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Application

Application

Qualifying Criteria

In order to qualify for employment as an English teacher, Taiwan requires that a potential candidate satisfy specific criteria. Global Kids abides by these laws as they qualify any application for the attainment of a work permit and resident visa. The work permit is necessary for legal employment in Taiwan. Officially, a work permit will be granted to an applicant who: 

1. Is a native English speaker (holding a passport from one of the following countries: The United States of America, The United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland or Australia)

2. Agrees to at least a one year contract. 

3. Possesses a degree from a four year institution (basically a bachelor degree, which would be a 3 year course in the UK or South Africa). Candidates with a 3 year degree must also possess TEFL certification.

4. Passes a government-approved medical exam in Taiwan.

5. Possess clean-Police clearance certificate(s).

If you wish to apply for employment in Taiwan, be sure that you are willing to fulfill the government requirements, which fundamentally represent Global Kids' own. 

Please understand that we cannot accept applications from those individuals who do not satisfy the above requirements. No exceptions will be made.

Application and Supporting Documentation 

For your application to be complete we require the following:

1. A recent photograph of yourself taken within the last 2 months. 

2. A copy of your degree.

3. A copy of your passport.

4. Our questionnaire completed in full. Download

5. A resume (CV) detailing your education, work history, 
    extra skills and extra interests. 

6. A copy of your TEFL or TESOL certificate(if any).

7. A letters of intent.

8. A copy or copies of your police clearance certificate(s).

Please note that we can’t and won’t consider any incomplete applications.

Application Process

1.Ensure you meet the Qualifying Criteria.

2.Prepare your application.

3.Email your application and supporting documents 

    to globalkidstaiwan@yahoo.com

4.Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview
  (via Skype or in person).

5.Successful candidates will be informed.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of institution are you?

We are a private English Language School which has been operating for more than 17 years. We have around 800 students and a staff of 60. We currently employ 17 Western English teachers.

I don't speak any Chinese. How will I survive in Taiwan without any language ability?

First, like most foreign countries, people in Taiwan speak better English than most people speak other foreign languages. You will also find that our teachers are most useful in helping you find your way around and finding what you need. Teachers who have been here longer are happy to show the new ones around. Finally, you'll pick up the Chinese that you need as time goes on. Necessity is, after all, the mother of invention. We will also help and assist you to get a SIM card, opening a local bank account, etc.

What is the cost of living in Taiwan?

The cost of living in Taiwan is much cheaper than living in the United States or Canada, for example. Local food and public transportation are really cheap. Utilities such as water, power and gas are relatively cheap as well. After the first 3 months or so, you'll be able to save a large percentage of your salary each month.

Here are some cost examples:

Breakfast - NT$80

Dinner - NT$140 - NT$230

Water Bill - NT$ 400 - 500 / 2 months

Gas Bill - NT$ 400 - 500 /2 months

Electricity Bill - NT$ 1000 - 3000 / 2 months [Use of A/C in summer drives up the bill.]

I don't have any teaching experience. Is this a problem?

Actually, we prefer candidates without teaching experience. That is because we do things differently! We provide full training and workshops, as well as continued support and assistance. Our normal training period is 2 weeks.

I've heard there are legality issues concerning working in Taiwan. Do you have more information on this?

The laws concerning English foreign teachers in Taiwan are extremely complex. Although many foreigners choose to work additional hours at other schools, technically you can only work at the school which is sponsoring your ARC (work permit). If you choose to work outside of your work permit limits, you do so at your own risk. It is very rare that foreigners are ever bothered for working in such a way, but you should be aware of the possibility. Please contact us if you have any further questions in this regard.

Do I need a visa to travel to Taiwan?

Visa requirements are different for different countries. Please make sure about the visa requirements for your country (for the passport you posses). For example, currently, American, Australian, Canadian and British citizens do not need a visa to travel to Taiwan. (You must however have an outbound flight ticket dated for about 88 days after arrival.) They can stay up to 90 days, during which we will apply for a work permit. South African citizens need to apply for a vacation visa to travel to Taiwan, and for that, they'll need a Letter of Invitation from our school.

If asked upon arrival about your purpose of travel, you can explain that you are coming to holiday and experience amazing Taiwan. You might also need to provide an address where you'll be staying, which we will provide to you.

Can I pay off student loans on my salary?

Yes, you will be able to do so. In fact, some of our teachers are currently doing just this. The cost of living in Taiwan is low, so you’ll be able to save around half your salary every month. The fact that we offer free accommodation, also helps you to save more. Furthermore, there are plenty free or very cheap activities around.

Will I be provided with housing?

Yes, you will. We will provide you with a furnished flat that you have to share with one or two other teachers from our school. Each flat has air-conditioning, a television, a gas stove, a refrigerator, a washing machine and beds with mattresses. The accommodation is within 5 minute walking distance from our school. Teachers who share the accommodation are responsible for the utility bills, wifi and the monthly security fee. You also need to bring or buy your own pillow(s) and linen.

