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 both 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 cities, small cities, towns, villages, and/or outer islands. 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 grantees will be expected to be flexible in their placements. FSE has limited control over the selection of schools participating in the program, which is determined by local education authorities.
In terms of community engagement, please describe what types of activity 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.
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.
FSE maintains regular communication with host institutions to explain the goals and ideals of the Fulbright exchange program. This includes orienting schools and LETs on American values and customs, as well as managing expectations regarding classroom hours. FSE encourages ETAs and LETs to collaborate in planning and conducting lessons. FSE is comitted to supporting ETAs during their time in Taiwan and at school.
Individuals should not apply for or accept this award if they have intentions of leaving the program early to attend graduate school or pursue other professional opportunities; early departure from the program will not be approved. Host schools expect ETAs to be dedicated to teaching throughout the full grant period, and, as with other schools, it is disruptive to the education of Taiwanese students if their educators, including ETAs, do not complete their contracted periods.
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, 2027 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 and junior high schools, 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.
In their application, candidates 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. Examples include experiences in which you interacted in intensive cultural environments, worked across a language barrier, lived independently, worked in schools, or lived in a new environment as part of a local community. Situations in which you fulfilled commitments in adverse circumstances demonstrate resilience and flexibility.
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?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
A Vibrant and Welcoming Society
Taiwan is a vibrant democracy boasting a thriving economy, rapid technological advancement, and a dynamic media landscape. It is widely recognized as a safe and foreigner-friendly environment, characterized by democratic freedoms and a diverse, inclusive society. While Mandarin Chinese is the primary language, English proficiency is widespread, particularly in major cities and academic circles.
Quality of Life and Convenience
Taiwan offers an exceptionally high quality of life with a relatively low cost of living. It is a haven for food lovers, offering everything from world-class dining to famous night markets. Living accommodations are comfortable, and high-speed internet is ubiquitous. Transportation is extremely convenient; comprehensive Metro (MRT) systems operate in Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, making travel efficient and affordable. Additionally, Taiwan’s natural beauty is easily accessible, with mild winters and sunny summers making it ideal for exploring the outdoors.
World-Class Healthcare
Taiwan’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world, known for its high quality, accessibility, and affordability. State-of-the-art medical facilities and friendly service make clinical visits convenient and stress-free, ensuring peace of mind for international residents.
Academic Environment and Calendar
Taiwan places a strong emphasis on education, boasting an adult literacy rate of over 98%. The higher education landscape includes over 160 institutions, comprising public and private universities, junior colleges, and technical institutes. The academic environment is rigorous yet supportive.
- Academic Calendar: The academic year runs from mid-September to late June.
- First Semester: September to January.
- Second Semester: Late February to June (start dates vary slightly based on the Lunar New Year).
Resources
- Government Portal: Visit Taiwan’s Government Portal for information on history, politics, diplomacy, economy, science, technology, education, and culture.
- Alumni Reflections: Read about the experiences of former U.S. grantees in research and teaching on the Reflection and Research website.
Eligibility
9 Months
Residency Requirements
- Current Residency in Taiwan: Candidates currently residing in Taiwan (or those who will be living there during the 2026-2027 academic year) will not be considered.
- Time Abroad: Candidates who have lived outside the United States for five or more consecutive years in the six-year period preceding the date of application is ineligible.
Citizenship and Visa Status
- Dual Citizenship & Permanent Residency: Individuals with dual U.S.-Taiwan citizenship or Taiwan permanent residency are not eligible. All Fulbright U.S. Student award recipients must enter Taiwan on a J-type academic and cultural exchange visa. Please note that individuals with dual U.S.-Taiwanese citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible to meet these document requirements.
*Note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify their citizenship status and eligibility prior to application. - Applicants born in the People of China (PRC): Due to specific Taiwan visa regulations, applicants born in the PRC must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a visa:
- Have held U.S. citizenship for at least 4 years
- Provide additional documentary evidence to certify that they have resided in the U.S. for a duration of 4 years and above
- Provide the documents sufficient to prove the loss of mainland China citizenship when applying for a visa at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the U.S.
Important: The Fulbright Program cannot be guaranteed visa issuance by the TECO and an Alien Resident Certificate by National Immigration Agency after arriving in Taiwan. 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 Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
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
Grantees will assist local English teachers in elementary schools or junior high schools 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, Chiayi City, Tainan City, 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/sites.
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$26,000, 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
- Health insurance (in addition to ASPE)
- Housing placement
- Mid-year seminar
- Transportation pass
Note:
- A direct round trip economy-class air ticket will be provided for the grantee.
- Airport pick-up and departure service.
- 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$160)
- Exemption from Taiwan income tax on the Fulbright stipend
- Orientation
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- Mid-year Conference
- Farewell Reception
Supplementary Project
No research or independent study is required. ETA awards are not study/research awards, and teaching takes most of the grantee’s time. In applying, the Statement of Grant Purpose should focus on why the applicant wishes to teach English in Taiwan, how being an ETA has some relevance to what they have done so far, what they would like to do in the future, and how to make it a memorable cultural experience.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Taiwan offers an exceptionally high quality of life with a cost of living significantly lower than that of major U.S. cities. For ETAs, this means your stipend goes a long way, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, travel, and cultural exploration.
Money Matters:
- Currency: The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD/NT$)
- Buying Power: The average monthly cost of living is estimated around NT$26,829 (approx. US$894).The affordability of daily essentials makes Taiwan incredibly livable for ETAs.
- Banking: While cash is king at local night markets and small eateries, credit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Line Pay) are widely accepted in retail stores and convenience chains.
Dining:
- The "Latte Index": In Taiwan, you can enjoy a full, delicious meal of dumplings, noodles, or a bento box for NT$60-NT$120 (US$2.00-US$4.00)—often less than the price of a small latte in the U.S.
- Night Markets: For dinner, Taiwan’s famous night markets provide a feast of snacks and local dishes for just a few dollars.
- Comfort Food: If you crave a taste of home, a Big Mac meal costs around US$6.00.
Getting Around:
- The "EasyCard": This is your all-access pass. For about US$3.30, you buy the card and load it with cash. It pays for the Metro (MRT), buses, YouBike (public bikes), and even snacks at convenience stores.
- World-Class Transit: The Metro (MRT) systems in major cities are clean, safe, and reliable. A trip across the city typically costs less than US$1.00-US$2.00.
- Taxis & Rides: Uber and local taxis are safe and affordable, with daytime base fares starting at just US$2.80.
Healthcare:
- No "Medical Bill Shock": Taiwan’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world. It is efficient, accessible, and incredibly affordable.
- Typical Costs: Once enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHI), a visit to a clinic—including consultation and medication-typically costs between US$7.00 and US$17.00. You can see a doctor without the anxiety of high deductibles or long wait times.
Connectivity & Fun:
- Stay Connected: Unlimited 4G/5G data plans are affordable (approx. US$15-US$25/month), and free Wi-Fi is widespread in cafes and public spaces.
- Culture & Entertainment: A movie ticket costs about US$10-US$13. World-class museums, like the National Palace Museum, charge less than US$12 for admission.
The Great Outdoors:
- Hiking is a national pastime. With countless trails just a short bus or MRT ride from the city center, accessing Taiwan's stunning nature is completely free.
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.
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 Ministry of Education 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
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
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