa for academic and cultural exchange programs. Please note that individuals with dual U.S.-Taiwanese citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible to meet these document requirements. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine whether they have dual citizenship and how it effects their eligibility prior to submitting their application for a Fulbright award.
- All Fulbright U.S. Student award recipients, who were born in China must have obtained U.S. citizenship for at least 4 years. When they apply for J-type visas at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the U.S., they are required to provide additional documentary evidence to certify that they have resided in the U.S. for a duration of 4 years and above. The Fulbright Program cannot be guaranteed that they will be granted a J-type visa. All applicants must meet Taiwan’s entry requirements for applications of Taiwan visas. Please directly contact the TECO to get details on the visa application.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: No Chinese language skills are required. All classroom instruction is in English. Mandarin study in Taiwan is highly encouraged.
Placement Type
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- Secondary School
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
Grantees will assist local English teachers in elementary schools or junior high schools and universities in the following areas of Taiwan: Changhua County, Hualien County, Kaohsiung City, Kinmen County, New Taipei City, Taichung City, Taitung County, Taipei City, Yilan County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Pingtung County, and Penghu County.
Placement Locations
- Capital City
- Regional City
Learn more in each city/county in Taiwan about our Fulbright ETA Program, please visit the website at https://taiwan-etaprogram.org/locations.
Supplementary Project
No research or independent study is required. ETA awards are not study/research awards, and teaching takes most of the grantee’s time. In applying, the Statement of Grant Purpose should focus on why the applicant wishes to teach English in Taiwan, how being an ETA has some relevance to what they have done so far, what they would like to do in the future, and how to make it a memorable cultural experience.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
- English language teaching preparatory course
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Total monthly Stipend: NT$43,000 - NT$53,000
- Base Stipend:
- NT$20,000 - NT$25,000 per month - Living Allowance:
- NT$15,000 per month - Partial Housing Allowance:
- NT$5,000 - NT$10,000 per month - Incidental Allowance:
- NT$3,000 per month
Note:
- Currency exchange rates are subject to fluctuation (usually between NT$27 and NT$32 to the US dollar).
- The stipend varies depending on the location.
- Funds are paid in NTD to a local Taiwan bank account.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Settling in allowance
Settling-in allowance and baggage allowance of NT$36,000, upon arrival.
Note:
- Currency exchange rates are subject to fluctuation (usually between NT$27 and NT$32 to the US dollar).
- The funds will be paid in NTD cash upon arrival. It is paid to help meet some immediate expenses and cover the costs of extra baggage brought to and taken from Taiwan.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Diversity Coordinator on Post/Commission staff
- Health insurance (in addition to ASPE)
- Housing placement
- Mid-year seminar
- Transportation pass
Note:
- A direct round trip economy-class air tiket will be provided for the grantee.
- After receiving the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) in Taiwan, the premium for our grantees is paid each month by Fulbright Taiwan directly to Taiwan’s Bureau of National Health Insurance during the effective period of their grant.
- Fulbright Taiwan finds an apartment for you to share. Only the first month’s cost is paid by Fulbright Taiwan. Final housing assignments will be determined after schools are assigned to ETAs.
- Exemption from Taiwan visa application fee (US$160)
- Exemption from Taiwan income tax on the Fulbright stipend
- Orientation
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- Mid-year Conference
- Farewell Reception
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Currency: The New Taiwan dollar is the official currency of Taiwan. The currency code is TWD and this is commonly abbreviated as NT$ or NTD$. Cash payment is common in Taiwan though many shops also accept credit cards, Easy Card and iPass. Checks are not normally used in Taiwan for payment of everyday expenses. Most banks offer foreign currency exchange and bank services in NT dollars. Foreigners with an Alien Resident Certificate can open a Taiwanese bank account. The minimum monthly wage is NT$26,400 (US$880) and the average regular monthly income is NT$43,570 (US$1,458) in 2022. The minimum cost of living per month is NT$22,536 (US$751) in 2022. The cost of living is low – as it is really affordable for foreigners to live, travel, and study.
