Family of 4 wanting to move to Taiwan. Need input

[tando]

I was making a similar reply.

Your kids also need to learn Chinese. They won’t pick up a language so much, if they don’t go to nursery but stay home with their mother.

1 What is the average cost of living for a family of 4 in Kaohsiung renting a 2-bedroom apartment?

3 What would the initial start-up cost be for the move (not including airfare, Visas). My plan is to get into a teaching contract before the move. I am trying to gauge the cost of what we would need to secure an apartment and survive on during the initial month of work, including potential basic furnishing.

I think you can search on those info in this forum.

One of latest is this.

Kaohsiung - where to live?

I recently moved to the Sanduo Shopping Center area. I’m minutes from the MRT station, 5 minute walk from the impressive library, one stop from a great swimming pool, a street car to Pier 2 (which this NY’er isn’t impressed with) and not far from a Costco. It’s bustling and not swanky in any sense but there’s plenty to explore. Happy hunting.

2. If I were to teach English full-time, would I be able to supplement my salary with additional work? I would much prefer my wife to stay home until both kids have entered into school.

you can work at more than 1 Buxiban with a work permit for each work place. Additional work without a work permit is illegal.

What does the school mean? There are no distinguish between kindergarten and preschool here, and youngest they accept are 2 yo.

4. My wife is a Philippine national with a green card. She should have an American passport by the time we decide to move. Will she be able to teach English? If not, what type of job market can she expect in Taiwan?

English is an official language of Philippine. So, if she has a univ. degree accredited by taiwan gov. or more than 18 or 20 months of higher education and TEFL, she can teach English.
The job should be a professional one for that employer can get a work permit of your wife. You can check in this site what kind of jobs are allowed for foreigners.
Foreign Professionals to Work in Taiwan
https://ezworktaiwan.wda.gov.tw/ezworken/home.jsp?pageno=201508070001

5. I am considering obtaining TEFL certification with 120 hours, prior to the move. How much of a factor will it play in negotiating a salary and/or teaching positions? Basically, is it worth the time and effort to obtain prior to the move?

to teach at Buxiban, I think it is not a so big factor. If you can get a teacher license in 2 years before you move, it may be more useful in Taiwan.

Why don’t you try to find a job of your profession before you move? It might be easier than to look for it as an English teacher in Taiwan.