Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) requires a strong understanding of both language teaching principles and the cultural and linguistic needs of your students.

Reach To Teach staff have all taught in classrooms in Asia, so we know what we’re looking for in interviews. Your first interview with us will focus on these topics in numerous ways.

Our staff are trained to look for answers that touch on these key topics that ESL teachers should know about teaching abroad. Here are 15 ways we focus on your interviews to prepare you for teaching abroad.

Cultural Sensitivity

One of the top things we’re looking for in interviews is your understanding of cultural differences. Life in Asia will not be like what you what you are accustomed to back home. We need to know that you are able to handle these differences with compassion and understanding, especially in your classroom.

Be aware of the cultural backgrounds and experiences of your students. Different cultures have distinct communication styles, learning preferences, and societal norms. Being sensitive to these differences can help create a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Finally, remember that it’s NOT your job to teach your students your point of view. You’re teaching them English. Many teachers are shocked to learn that certain topics in the classrooms should be avoided. Make sure you know what these obstacles are in advance.

Language Proficiency Levels

Time and again we meet teachers who don’t understand language proficiency levels despite this being a familiar topic in TEFL courses. Do you know what a zero beginner is? How about ILR Level 4?

Familiarize yourself with language proficiency levels such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines. This will help you understand your students’ language abilities and tailor your lessons accordingly.

Effective Lesson Planning

Develop well-structured lesson plans that include a variety of activities to engage different learning styles. Incorporate listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities to address all language skills. Include opportunities for group work, pair work, and individual tasks.

At the very least, if you don’t have much experience with lesson planning, our staff will be looking at other ways to gauge how well you can plan ahead.

Clear Instructions

Practice giving clear and concise instructions. This is crucial for ESL students who may have varying levels of language comprehension. Use visual aids, gestures, and simple language to help convey your message effectively.

We want you to know that when you’re interviewing with us, we’re looking for teachers that speak in clear, concise tones and that know how to speak in simple terms.

Student-Centered Approach

Foster a student-centered classroom where students actively participate in their learning. Encourage them to express their thoughts and opinions, and design activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving.

Language Input

Teaching ESL isn’t just about you being in front of the classroom. Find ways to expose your students to different kinds of language input. The easiest way to do this in your classroom is by using a variety of materials such as news articles, videos, podcasts, and real-life scenarios to expose students to natural language usage.

Error Correction

Schools in Asia WANT YOU to correct students when they make mistakes. This is one of the biggest challenges we see with teachers as many are reluctant to correct their students when they are wrong. In Asia, it’s important and expected that students are corrected when they say something wrong. You can balance corrections by providing constructive feedback that helps students improve without discouraging them. Another technique that helps students learn from their mistakes is to encourage self-correction and peer-correction as well.

Cater to Different Learning Styles

Recognize that students have diverse learning styles and preferences. Some students may learn better through visual aids, while others might prefer hands-on activities or verbal explanations. In Asia, you expect classes that have all students learning at the same age and same level of proficiency. In reality, it’s always mixed.

Cognizance of Language Interference

Understand that students’ native languages may influence their English pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. The easiest way to understand this concept is by recognizing that sentence patterns in Asia are often backwards in English. It’s natural for students to build sentence patterns like they would in their native language. Be prepared to address common issues related to language interference.

Assessment and Evaluation

It’s important to assess your students’ abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to track improvement and adjust your teaching accordingly. Use a mix of formative and summative assessments to gauge student progress.

Cultural References

Be aware of cultural references and idiomatic expressions that might be confusing to ESL learners. Explain these when necessary to help students understand the context. Idioms, for example, in any language are difficult to learn because they don’t translate into something meaningful in another language.

Patience and Empathy

ESL learners may take more time to process and respond in English. Exercise patience and empathy, and create a supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable practicing and making mistakes.

Professional Development

Stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies, resources, and technology for ESL instruction. Attend workshops, conferences, and online courses to enhance your teaching skills.

Individualization and What It Takes To Teach ESL

Recognize the individual needs and goals of each student. Tailor your instruction to accommodate different learning paces and objectives.

Language Learning Strategies

Familiarize yourself with various language learning strategies and help students develop effective study habits both inside and outside the classroom.

Remember that being an ESL teacher is not just about teaching language; it’s about facilitating cross-cultural communication and empowering students to succeed in a globalized world.

After reading our article, we’d recommend taking a closer look at your CV and cover letter to ensure you’re touching on these points with your application.

We look forward to receiving your application, answering any questions you might have about the topics mentioned above, and guiding you through your job interviews and departure for Asia.

Let’s make 2025 YOUR YEAR together.

You might be interested in:

• 4 Rookie Teaching Mistakes To Watch Out For
• 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Teaching Abroad
• How Does Teaching ESL Help You In Life?

The post What It Takes To Teach ESL In 2025 appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.

As summer hiring season approaches in 2024, we’re taking this opportunity to highlight this vibrant and dynamic city that offers a wide range of fun and cool experiences to try.

Teaching in Seoul, South Korea, can be a rewarding and enriching experience for several reasons. First, Seoul offers a rich cultural experience. You to immerse yourself in Korean traditions, language, and way of life. Learn about Korean history, art, cuisine, and customs firsthand. Teaching in Seoul also provides valuable professional development opportunities. You can gain experience in an international setting, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and learn innovative teaching methods. There is also a high demand for English teachers in Seoul. Reach To Teach has numerous job opportunities available, providing stability and security for teachers.

Finally, our teaching positions in Seoul offer competitive salaries and benefits such as housing allowances, airfare reimbursement, health insurance, and paid vacation time. This can make teaching in Seoul financially rewarding.

Korean BBQ

Let’s move on to those unique experiences in Seoul that we promised you:

Seoul offers a plethora of unique experiences that you won’t find elsewhere. Here are some unique experiences to consider when visiting Seoul:

Hanbok Experience

Rent a traditional Korean hanbok (traditional clothing) and take a stroll around historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Bukchon Hanok Village. Many rental shops offer photo services to capture this memorable experience.

Temple Stay

Participate in a temple stay program at one of Seoul’s Buddhist temples, such as Jogyesa Temple. Experience temple life, meditation sessions, tea ceremonies, and learn about Buddhist culture and practices.

Korean Spa (Jimjilbang)

Relax and rejuvenate at a traditional Korean spa, known as a jimjilbang. Enjoy various sauna rooms, hot baths, scrubbing treatments, and communal relaxation areas for a unique wellness experience.

You might also be interested in:

K-Pop Culture

Immerse yourself in the world of K-Pop by visiting entertainment districts like Gangnam, exploring K-Star Road in Apgujeong, or attending a live K-Pop concert or fan meeting to see your favorite idols up close.

Makgeolli Tasting

Discover Korea’s traditional rice wine, makgeolli, by participating in a makgeolli tasting session. Many establishments offer tasting sets with different flavors and pairings, providing insights into Korean alcohol culture.

Cooking Classes

Take a Korean cooking class to learn how to make iconic dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, or Korean pancakes (jeon). Moreover, classes often include visits to local markets to purchase fresh ingredients.

