Working in Taiwan low on experience

Dear all,

I recently graduated university in the Netherlands (Bachelor Chinastudies), meaning I am semi-fluent in Chinese, but lack really specific experience in fields such as IT or sales. Following this, I was hoping to spend some time working in Taiwan while preparing for my MA application next summer. However, due to my Dutch passport it seems I am not eligible for any official English-teaching job, and doing illegal tutoring seems rather risky.

Seeing how most related posts seem to be rather outdated, I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on the most common routes to take? I have tried general searches on websites such as 104 or 1111, but am not sure which fields offer higher chances for people with a lack of experience.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Eric,

With a Bachelor’s degree, you need more than two years working experiences in the specific field. If you meet the condition described in the 2nd link, the rule is waived, though. Your job should be related to your degree.

If you study in Taiwan, you can work up to 20hrs from the 2nd year.

I put links to some related law and regulations.

Qualifications and Criteria Standards for foreigners undertaking the jobs specified under Article 46.1.1 to 46.1.6 of the Employment Service Act(2005.05.24)
http://laws.mol.gov.tw/Eng/EngContent.aspx?msgid=42

Article 5
Other than meeting with other criteria specified in the Standards, foreign employees have to acquire one of the following qualifications before undertaking the jobs/assignments specified here above:

2 Acquire credentials of Master degree or above from universities in the ROC or in foreign countries or acquire Bachelor degree and with more than two years working experiences in the specific field.

Amendments to Qualifications and Criteria Standards for Foreigners Undertaking the Jobs Specified under Article 46.1.1 to 46.1.6 of the Employment Services Act(2013.05.17)
http://laws.mol.gov.tw/eng/EngContent.aspx?msgid=374

Employment Service Act

Added:
If you are looking for an internship, you will find many announcements of recruitmen, such as
Internship | Fall 2017 — Taiwan Startup Stadium (TSS)

Summer Internship | HTC Global Careers

https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/taiwan-internship-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,6_IN240_KO7,17.htm

MOE Regulations Regarding International Students Applying for Internships after Graduation from Universities/colleges in Taiwan
http://edu.law.moe.gov.tw/EngLawContent.aspx

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2017/04/21/495962/more-foreign.htm

Thank you for the reply. If my understanding is correct, does that mean that even if I do find a job, it would still not be legal? Then this would limit me to a) building up experience outside of Taiwan first, and only enter to study, b) applying for an internship, or c) working illegally if I am correct. I have found some offers for translation, but it seems like I don’t even have to bother replying in this case.

I have read a lot about (illegal) 家教 as a means for non-native English speakers to earn some money, but it seems rather unreliable for making a living even if it is for only a year.

If you don’t have more than 2 years work experience, you can not get most jobs legally. Even if you could find an illegal employer, their offer would be low salary, because they know your status is illegal. You cannot get medical insurance, need visa run, and finding a decent living place may be difficult.

Your possibility may be finding a job, which meets the following criteria.

2.Business entities in the Science Parks which hire foreigners to undertake the design, upgrade of industry techniques, or research & development, the relevant research, business promotion of special language areas abroad and market survey and analysis, and so on, for the purpose of product manufacturing or labor services.

Or, an internship may be easier option.

The option to study in Taiwan may not be applicable, because you will start your MA next summer. You can just study here up to 1 year, so cannot eligible to having a part time job while studying here.

Well my MA is in Taiwan, so I was hoping on moving there earlier and find a source of income to cover living expenses. But I guess the best option is to just wait and build up some work experience first.

Thank you for your swift replies.