How do I get from the airport to my apartment?

We will come pick you up from the airport and help you get settled in your new apartment.

What is the area around the school like?

Our school is located in Xizhi, on the east side of Taipei. Xizhi is in the valley of the Keelung river. Our school is very close to the Xike train station, from which you can get to Taipei Main Station in about 17 minutes.

You can rent a U-Bike and cycle along the river. Actually, you can cycle along the bike paths all the way to the National Palace Museum or to Danshui.

There are also hiking paths and a few waterfalls in the mountains behind our school. Before you buy your own scooter to travel around, you can use public transportation to get up the mountain.

There is a shopping mall, supermarkets, post office, police station, many restaurants, convenience stores, private and public gyms, a swimming pool and running track in the neighborhood, and the public transportation is clean, safe, reliable and cheap.

Will I have health insurance?

Yes, you will. Our school will arrange it for you. The health insurance covers Western and Chinese style doctors, visits to dentists, eye exams, hospital and clinic visits, prescription medicine, etc. We can only apply for your health insurance coverage once you have your ARC (work permit), so it is best to get some traveler’s insurance for your first six weeks in Taiwan.

How much vacation/holiday time will I have?

You will have all Taiwanese National (Public) holidays off (and paid). There are around 15 National days off per year.

After a full year of service, you will get 15 working days vacation, of which 5 days will be paid leave. The other 10 days will be unpaid leave.

After 6 months of employment, you can discuss taking days off with your manager. The general rule of no-work-no-pay will apply.

How will I be paid?

The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). You will be paid monthly in TWD. The school will help you to open a Taiwanese bank account and pay your salary directly into your account every month. You will be paid on the 15^th of every month for the previous month.  You will need an ARC to open a bank account in Taiwan, so your first salary will be paid to you in cash.

How many hours are English teachers required to work each week?

Normal work hours are from 8:30 to 15:30, Mondays to Fridays. Each teacher will also get a Buxiban class to teach. You will be paid extra for this.

Will I be entitled to receive a bonus for completing my contract?

If you complete your year of employment, but are not offered continued employment at our school, you'll not receive a bonus. However, if you are a good teacher, the school will offer you continued employment. If you accept our continued employment offer of another full year, the following bonuses will be paid:

 Continue to work a 2^nd year - Continuation Bonus NT$ 20,000

 Continue to work a 3^rd year - Continuation Bonus NT$ 40,000

 Continue to work a 4^th year - Continuation Bonus NT$ 60,000

 Continue to work a 5^th year - Continuation Bonus NT$ 80,000

 Continue to work a 6^th year and then on - Continuation Bonus NT$ 100,000

How does the tax work?

Your tax rate will be at a 20% rate until you have been in Taiwan for 183 days in a calendar year. 183 days is approximately 6 months (half a calendar year). After accumulating 183 days, the withholding tax rate drops to between 6%-12%, depending on your salary. According to the Taiwanese labor code, your employer, if employing a foreigner, must provide a receipt of your tax deduction while deducting tax from your monthly salary.

You will however get a portion of this money back. Our school’s accountant will complete tax return forms for you during the beginning of May every year and you’ll receive a tax return during the beginning of August.

However, if you work for less than 183 days (for example if you start working in July), you will not be eligible for a tax rebate.

What should I bring with me to Taiwan?

1)   Your original degree.

2)   A valid passport, with long validity.

3)   A visa is required for citizens of certain countries (Do check!)

4)   A clear Police Clearance Certificate (An FBI report for US citizens).

5)   A letter of invitation from our school.

6)   Your original TEFL or TESOL certificate (If you posses one.)

7)   Your return air ticket (You will not be allowed to board a flight to Taiwan without it.)

8)   Money to use until you receive your first salary payment.

A medical examination (for your work permit) must be done in Taiwan. We will also instruct you on the photos you need for all applications.

How will I be able to obtain my working visa?

When you arrive in Taiwan, we will submit your application for an ARC (work visa). You just be sure to bring your original degree (sometimes a notarized copy is accepted) and have a valid passport with a 60 day visitors VISA.

In a few sentences, what distinguishes your school from the other choices that students and teachers may have?

Parents pick our school, because we care about their kids. We keep them safe and deliver high quality, balanced education. The children learn in a fun, professional environment. They learn at a fast pace while having fun. Our teachers have a sense of responsibility and are really proud of what they do. This means a lot to the parents, too.

The kids love our teachers, because they really care about them and they make learning fun. Our teachers are edu-tainers!

Most teachers continue working at our school, because we give them all the support they need, they enjoy the working environment and because they feel part of a team which appreciates hard work.

We offer high level, balanced education, all in English. The fact that we have 4 interlinked departments makes us extremely successful. Not only do we teach the kids English, we also help them with their Chinese homework in our Chinese daycare department. We want our kids to be successful in the future and be great global citizens.