VR Theme Parks

Experience cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) entertainment at VR theme parks like VR Plus in Hongdae or VRIGHT in Gangnam. Further, you can enjoy immersive VR games, simulations, and experiences for a futuristic adventure!

Han River Activities

Explore the Han River by renting a bike, taking a leisurely cruise, or enjoying water sports like kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding. The river offers a scenic backdrop of Seoul’s skyline and parks.

Street Art and Murals

Discover Seoul’s vibrant street art scene by exploring neighborhoods like Hongdae, Mullae-dong Art Village, and Ihwa Mural Village. Admire colorful murals, graffiti art, and outdoor installations showcasing local and international artists’ creativity.

Night Market Adventures offer many unique experiences in Seoul

Experience the excitement of Seoul’s night markets such as Gwangjang Market or Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market. Sample a variety of street foods, shop for unique goods, enjoy live performances, and soak up the lively atmosphere after dark.

Enjoy Korean Cuisine

Indulge in authentic Korean dishes such as bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi, and Korean BBQ. Explore local restaurants, street food vendors, and themed cafes offering unique culinary experiences.

Hike Bukhansan National Park

Escape the city buzz and hike Bukhansan National Park, a beautiful natural oasis within Seoul’s boundaries. Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and nature trails.

Experience Korean Traditional Performances

Attend performances like Nanta (a non-verbal comedy show), traditional Korean music concerts, or watch a mesmerizing Taekwondo demonstration to appreciate Korea’s cultural heritage.

Attend Festivals

Experience Seoul’s lively festival scene with events like the Seoul Lantern Festival, Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, and Seoul International Fireworks Festival, offering cultural insights and fun activities.

These unique experiences in Seoul reflect Seoul’s diverse cultural offerings, blending tradition with modernity and providing visitors with memorable and authentic insights into Korean life and entertainment. These are just a few examples of the many exciting things to experience in Seoul. The city’s blend of modernity and tradition offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, cuisine, nature, or nightlife.

Don’t forget to apply to teach in Seoul, South Korea with Reach To Teach. We can’t wait to help you on your year abroad!

Apply here for ASAP Teaching Positions in Seoul in 2024

The post Unique Experiences in Seoul That RTT Teachers Recommend appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.

Thailand is the number one tourist country in Asia and for good reason. Simply put, it’s a stunning experience all around. Teaching in Thailand isn’t all about teaching though. Here are some things that our teachers enjoy doing during the first year abroad in Thailand!

Add these things to your Thailand bucket list!

1. Dine al fresco in one of the most exciting cities in Asia
2. Join one of Thailand’s numerous photography groups and connect with other artists
3. Experience Bangkok’s nightlife and dance the night away
4. Visit Wat Arun at sunset
5. Visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok
6. Go island-hopping or take a boat cruise out to a deserted island for a beach picnic
7. Visit Thailand’s Hill Tribe villages
8. Join in the fun at Asia’s largest water festival at Songkran/Thai New Year water festival in April
9. Shop until you drop at night markets and day markets all over the country
10. At Khao Sai Dao Waterfall, visitors can explore a wildlife sanctuary, as well as an astonishing 16-level waterfall that flows year round.

Here are 10 more experiences to add to your Thailand bucket list!

1. Visit the White Palace in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand
2. Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in Thailand and learn how to care for some of its amazing animals
3. Experience a tuk-tuk ride anywhere on the island. It’s the ultimate Thai experience!
4. Try Bangkok’s alternate highway route through the city by taking a long boat down Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. This taxi boat system picks people up and drops them off at points along the city. It’s a great way of seeing the city from the water
5. Visit a floating sea Gypsy village
6. Try all the street food and wash it back with an ice-cold Singha
7. Try a traditional Thai massage
8. A day trip to the royal city of Ayutthaya is a short train ride from Bangkok. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the royal city is filled with temples and religious ruins.
9. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the resting place for a 43 meter long reclining Buddha. It’s known as Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan.
10. Slingshot to Heaven. This is Bangkok’s Giant Swing at 27 meters tall is standing amidst Bangkok’s other skyscrapers.

Here are more reasons to teach in Thailand

1. Take a Muay Thai boxing lesson
2. Book yourself into a jungle trek in Northern Thailand
3. Join an island yoga class and find your inner calm
4. Explore the canyons of Pai. Although this trek is nowhere near as fabulous as the Grand Canyon, the canyons of Pai are a stunning way to see Northern Thailand
5. Go spider-monkey climbing in Koh Phi Phi
6. Eat all the pad thai you can find
7. Explore some caves in Krabi
8. Cross the Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi province. Llearn about the province’s dark past. WW2 prisoners of war were forced to construct a railway line from Thailand to Burma by Japanese soldiers. The bridge acts as reminder to the 7,000+ men who gave their lives to build it.
9. Khao Yai National Park’s Bat Caves are located in Thailand’s second largest park, Hin Tung. Visitors can see thousands of bats in these caves and watch as the bats come out to hunt at twilight. The site is so unusual, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Still not convinced? Check our Thailand Country Guide which includes an incredible amount of resources for teachers and travelers.

Further reading for Thailand enthusiasts:

• Culture in Thailand
• Etiquette in Thailand
• A ‘How To’ Guide To Volunteering In Thailand
• My Thailand Tale Part 1 A Reach To Teach teacher’s tale of her adventures in Thailand
• My Thailand Tale Part 2 A Reach To Teach teacher’s tale of her adventures in Thailand

Finally, interested in teaching in Thailand? We’ve got you covered with our Teach English in Thailand page.

• 5 Reasons To Teach in Bangkok, Thailand
• 5 Things You Shouldn’t Expect While Teaching in Thailand

Don’t Forget To Pin It So You Can Refer Back To This List!

The post The Ultimate Thailand Bucket List – What Will You Try? appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.

Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Moon Festival is a traditional and widely celebrated holiday in various countries in Asia. It is usually held on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, which typically falls in September or early October in the Gregorian calendar.

Taiwan shops are already filling up with barbecue-gear as we approach one of the most favorite holidays of the year in Taiwan at the end of September this year. It has been compared to Thanksgiving dinner in the Western world. We also have different kinds of food that we celebrate at Moon Festival. 

Lucky foods that you’ll see during this time of year include:

• Mooncake – There is no celebration without mooncakes! 
• Duck – People eat duck during this holiday because of its relation to a folk tale 
• Hairy Crab – This is a seasonal delicacy 
• Lotus Roots – A symbol of strong family relationships
• Osmanthus Wine – This type of wine is drank for a happy life 
• Pomelos – People eat pomelos because the Chinese word for pomelo is you zi (柚子). It means “prayer for a son.” 
• Pumpkins – Good health! 
• River Snails – Snails mean a good harvest is coming! 
• Taro – Eating taro is thought to bring good luck to the family  
• And everything you can barbecue on a small grill!

In Taiwan, it is very common to see families barbecuing on small grills outside their homes. It’s also common for families to share their food. Barbecue foods can include chicken and chicken organs, fish, fish heads, shrimp, squid, beef, crabs, shellfish, different types of tempura, meatballs, fishballs, sausage, bamboo shoots, various vegetables, and marshmallow!

