Taiwan
2 Fulbright Debate Coach/Trainer Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodAugust StartGrant Length11 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright Debate Program aims at not only strengthening Taiwanese students’ oral communication skills in English, but also developing their insights in global trends and cross-cultural awareness between the U.S. and Taiwan’s high schools. Grantees can expect to undertake the following activites:
- Help local coaches to build up debate programs at Taiwan’s top public and private high schools
- Build up a local debate circuit and run and judge local tournaments
- Train interested Fulbrighters, including English Teaching Assistants, students, and scholars, how to coach debate
- Travel with teams to tournaments
- Generate and research arguments within a group setting
- Work with other teachers to further develop the debate program
- Organize a debate camp in the summer for interested students
- All coach/trainers must remain for the entire teaching semester(s)
- A stipend and partial housing allowance is provided by the Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (Fulbright Taiwan) - Please visit the Fulbright Taiwan website for more financial information.
With professional training from our Fulbright coaches, this program will improve Taiwan high school students’ critical thinking skills in English and enhance the promotion of democratic values within Taiwan and the U.S. The debate coach will spend 10-15 hours of teaching per week at selected high schools in Taiwan.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants must begin on August 1, 2027 and end on June 30, 2028. Grantees are required 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
Applicants’ qualifications should include:
- 3+ years’ experience in nationally competitive debate (application should include record of demonstrated achievement in competitive debate)
- Ability to teach Public Forum and Policy Debate
- Cross-cultural experience is an asset
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Experience in coaching/teaching in a high performing high schools preferred, but not required
Applications are welcome from all fields of study, especially political science, law, international relations, and language arts (including communications, rhetoric, and argumentation). Candidates must be willing and able to work with a high degree of independence.
No Letter of Affiliation is required upon application.
Debate Coaches 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
Special Application Instructions
Applicants must select “English Teaching Assistant Award” in the Award Type field of the application.
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.
A working knowledge of Mandarin or Taiwanese is useful, but not required. Mandarin study in Taiwan is highly encouraged.
Placement Type
- Secondary School
Coach/trainers will be institutionally housed at Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (FSE).
The debate coaches will teach at the high schools in the following areas of Taiwan: Taipei City, New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, Taichung City, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Yilan County, Hualien County, and Nantou County, depending on the selected schools each year.
Placement Locations
- Capital City
- Regional City
To learn more about each city/county in Taiwan, please visit the local governments website.
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$50,000
- Base Stipend:
- NT$22,000 per month - Living Allowance:
- NT$15,000 per month - Partial Housing Allowance:
- 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).
- 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.
The funds will be paid in NTD case 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
- A direct roundtrip economy-class air ticket will be provided to the grantee.
- After receiving the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) in Taiwan, the premium for our grantees is paid each month by Fulbright Taiwan directly to Taiwan’s Bureau of National Health Insurance during the effective period of their grant.
- Fulbright Taiwan finds an apartment for you to share.
- Exemption from Taiwan visa application fee (US$160).
- Exemption from Taiwan income tax on the Fulbright stipend
- Orientation
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- Mid-year Conference
- Farewell Reception
Supplementary Project
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Taiwan offers an exceptionally high quality of life with a cost of living significantly lower than that of major U.S. cities. This means your stipend goes a long way, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, travel, and cultural exploration.
Money Matters:
- Currency: The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD/NT$)
- 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.
Independent Study
No research or independent study is required. Debate Coach/Trainer awards are not study/research awards, and instructing takes most of the grantee’s time. In applying, the Statement of Grant Purpose should focus on why the applicant wishes to teach debate in Taiwan, how being a debate coach 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.
All Coach/Trainers must remain in Taiwan for the entire academic year.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Additional Online Resources
Education in Taiwan: https://english.moe.gov.tw/mp-1.html
Learn Chinese in Taiwan: https://lmit.edu.tw/lc