Why should I teach at Global Kids English School as opposed to other schools?

1)   Because we have 4 departments in our school, you can work all the hours you want to on the same premises. No traveling required!

2)   Unique scale system for salaries and bonuses.

3)   Western management representation.

4)   In-house, hands-on training. We give you all the support you possibly need. We prefer new teachers!

5)   Free accommodation.

6)   We will handle all administrative, tax and legal affairs for you.

7)   After working for us, you would have gained valuable experience and be a well balanced and competent teacher.

I have seen offers for teaching in Taiwan that promise higher salaries. Please comment on this.

Look carefully at the fine print, the work environment, the history of the school, how many working hours the school is actually able to offer you (if it's hourly pay) and how long the school has been in business. Often, schools which offer higher salaries have high teacher turnover rates. Remember that our free accommodation will save you around NT$8,000 per month! And don’t forget that we offer free meals at school.

Why teach in Taiwan and not in another country?

1)   Living in Taiwan is extremely safe. Taiwan has a very low crime rate.

2)   The cost of living a good lifestyle is low, so you’ll be able to easily save.

3)   Life is great in Taiwan! From modern cities and friendly people to fantastic public transportation, beautiful scenery and interesting culture.

4)   Taiwanese people are extremely welcoming, friendly and helpful.

How much money do I need when I go to Taiwan for the first time?

The cost of living in Taiwan is low. You can also have lunch and dinner at school. Your apartment is also furnished. You will need about NT$30,000 (US$1,000) to get you through the first month.

Are debit and credit cards accepted at most places? 

Yes, they are readily accepted in Taiwan. Make sure your bankcard is activated for international use. However, when it comes to smaller purchases such as breakfast, night markets and small shops, cash is king.

As far as opening a Taiwan bank account, how would I transfer money from my current bank account to my Taiwan bank account, or should I keep them both open?

You can only open a Taiwanese bank account once you have a work permit and ARC. That will take 6-8 weeks. You’ll be paid cash by the school in the meantime. 

You can draw from ATMs in Taiwan from your US bank account and/or bring cash USD to change into TWD. Debit and credit cards are also good options.

Should I get an International Drivers License before I arrive?

I don’t think it’s needed. Taiwan's public transportation is convenient, reliable, cheap, clean and safe.

However, if you're planning to drive or buy a scooter or car, then yes, it will be good to have.

The citizens of some countries can convert their driver's licenses for a Taiwanese driver's license.

How do I get a Taiwan phone plan/SIM card?

We can help you once you arrive in Taiwan. Sometimes, mobile phone service providers offer limited free packages to visitors. You can ask at the airport, if they are still open when you arrive. Free wifi is also available at MRT stations, some public areas and on some buses and trains.

What do teachers wear to school?

We wear comfortable clothes, nothing formal. But keep in mind, we are teachers for young learners. Remember that you’ll need indoor shoes to wear at work. Any new pair of shoes or sandals that you feel comfortable in. 

Regarding the meals at school, are they gluten free?

The kitchen prepares food for all the children and teachers at school. Unfortunately, they can’t cater for individuals with food allergies.

What is the approximate amount of students I would have?  

Classes have between 18 and 22 students.

Would I teach with another foreign teacher or with another Taiwanese teacher?  

You will be helped and assisted by one or two qualified Taiwanese co-teachers.

Does the school offer teaching supplies and what are they?  

Yes, the school will provide you with all needed teaching supplies and material, including a full curriculum.

When does the school year go until?  

We are a private education institution, thus we don't close for summer or winter vacations. Our academic year runs from 1 August till 31 July the following year. Our normal teacher intake takes place June/July each year. However, we do sometimes take in new teachers during the academic year.

Are there vacation days throughout the school year? If so, when are they?  

We are a private school, thus we don't close for summer or winter vacations.

However, you will have all Taiwanese National (Public) holidays off (and paid). There are around 11 National Holidays per year.

1 Jan - New Year's Day

End January/beginning February - Chinese New Year (3 to 5 work days off)

28 Feb - 228 Peace Memorial Day

4 April - Children's Day

5 April - Tomb Sweeping Day

1 May - Labor Day

Middle/End of June - Dragon Boat Festival

End of Sep - Mid-Autumn Festival

10 Oct - ROC National Day

After 6 months of employment, you can discuss taking days off with your manager. The general rule of no-work-no-pay will apply. Your work ethic and attitude will be taken into consideration here.

After a full year of service, you will get 15 working days vacation, of which 5 days will be paid leave. The other 10 days will be unpaid leave.

Do you only hire teachers for June/July start dates or will you be hiring at a later time as well?

Our normal teacher intake is June/July each year. However, sometimes we do need a new teacher during the academic year. This happens for instance when a teacher has family problem at home or some other kind of emergency.

I am not a native English speaker. Can I apply for an English teaching position at your school?

We only appoint native English speakers at our school. Our school has very high standards, and pronunciation and correct grammar are extremely important to us.