We’ll get back to the food later. For now, we want to outline the key aspects of this beautiful Asian festival. This article also highlight different countries in Asia where the harvest season is celebrated.

How Do Asian Countries Celebrate Moon Festival?

Cambodia: Mid-Autumn Festival, known as “Pchum Ben,” is a Buddhist holiday. During this festival, during Cambodians pay respects to deceased relatives. It involves making offerings at temples.

China: Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. People celebrate it with family and friends. Everyone gets together to gaze at the full moon. People eat mooncakes, a special pastry filled with various ingredients like red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or salted egg yolks. Lanterns are also an essential part of the celebration, with children often carrying colorful lanterns.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong celebrates the Moon Festival with various activities. Activities include lantern exhibitions, dragon and lion dances, and outdoor gatherings to look at the moon. It is common for people to exchange mooncakes with each other.

Indonesia: The harvest season is celebrated by the Chinese community in Indonesia with mooncakes and various cultural activities.

Japan: In Japan, “Tsukimi” means “moon viewing” or looking at the moon. People gather to admire the full moon and offer rice dumplings called “tsukimi dango” as offerings. It is a quiet and introspective celebration that everyone enjoys.

Malaysia and Singapore: In these Southeast Asian countries, the Moon Festival is celebrated by Chinese communities in a manner similar to China. Family gatherings and eating mooncakes are the norm.

South Korea: While not as widely celebrated as in some other Asian countries, South Korea observes Chuseok. Chuseok is a harvest festival that shares some similarities with the Moon Festival. Families get together to pay respects to ancestors, share traditional foods, and participate in cultural activities.

Taiwan: The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with family reunions, moon-viewing, and the consumption of mooncakes. In some areas, there are also fire dragon dances and other cultural performances. Our staff have already written several articles about celebrating Moon Festival in Taiwan. It really is a joyous and fun time of year!

Thailand: While not a public holiday, the Moon Festival is celebrated by the Thai-Chinese community with mooncakes and gatherings.

Vietnam: In Vietnam, the Moon Festival is known as “Tết Trung Thu” and is a popular holiday for children. Similar to China, it involves mooncake eating, lantern parades, and various traditional activities. Lion and dragon dances are also performed.

Overall, the Moon Festival is an important cultural and family-oriented celebration in many Asian countries. Many people look forward to this special and meaningful holiday. It is marked by various customs and traditions that revolve around the moon as we’ve outlined here. It is also a time for family gatherings and sharing mooncakes.

We hope you all have a wonderful Moon Festival and that you get a chance to celebrate looking at the full moon while eating delicious food with your new friends in Asia.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

The staff at Reach To Teach Recruiting

Don’t Forget To Pin It:

The post Moon Festival – How Do Asian Countries Celebrate? appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.

Here are some key differences to consider about the differences in teaching in Taiwan compared to South Korea.

Education System

South Korea: South Korea has a 12-year compulsory education system. The Korean education system places a strong emphasis on academic achievement and is highly competitive. Students often attend private after-school academies called hagwons to supplement their education.

Taiwan: Taiwan has a 12-year compulsory education system. It consists of six years of primary school and six years of secondary education including junior and senior high school. The emphasis in Taiwanese education is on rote learning and exam preparation. Students often attend private schools called buxibans to supplement their education.

Teaching Culture

South Korea: South Korean students are known for their intense focus on academics. There is a high level of competition among students. Teachers in South Korea may face more pressure to ensure their students excel in standardized tests. Saturday classes are still somewhat the norm in South Korea with many schools.

Taiwan: Taiwanese students are generally polite and respectful towards teachers. Teaching in Taiwan is often considered less stressful than in South Korea due to a more relaxed atmosphere in the classroom. I’ve also experienced less time in front of the class in Taiwan with more reasonable teaching hours in general.

Having lived and taught in South Korea and Taiwan, I’ve talked to many teachers who moved to Taiwan from South Korea. I’ve heard that Taiwan seems more inviting and liberal than South Korea. I also feel that there is less pressure to perform in Taiwan. During my chats with teachers, I’ve learned that teachers who have moved to Taiwan from South Korea end up staying longer in Taiwan. Like myself, they often remark that they feel the work culture in Taiwan is less stressful and not as busy.

Work Culture – The differences in teaching in Taiwan compared to South Korea

South Korea: In South Korea, teachers often work longer hours, including evenings and weekends, especially if they are employed at a hagwon. There may be more rigid guidelines for curriculum and teaching methods. Korean public schools and private schools usually have a Monday to Friday schedule. Private school hours are 2-9pm and 40-hour workweeks. I’ve also talked to teachers in South Korea who teach from 10am to 8/9pm on weekdays. Public schools offer a typical 40-hour workweek.

Taiwan: Work hours in Taiwan vary depending on the type of teaching position you get. Teaching hours in public schools in Taiwan are relatively standard with a typical workweek of 40 hours. Teachers usually have more autonomy in lesson planning and classroom management. Some private schools will also offer you a 40-hour work week.

If you are teaching in the private sector at buxibans, you can expect to be paid by the hour and guaranteed 20-25 hours per week. The work/life balance with 20-25 teaching hours is much more manageable and allows teachers more freedom in their lives. Many teachers seem to like this option best because it offers better work/life balance at a good rate of pay.

Teaching in Taiwan tends to be more easy-going with no classes on the weekend! That said, most teachers do work weekday evenings and your work hours are usually Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 5pm to 9pm. Elementary students get off school at noon on Wednesdays. Private school teachers can expect a longer day that is usually from 1-9pm.

Language

South Korea: English is in high demand in South Korea, and many teaching positions require English fluency. Learning Korean is often seen as an advantage and can make daily life easier. However, we’ve seen a downward hiring trend with ESL teachers in the past five years. Simply put, programs like EPIK and SMOE have been hiring less teachers each year.

Taiwan: While Mandarin Chinese is the official language, English is widely taught, and there is a demand for English language teachers. Fluency in Mandarin is not always required, but it can be helpful for daily life. Taiwan has also adopted a policy to become a bilingual English-Mandarin Chinese nation by 2030, which means the demands for English teachers are high despite a declining birth rate.

If you’re intending to learn the language while you’re abroad, you might want to keep in mind that Korean is spoken by 80 million people. 1.3 Billion people speak Mandarin.

If language learning is important to you, that is something to keep in consideration. Having taught in both countries, I also feel that Taiwanese people speak better English than Koreans.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for teaching positions can vary widely in both countries, but Taiwan offers slightly higher average salaries to first-year teachers that do not come with benefits. South Korea schools may offer more benefits, such as housing and airfare.

Average salaries in South Korea are between 2.1 Million Won  to 2.7 Million Won per month.

This works out to US$1,579 per month to US$2,030 per month.

Average salaries in Taiwan are between NT$60,000 and NT$70,000  per month.

This works out to US$1,874 per month to US$2,187 per month.

*Please keep fluctuating exchange rates in mind. 