Transportation: There are currently five MRT systems in Taiwan: Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taoyuan, New Taipei and Taichung. Urban train system is inexpensive and efficient - you can get to one side of the city from the other for NT$60 (US$2). Bus fares cost even cheaper for NT$15-25 (US$0.5-0.8). During daytime, the starting amount for a cab in Taipei is NT$70 (US$2.3), and NT$20 (US$0.7) is about a 1-kilometer ride. An Easy Card or iPass can be purchased at all MRT stations and convenience stores. They not only can get through all the public transportation around Taiwan, but also can be used as a payment card in many stores. The Easy Card and iPass cost NT$100 (US$3.3). After you got the card, you can top up as many amounts as you want via machines in the MRT station or the convenience stores.
Rent: Housing standards in Taiwan are generally quite acceptable, but apartments are usually smaller than you might be used to, especially in big cities like Taipei. Rent varies considerably depending on location, sharing arrangements, and quality of apartment. The majority of our international students in Taipei and Taichung pay between NT$8,000 (US$267) and $16,000 (US$533) per month. Elsewhere, rent is cheaper. Apartments usually come unfurnished, but sometimes the landlord or the previous occupants leave basic furnishings. Air conditioning is common, but central heating is very rare as there is little need for it.
Phone and Internet: Some of the largest mobile providers in Taiwan are Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, and T Star. Their websites have detailed price plans and the full list of services available to customers. A mobile phone contract will give expats a much more permanent solution to communications in Taiwan, with more services and talk time with monthly bills. Most apartment rentals include cable and internet service.
Food: Taiwan is world-known for its great varieties of cuisine, and the cost is quite affordable. You can easily find local rice, noodle, soup, or dumplings dish for between NT$40 (US$1.6) and NT$100 (US$3.6). A Big Mac, fries, and soda set from McDonald’s costs about NT$180 (US$6). Dinner for two in a good restaurant will cost about NT$1,000 (US$33.3). Supermarkets sell local and imported products at average prices. Finding vegetarian food is not very difficult. The cost of food and drinks is about NT$400-500 (US$13.3-16.7) per day.
Entertainment: Movie tickets cost about NT$250-330 (US$8.7-$11) base on which city you are living. The cost for the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), or the National Palace Museum are NT$30 (US$1), NT$50 (US$1.7), and NT$350 (US$11.7) admission respectively. Taiwan has many great hiking trails and most of them are free for charge. If you have an Easycard or credit card, you can rent a Ubike in all major cities of Taiwan. The process is very easy and the rate is affordable.
Cost of Medical Care: Grantees are insured by Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program. The health system in Taiwan is extremely advanced, convenient, and affordable. Clinics are readily accessible. Every visit costs about US$6-US$16 (co-pay) and this covers all the bills including medication.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
The Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (Fulbright Taiwan) makes arrangements for housing, and provides a monthly stipend for housing, food, and daily needs. Please visit the Fulbright Taiwan website for more financial information.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Health Disclosure & Eligibility
In compliance with the Taiwanese government regulations regarding health and assignment in the school system, candidates must include any medical disclosures for the applicable medical conditions listed below in the medical examination forms provided by IIE and FSE after being selected as Fulbright finalists. Strict adherence to these regulations is mandatory, and your grant is contingent on the ability to secure a placement in Taiwan. Any attempts to omit or falsify information are immediate grounds for revoking/terminating the grant.
Per MOE regulations, individuals with the following conditions cannot be placed in Taiwanese classrooms:
- Visual impairments (conditions that cannot be corrected by glasses/contact lenses)
- Hearing impairments above 40dB
In addition, selectees must also disclose the following conditions:
- Conditions worsened by stress such as: epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.
- Severe food allergies including, but not limited to: nuts, shellfish, beans, dairy, grains
Additional Online Resources
Fulbright Taiwan (FSE): http://www.fulbright.org.tw
Education in Taiwan: https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/content_9.php
Learn Chinese in Taiwan: https://lmit.edu.tw/lc
List of Universities and Colleges in Taiwan: https://english.moe.gov.tw/cp-21-14441-4EC5E-1.html