That extra difference in pay makes a big difference overall with an average of earnings at approximately $300 more per month, which works out to an extra $3,540USD per year. That difference will cover your housing for a year in Taiwan. Keep in mind that the cost of living in Taiwan is lower than South Korea. Additionally, most teachers in Taiwan can expect at raise at the six-month mark if they are doing well with their classes.

Benefits in Korea have been shortened. Many schools in Korea aren’t offering up front tickets anymore. Teachers might get paid out for their flight to Korea at the six-month mark or at the end of your contract.

In Taiwan very few schools offer any benefits such as free housing, but your salary covers the difference. Schools affiliated with Reach To Teach offer NT$700 per hour. At 25 teaching hours per week, that means you’re earning NT$70,000 per month. I’ve also noticed more schools are offering a contract completion bonus and a re-signing bonus to entice teachers to stay on for a second year. Staying for another year in both countries should include a pay raise.

A salaried position in Taiwan is set at NT$60,000 to NT$70,000 with many schools going higher than that depending on a teacher’s experience and qualifications. Public school teachers make around NT$65,000-75,000 which include benefits such as flights, a housing stipend, and paid vacation.

Start Up Cash

In Korea, you still need to bring start-up money with you. No teacher should ever expect to move to another country without some savings/start-up money for their first three months abroad. Most schools will no longer pay for flights up front. You will not be paid for your ticket until at least halfway into your teaching contract.

In Taiwan, you will need significantly more money to get started for your move to Taiwan. You will need to pay for a ticket and other start up costs. However, life in Taiwan will even out at your third month of teaching and by that time, you’ll be able to start saving from each paycheck. It is entirely possible to save US$10,000 a year in Taiwan.

Qualifications

The qualifications to legally teach English in Taiwan or in Korea are that you need to be a native English speaker and to have university degree. In both places you need those qualifications to obtain a work visa.

I haven’t heard of any schools hiring teachers with associate degrees in a long time. More and more schools in both countries are requiring teachers to have a 120-hour TEFL certification, with preference being given to teachers that have in-class TEFL courses.

Korea: There is one program in Korea where you can teach legally if you have an associate degree. Additionally, all TEFL teachers are eligible to teach at public schools in South Korea if you have a degree AND 120-hour classroom based TEFL.

Taiwan: To teach in public schools in Taiwan, you must be a certified teacher in your home country with a valid teaching license. If you are a new English teacher with an Education degree, be prepared to teach outside of the main cities in Taiwan. Additionally, public schools require teachers to have a year of formal teaching experience in your home country and at least two years of post graduate work experience,

Visa and Legal Requirements

The visa and legal requirements for teaching in each country can change over time, so it’s essential to check the latest regulations and consult with the respective embassies or government websites for up-to-date information. The process for entering South Korea to teach is significantly more confusing, requires more time spent in collecting documents, securing an apostille for required documents, and more money is spent in advance in gathering the right documents for your visa.

In Taiwan, there isn’t much prep work involved with documents. The most expensive document you’ll need to obtain before you leave for Taiwan is a national criminal background check. The government does not require documents to have an apostille for work permits in Taiwan.

Both Taiwan and South Korea offer unique experiences for teaching abroad, and the choice between the two should consider your personal preferences, teaching goals, and lifestyle preferences. It’s important to research specific job offers and regions within each country to get a better understanding of what to expect as a teacher.

Cost of living

The cost of living in South Korea is higher than Taiwan by an average of 17%. Have a look at this site which breaks down costs of living in both countries across many cities. Here’s another great site (Numbeo) that illustrates the cost of living comparison between Taipei and Seoul.

“The average cost of living in South Korea ($1138) is 17% more expensive than in Taiwan ($969).”

So, I think that’s about it. I’ve tried to cover as much as possible for you while giving you some additional resources to look at. Overall, a teacher’s decision on where to teach depends on many different factors as you can see. I hope today’s post helps you make your decision on the differences in teaching in Taiwan compared to South Korea.

Further Reading

• Learn more about teaching in Korea
• Facts about teaching in Korea
• Learn more about teaching in Taiwan
• Facts about teaching in Taiwan
• Search and apply for jobs in Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand

About the Author: Meghan has been teaching in Taiwan for five years through Reach To Teach. She has several years of experience teaching in Seoul, South Korea as well via Reach To Teach. She loves early morning hikes and visiting Taiwan’s night markets. Day trips in Taiwan are a regular part of her weekend routine.

Don’t Forget To Pin It!

The post The Differences In Teaching In Taiwan Compared To South Korea – 2023 appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.

Cultural Experience

Taiwan boasts a rich and unique cultural heritage that offers teachers the chance to immerse themselves in traditions, festivals, cuisine, and local customs. There is something for everyone in Taiwan. In addition to learning about the people of Taiwan, you will also meet immigrants from all over the world. Taiwan’s expat population is massive with over 1 million immigrants calling this beautiful island home.

High Demand for English Teachers

There is a strong demand for English language education in Taiwan, creating ample job opportunities for qualified teachers. Whether you’re an ESL or TEFL qualified teacher or a certified teacher, there are plenty of great schools to work with in Taiwan. Gain valuable teaching experience and grow your teaching skills while you’re here. Teaching in Taiwan allows educators to engage in meaningful cultural exchange, sharing their own experiences and perspectives with students and colleagues.

You might be interested in:

• 5 Life Skills Gained from Teaching ESL
• What Teaching ESL Has Taught Me
• 5 Great Reasons To Teach in Taiwan

Competitive Salaries

Teachers in Taiwan can earn competitive salaries, often with lower living costs compared to Western countries, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. Expect to earn NT$700 per hour ($22USD or $17GBP per hour) with schools affiliated with Reach To Teach. (The minimum hourly rate of pay in Taiwan is NT$600 per hour. We stopped working with schools that offer minimum wage in 2017. Why? Because our schools value their teachers and understand that TEFL qualified teachers deserve more!)

If an hourly rate isn’t your style and you’re looking for a monthly income, teachers can expect to earn between NT$63,000 and NT$90,000 ($2,000USD to $2,800USD) each month with Reach To Teach schools.

The cost of living in Taiwan is low, which means you can save. On average, teachers can save approximately $10,000USD per year. I know, because I’ve done it.

Quality of Life

Taiwan consistently ranks highly for quality of life, with safe cities, efficient public transportation, modern amenities, and excellent healthcare. Don’t believe us? Check out this survey by InterNations and learn why Taiwan is rated as one of the safest and best countries in the world to live in

In Taiwan, expats are particularly happy with the high quality of life, the ease of settling in, and their personal finances.

Taiwan does best in the Quality of Life Index (2nd), only beaten by Spain, and makes it into the top 10 for many related factors. The Health & Well-Being Subcategory is a particular highlight since Taiwan ranks first overall and first for all its factors. Expats find healthcare affordable (100% vs. 61% globally) and widely available (98% vs. 73% globally), and 88% say that they have access to all the healthcare services they need (vs. 67% globally).

Beyond that, Taiwan ranks first in the world for personal safety. While nearly all expats (98%) feel generally safe there (vs. 81% globally), 84% even feel completely safe in Taiwan, compared to 47% globally.

Numbeo also gives Taiwan high scores for quality of life.

Beautiful Scenery

Taiwan is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including lush mountains, serene beaches, and vibrant urban centers, providing teachers with diverse recreational options. You’ve seen the photos and videos of this gorgeous island by now, but if you need more convincing with your decision to move to Taiwan, here you go!

Friendly Locals

Taiwanese people are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it easier for teachers to adapt to the local culture and build meaningful connections. We really mean it. We love our Taiwanese friends and are constantly astonished and impressed by their kindness!

Travel Opportunities

Taiwan’s central location in East Asia makes it an ideal hub for exploring neighboring countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Southeast Asia during breaks. Hong Kong is an hour away. You also have easy and cheap access to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and more. It’s easy to explore Asia when you live in Taiwan.

Language Learning

Teachers can take advantage of the opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese, one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, while immersed in a Mandarin-speaking environment.

Have we convinced you yet? How can we help you with your decision to move to Taiwan? Let us know. We’d love to hear from you!

About the Author: Meghan has been teaching in Taiwan for five years through Reach To Teach. She loves early morning hikes and visiting Taiwan’s night markets. Day trips in Taiwan are a regular part of her weekend routine.

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

The post 8 Compelling Reasons For Teachers To Move To Taiwan appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.

There is a reason the reviews for this organization (and thereby its founder, Carrie Kellenberger) are almost completely, unambiguously glowing. It is because the organization itself (and thereby, you guessed it, Carrie Kellenberger) is wholly representative of all of the positive things said about it and her.

I, like pretty much every other “foreigner teacher” looking to teach in Asia, was understandably perplexed by the mountain of obstacles that seemed to face me – some of which known to me, most of which not, and a few known just enough as to fortell of even greater bureaucratic misfortune further down the road. In my case, Taiwan’s COVID restrictions meant that an even greater number of convoluted steps were added to an already frustrating process, but although this was enough to deter me, it wasn’t enough to deter Carrie, and through painstaking emails, crises, and many other predictable blips and blops, she brought me back from the brink, and ultimately to Taiwan!

But just to make her help clear and specific, I’ll try to explain exactly how Carrie can help you; what she can do for you that you can’t do yourself. You can think of these large-scale bureaucratic machines (the governments from whom you ultimately want a work visa) as puzzles – if you don’t have your papers in order, the stamps in the right places, the dots dotted and the t’s t’d, they won’t give you the visa or document or whatever you might so desperately need.

The problem is that there is a ton of interpretive liberty given to you as to what a rule is ~actually~ referring to, and most of the time, you’re just trying to follow what you hope the “document stamper’s” opinion is going to be on these very same vague guidelines. This is where Carrie comes in. Carrie is the liaison for hundreds of Reach To Teach teachers doing the same thing as you, and she has the proper bureaucratic intuition developed by thousands of hours dealing with these governments – she intuitively “knows” what the interpretation of a guideline or rule should be due to her deep experience working with these entities.

Secondly, her network of other teachers ensures that their successes and failures serve as stepping stones for your own eventual success. Much of the visa process is trial and error, and Carrie helps by essentially using the errors of others before you as minesweepers to help lighten both the trial and error parts of your process- making it smoother than any of those mean government officials ever wanted it to be for you!

I am indebted to Carrie for her invaluable help, and also for the fact that all her services are free (for the teacher!) It seems almost too good to be true that all this help could somehow also be free, but Reach to Teach is paid by schools in exchange for fielding high-quality teaching talent; everyone wins! The fact that I did not have to pay Carrie, while at the same time receiving a service I would have paid a lot of money for, is probably a big reason why I felt I needed to write such a long essay, in some attempt to make it up to her.

In conclusion, listen to me, and the rest of the people. The crowd has spoken, and they unanimously cheer on both Reach to Teach and its winning mascot, Carrie Kellenberger. 10/10. If you have any questions, please feel free to dm me if you want to talk about it. 再見!

View it on Reach To Teach Google Reviews or Reach To Teach Facebook Reviews!

Reach To Teach Teachers and Our Services are here: Learn more!

The post Reach To Teach Teachers: We Appreciate You! appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.

The first time I caught the travel bug was at age 19 on my first solo trip to Argentina. I was on my way to meet my penpal in Buenos Aires. We’d been writing to each other since Grade 1 and this was my first time leaving Canada on a solo international trip. As I was prepping for that trip, I remember writing travel quotes in my journal. I  referred to them with growing excitement as I got further into my plans for visiting South America.

This quote was at the front of my travel journal in bold letters.

[bctt tweet=”Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” username=”reach_to_teach”]

That trip to South America was incredible. Suffice to say, I caught the travel bug! I also experienced my first case of the travel blues, which is a feeling I’ve become familiar with as I’ve ticked more countries off my list. That feeling of coming home and feeling like nothing else can compare to what you’ve just experienced has never left me.

I was hooked on travel, and I was hooked hard!

After Argentina, I was determined to see everything I could in this short life of mine. But first, I had to finish university and then I had to save. As soon as I graduated, I settled into a routine of saving as much money as I could. Each week I added a little more money to my savings account for traveling. Then I took a TEFL course in Ottawa, Canada in 2002. Six months later, I was on my way to China to teach English for one year. That first year turned into three years in China. I met a man and fell in love. We moved to Taiwan and we’ve been here ever since.

Every now and then, I turned to those wise words I’d started my first travel journal with. I’d run my fingers over that well worn page in my journal. It kept me on track with my dreams of traveling.

And while this quote continued to inspire me, many others did too! (I’ve since found out that Mark Twain did not write this quote, but it’s still on my list of best travel quotes of all time.)

Best Travel Quotes

“Travel teaches toleration” – Benjamin Disraeli

“Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle

It’s through solo travel that we start to figure out who we are and what inspires us.

No matter where you are going, being away from everything that you’re familiar with is a test that every person should go through. Solo travel forces you to get by on your own. There is no better way to learn about yourself, break old routines, and create new ideas for yourself.

The post Best Travel Quotes That Inspire Us To See More, Do More, and Be More! appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.

Visa Application To Teach In Taiwan

RTT: Hi Stu! First off, congratulations and welcome to Taiwan! You’re one of our applicants that waited close to a year to get here. We first started working together in July 2021! How are you feeling about that extra-long wait to get to Taiwan? Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

Hey there, I’m Stu and I’m slowly going a little crazy in my hotel but I think it’s going to be worth it. (Update: Stu is out of quarantine now and he’s enjoying his new job.)

I’m a recently graduated English Major from Calgary, Alberta in Canada. I’m super into weightlifting and I nerd out over wine and spirits! I’m actually planning on continuing my WSET education (wine nerd school), possibly even in Taipei! As far as the extra-long wait to arrive in Taiwan goes, I’d say that COVID is definitely a pain in the butt. I was hoping to come sooner but it was totally out of my control. I’m sure lots of people are probably feel the same way. I’m just happy that I finally got here!

RTT: We’re so happy you’re here too! You’ve been so patient and understanding about the length of the visa application to teach in Taiwan. We appreciate that you stuck it through! Could you walk us through the paperwork process for obtaining your special entry visa to  come to Taiwan? 

The first thing I remember applying for was my work permit. I had to submit my approved health certificate, police background check, employment contract, passport photos, and my full document package to Reach To Teach in order to secure my work permit. All of the documents needed to be within a certain expiration date. That includes the blood work and x-rays for the health check.

I sent my health check mailed to TECO Canada to have it approved. Reach To Teach walked me through completing the health check at each step. It turns out that this part of the process is quite specific. They also checked all my paperwork before sending it to TECO to be authenticated to be sure everything was correct. It was nice to have that extra peace of mind in knowing that what I was sending to TECO was correct.

Then I just got to sit around and clench my butt cheeks for two weeks while waiting for TECO to authenticate my health check.

After that was approved, I was ready to mail my documents to Reach To Teach for the work permit and continued clenching. I had my work permit in exactly two weeks, just as Reach To Teach had promised.

After my work permit got approved, I had to send it along with some other things to acquire my Special Entry Permit and visa from TECO. I sent my work permit, a few passport photos, a bank statement, money order, and my passport, but each TECO office is unique depending on where you live. I know it sounds weird but I had to actually include my passport in the mail. They attach the visa to a page in your passport at the office.

They also wanted proof my quarantine hotel booking, too. Make sure you call your TECO office to double check because it could be different.

It sounds like a pain in the butt because it is a little bit. Once you break it up, it really isn’t too bad. Reach To Teach will keep you on track.

Note from Reach To Teach: The process is streamlined to six to eight weeks now that borders are open. The timeline depends on how quickly your TECO office processes your documents.

RTT: When did you start the visa application to teach in Taiwan? Did you find it hard to do all of the paperwork requirements in Canada? Can you give us some approximate costs for your paperwork if you can still remember?

I think I started right after getting accepted by Reach To Teach last July! I began by planning dates and doing a lot of photocopying. I actually got slightly unlucky at the beginning with getting my health certificate completed. My doctor’s office was getting slammed with COVID stuff, so it took a lot longer than expected to get it finished.

This leads me to my first tip. Be assertive and remind anyone that you’re working with that it’s important. I had to call my doctor’s office at least a dozen times. I felt sorry and bad for pestering but I had to do it.

Most of the other things, like the passport photos and the contract, were a breeze.

I’d say my biggest pointer for that, is just double checking with Carrie about expiration dates of documents, especially for the work permit. Unfortunately, I had to get two police checks because of my issues with the health certificate. Be careful and make sure you save your money on that stuff. It really sucks to pay for it twice. Also, don’t be afraid to call your TECO office. I called mine so many times that the lady knew me by name. LOL. Don’t lose sleep over papers in the mail. The worst thing that can happen is just having to do them one more time!

Visa Application to Teach in Taiwan

As far as costs go, here’s a breakdown. Keep in mind, this is in Canadian dollars. I don’t want to give any American teachers a heart attack.

● Police Background Check: $90
● Health Certificate: Free (May vary in other countries)
● Passport Photos: $30 at Wal-Mart
● Both TECO fees (work permit and visa): $150-ish this may seem high but my bank charged me for the money orders
● Shipping for the whole process: $150
● Notary public signing: $90

It may seem like a lot of money but it pays for itself super quickly, if you do the math on a month of work in Taiwan!

Other than that, the visa application is straightforward if you’re working with Reach To Teach.

RTT: Did anyone say anything about your decision to teach in Taiwan during a global pandemic?

In regards to the pandemic specifically, no. My mum had a lot to say about me leaving but that’s just because she’s a super good mom. She was excited for me but naturally, she was a bit worried. I think most people’s opinions on the pandemic, at least where I’m from, are quite sparing. Everyone was far more interested in my trip.

RTT: How was your experience leading up to processing all your paperwork for moving to Taiwan?

I was very lucky and didn’t have to do anything too outside of the norm. I had quite a bit of money saved for the trip and my parents were kind enough to let me stay with them for the last month before I left. They also just wanted me to get rid of a bunch of old children’s toys that were cluttering their house, which is totally fair. I still kept my Yu-Gi-Oh cards because I have priorities.

RTT: What has the quarantine process been like for you so far? Can you describe a day in quarantine?

I’ll be honest and say that it’s exactly what I and most people likely expected. I am bored off my rocker. Pants are becoming a burden. I’m rambling on way too long in this blog to pass time. I’ve been doing a lot to try and keep myself sane. Having people to chat with on my phone is nice. My mom is calling me all the time, partially because she’s worried but hey, it means company for me and my mom is rad.

I’m a daily meditator, so I’ve been going to town on that, too. I’m also an exercise addict. Many things have been moved in here to allow for janky calisthenics. It’s day 5 and I’ve already almost finished the show “Preacher”. Super weird show, I’d have to say. Very fun, though. I would recommend it to a friend. The food is actually pretty good, too!

Get a hotel room with a window. Just trust me. You may not think much of it, at first. You will learn to love your window. Carrie will tell you this many times!

I’ve also gotten in contact with Ray to find an apartment. He’s an awesome guy. Shoutout to Taiwan Rental Assistance.

RTT: You have a great sense of humor, Stu. You’re as funny on paper as you are in person. Thanks for the laughs throughout this past year! How did things go at the airport when you arrived in Taiwan?

I had been up for at least 24 hours because I am horrible at sleeping on airplanes. I had to get a SIM card for my phone for the CECC to message me. They will do this daily to ask about the status of your health. Other than that, I was just shown around to a lot of different lines. I was a bit worried, at first but the staff were awesome. They all knew English and helped me with everything. I just had to move from line to line until I was finally taken to my hotel.

RTT: Has your new school been supportive since you arrived here?

My school principal got in touch with me the day after I landed and has been super supportive. She’s told me to enjoy the calm before the storm of teaching a bunch of little goobers. Not her words verbatim but not too far off either.

She also told me to reach out to her, if I needed any help. We have plans to meet up after quarantine and before I start working. (Update, Stu did meet with his manager and she thinks ‘he’s an interesting guy and so funny.’)

RTT: What advice would you give to new teachers thinking of teaching abroad during a pandemic? Should they go for it?

It depends on your situation. My family was very supportive and I had savings. It will most likely be a bit more expensive and tedious than usual but I am just so happy to be traveling somewhere and trying new things. I’d advise that you have $4,500 in savings for all of it and keep in mind that you’ll get some of it back when you arrive in Taiwan. This amount gives you enough to live on safely while you’re waiting for the rest of your documents to be issued in Taiwan, and it also includes your three months of rent up front.

If you can hold off until COVID is more under control, it might be a good idea but I guess it all depends on what you want.

I’m sure everyone’s tolerances to certain things will vary. Be aware that Taiwan has very different standards than western countries when it comes to COVID. I was a retail worker through most of the pandemic, so things like wearing a mask and sanitizing constantly do not really bother me. That could be different for you.

RTT: Do you think having a recruiter was a plus for you?

Having Carrie to help me made the entire process so much easier. She really helped me to break things down into manageable steps and answered all of my questions or pointed me in the direction of someone that could. I still have to buy her a beer after I serve my quarantine sentence, as a way of saying thanks.

RTT: Thanks so much for your time, Stu. We didn’t know you were a wine guy so maybe you’ll be able to suggest something that I’ll like since I’m not a wine person. Canadians are always good for beers, though, and we look forward to meeting you in person soon!

We know other teachers that are considering moving to Taiwan will be interested in learning about Taiwan quarantine and what to expect, and they’ll also appreciate your invaluable tips on the visa application to teach in Taiwan. Have a good one, eh!

Don’t forget to Pin It so you can refer back to this helpful article:

The post A Teacher’s View: Completing The Visa Application To Teach in Taiwan appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.

2022 Quarantine Edition

RTT: Hi Alissa! First off, congratulations and welcome to Taiwan! You’re waited close to a year to get here and have navigated the many different changes that have happened with coming to Taiwan during COVID. Can you believe we started working together in July 2021! How are you feeling about that extra-long wait to get to Taiwan? Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

Hi Carrie! I can’t believe it’s almost been a year either. The time flew but seemed to go by so slowly. Ever since I boarded the plane to Taiwan and arrived here, I don’t think it’s truly hit me yet. I’m happy, grateful, and excited for what’s to come. I’m stepping further into unknowns, and I love it. Every day I look outside the window of my quarantine hotel, and I think, “Wow, I’m actually going to live my life here!” (I’m out now, by the way. I started teaching this week at my school in Taichung.)

Oh yes, I have to introduce myself!

Hi, everyone! I’m excited to share this journey with you as I am currently sitting in my quarantine room! I am 23 years old, and I’m from the U.S. I love reading, writing, watching food docu-series and good films, and even doing yoga and pilates! I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but I also wanted the flexibility to take care of myself, be on my own, meet new people, learn languages, eat good food, and immerse myself in different cultures!

Doing more research about life in Taiwan and Taiwanese culture, I figured we’d fit together somehow.

RTT: Could you walk us through the paperwork process for obtaining your employment visa to Taiwan?

At the beginning of the process, I already had my background check, four passport photos, a copy of my passport, reference letters, and certifications. I had to wait for my physical diploma to arrive in July 2021, which is when I planned on coming, but as we all know, Taiwan’s borders closed in May 2021, so I had to wait.

Now, the health check, well, that took me two months to get. The health check shouldn’t be a problem, but it is tedious, so please take your time.

Ensure your health service provider administers the proper tests. Check with your designated TECO (Taipei Economic and Culture Office) to ensure you have everything before sending it off to them for authentication. Also, make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations, especially your COVID vaccinations, as you can’t enter Taiwan without them.

I had everything ready to go around September 2021 to send out, but I still had to wait because the borders weren’t opening as we had thought.

RTT: When did you start the application process? Did you find it hard to do all of the paperwork requirements in the US?

For the employment visa, this wasn’t too hard. I was a bit more careful with my paperwork since I had experienced some setbacks in my work permit paperwork process. I knew how to send things in quickly, and I started the resident visa application at the beginning of March 2022. As soon as Carrie at Reach To Teach gave me the go-ahead that the borders had opened, I called TECO to confirm, and the representative gave me all the information on the paperwork I needed so that I wouldn’t run into any problems.

My school had just sent over the work permit and another piece of paperwork I needed. I completed my visa application online and made sure everything was correct.

[bctt tweet=”Reach To Teach has written extensive guides on how to complete the visa application and how to complete the quarantine information. It truly saved time and energy!” username=”reach_to_teach”]

I didn’t want to mess up this process as coming to Taiwan during COVID has proved to be a lengthy process for everyone, so I called TECO a few more times for clarity.

I had my passport photos taken within the proper time frame, passport, money order, visa application (make sure the barcode shows!), and my official work permit.

Every TECO office is different so double-check with yours to ensure you have everything you need. I sent my application through priority express, and it got there in one day! With the self-addressed pre-paid return envelope you have to include, I also had that as Priority Express, so when they send the visa and receipt back to me, I wouldn’t have to wait so long.

When I first spoke to the TECO visa representative, she said it could take up to two weeks depending on the number of applications they receive, but it only took five days for me!

As soon as I got it back, and started booking flights, and booking a quarantine hotel began!

RTT: Did anyone say anything about coming to Taiwan during COVID? What did they think about your decision to teach in Taiwan during a global pandemic? 

Oh my goodness, yes! My father was very pessimistic and worried about my decision. But he knows that I’m going to do whatever is in my heart regardless of what anyone says.

I didn’t like to tell many people about my plans to move and teach. Just my close family and close friends knew, and they’ve been so supportive, loving, and excited for me. Especially my mom! I really couldn’t have done this without her! Whenever I felt doubtful or anxious about my decision and if it was possible because of the prolonged circumstance, she always guided me to what I already knew.

RTT: How was your experience leading up to processing all your paperwork for moving to Taiwan?

Gathering all the paperwork was taxing, but the health check was a doozy for me. I had to keep getting my background check redone because it would expire while waiting. It wasn’t definite that the borders were opening then, but I still wanted to have everything prepared just in case.

The first time I sent in my health check to be authenticated by TECO, they sent it back a couple of days later because I had it notarized incorrectly, and I got confused with the self-addressed pre-paid envelope.

Around this time, I began to think if Taiwan was even possible. The process was tiresome and costly when it came to shipping. I ran around to my doctor’s office, getting it notarized, double-checking everything at the post office before sending it off. Then I had to do the health check again because the immigration office flagged the first one I sent to Taiwan due to it becoming expired. I was so defeated, but I didn’t stay down for too long!  

RTT: Yes, you have been such a trooper! We know how hard you’ve worked and how persistent you’ve been. We’re overjoyed that you’re here and we’ve been able to chat with you now that you’re here. What has the quarantine process been like for you so far? Can you describe a day in quarantine?

I am very grateful for this time in quarantine. It’s given me some time to adjust, rest, and prepare for what’s coming next. Then, I hit the wall around day four; I am currently on day eight out of ten.

I’ll explain a COVID self-test day in quarantine!

So, now my body wakes up at 4am in the morning. I can usually get enough sleep. When booking your quarantine hotel, you can have meals brought to you or not. You can also have food delivered to you through Uber Eats if not through the hotel. I had food brought to me through the hotel ands I’ve included some photos so you can see what meals like. I never know what I’m going to get, and it’s a surprise every time. I look forward to it every day. The staff can’t knock on the door or ring the doorbell though.

There is a chair in front of my door where the food is placed. Also, the staff gives you extra toiletries, tea bags, instant coffee, cups, and small trash bags. Whenever I need to throw out trash, I just place it on the tray under my chair, and the staff will come to pick it up around 2:30 pm every day!

My morning starts with a meditation around 6am after laying in bed for a while. I go to brush my teeth and wash my face. Then a moderate home workout. It rejuvenates me and prepares me for the day of isolation ahead. I have my first meal between 7 am to 7:30 am. If I oversleep, it just sits out on the chair. There is no microwave here, and I don’t want cold food, so maybe that’s why I’m up so early. Or I’ll order some Breakfast or Brunch through Uber Eats if I want something a little extra; my favorite place so far is MWD (My Warm Day), and it’s so good!

I’ll open the curtains to let the sun in; my view might not be special to others. But it is to me. Down below, I’ve become invested in watching the man throwing scraps of wood out of a building, watching electricians work on stuff, and listening to the sirens and garbage trucks chimes that move throughout Taichung.

It’s a grand time as the simple things in life move me.

As the day goes on, I receive automated messages from the CECC to check my well-being. Another check-in message from Foreign Affairs.

It’s 10 am, and I’ll do my COVID self-test. It’s lunchtime between 11 am to 11:30 am, making me even more excited! I’ll wait for my food, snatch it up and eat it! Then I’ll make tea with the kettle I have in here. In the afternoon, I’ll do my teacher training through the school app and use the books my school sent for reference for what the students will be learning. I might order some bubble tea or personal items from the pharmacy through Uber Eats (not sponsored.) By day 4, I’ve become Pavlov’s dog to the sound of a wrestled plastic bag or lunchbox put on the chair.

As the evening falls, I have dinner between 5 pm to 5:30 pm. The dinner is exquisite! I’ll likely watch a series of YouTube videos or a new drama I’ve been trying to catch up on (note: Get a VPN. HBO Max is not available in Taiwan. Also, a lot of content on different services is not available here as well as Netflix and Hulu)

Then, I’ll start to wind down my day with a shower, journaling, and maybe reading. Light’s out for me around 9 pm or 10 pm!

So, I say this to whoever makes their way to Taiwan and will likely be in quarantine.

Please take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally in quarantine. The days will seem long.

RTT: This is the best description we’ve received so far about life in quarantine from our teachers, Alissa. Thanks for walking us through it. How did things go at the airport when you arrived in Taiwan?

It was so amazing! It was my first experience of culture shock here, and it was awesome! I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

My admiration for Taiwan started to multiply when I realized that Taiwanese people do not mess around, especially regarding the pandemic. There is so much care to look after their own, but they give foreigners the same amount of care.

I come from the U.S., which has an entirely different pandemic culture.

After getting off the plane, we were guided into a waiting area to receive our PCR test (this is the first of many you will have to take.) I waited for my name to be called, and then I was given a sticker with a number on it. The staff was so efficient! I proceeded to test with the swab going back in the nostrils; if you’re not a fan of that, you’ve been warned! I think you have to wait for your results to be processed.

Everything was very structured and streamlined to what you’d need. After waiting an hour for your results, you’re good to leave and head down for arrival through a quarantine taxi.

Before doing so, I had to get a Taiwan SIM card to get my test results, receive my COVID Rapid Test kit, and the staff explained how the test kit must be used through quarantine and self-management quarantine. I went to the currency exchange. I headed to customs when I had to show them my visa and custom form (which you fill out on the plane, so keep a pen with you!)

I headed down to baggage claim to grab all of my stuff, and before you can leave, your bags might be searched. I didn’t have anything worth flagging, but I willfully had mine searched by a sweet doggy! He’s a little Beagle on duty! Umm, worth it!

Once I had my bags, I waited in line for a quarantine taxi. But before you do that, you are sprayed down with sanitizer. All of your body, except your face, the bottoms of your shoes, and even your luggage! I got my paperwork detailing the reason for my stay and quarantine hotel, and it was given to the driver. Then into the quarantine taxi I went and I was headed to Taichung!

RTT: Has your new school been supportive since you arrived here? 

My school has been so caring and supportive! I have never received this kind of support before, so I am excited to give back in my way through teaching! Before I arrived in Taiwan, my school manager sent me a message through Line to welcome me and introduce herself.

My school director and manager would check on me to ensure I got here safely. My manager still does throughout my time in quarantine. She even brought me bubble tea when dropping off my school books, a queen!

My school is also helping me with an apartment to rent, for which I am just so grateful! In Taiwan, it can be challenging for foreigners to find a place to rent because some landlords aren’t willing to rent to them. I’ve just secured a sweet, little apartment for NT$12,000 and I’ve found out Ms. Gina is just as nice in person as she is with her messages.

Even with the training process and questions about teaching, I just ask my school director or manager, and I get supportive and clear feedback from them. I am excited to meet my students and grow as a teacher here!

RTT: What advice would you give to new teachers thinking of teaching abroad during a pandemic? Should they go for it?

You totally should! But only if you like children and have a genuine interest in teaching. When you start interviewing with schools, they will likely ask you that. Mine did. So I advise you to think deeply about that; it’s not a vacation. It shows when you don’t have an interest in the kids you’re teaching or what you’re teaching. Children pick up on these things; they will know. Coming here and doing this work has to come from a real place.

There is nothing wrong with considering using a recruiter. Not one bit. I was recommended to use Reach To Teach through International TEFL Academy’s Student Affairs office. I completely understand why!

I’ve been working with RTT since July, I believe. I knew I was in gracious hands two seconds after my initial interview with Carrie; even through the waiting, it’s been great!

Also, this is a giant leap! Listen to your heart!

Obstacles may come along, but you will get through. I know it!

Carrie told me it would go fast once everything was ready to go, and she wasn’t lying. When traveling to Taiwan, it’s crucial to take of yourself. All the traveling wherever you’re coming from is draining. So, take the journey of coming here or wherever you want to teach day by day. Even hour by hour.

Through all the chaos, just take a moment to realize how far you’ve come and how far you have to go. It’s a riveting time. Please give yourself grace for allowing yourself to expand in a new direction. Take it easy.

RTT: Do you think having a recruiter was a plus for you?

OMG YES! Teaching abroad was utterly new to me, and I knew I needed help doing all of this. Carrie, it’s just been fantastic working with you and your team. I wouldn’t be here without your help! Could I have done this on my own? Possibly.

But it would’ve been a hot mess and taken me even longer to get here. I didn’t know what was going on in Taiwan, so I probably would’ve been behind in processing all my paperwork, especially waiting for a visa.

Reach To Teach has been excellent. I’ve learned so much on my journey to Taiwan. I have a new life because of your kindness, dedication, and guidance! Thank you for even choosing my application and helping me get here. I’m beyond words. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I’m excited!

I’m grateful to interview for you, and I hope that this was insightful to anyone planning to teach and start something new. Byeee!

You are too kind. I think one benefit to waiting a year – and there’s really only one – is that we got to know each other quite well while we were waiting for borders to open. I’m so glad I’ve also had time to catch up with you on the phone in Taichung and I look forward to meeting you in person soon, Alissa.

Thanks so much for your time, Alissa. We know other teachers that are considering moving to Taiwan will be interested in learning about Taiwan quarantine and what to expect. They’ll also appreciate your invaluable tips. Have the most amazing year in Taiwan!

Want to refer back to Alissa’s story for reference? Pin It!

The post Alissa’s Story: Coming To Taiwan During COVID Through Reach To Teach appeared first on Reach to Teach Recruiting.