I wasn’t hired through the FET program. This is a separate program run by Taipei City for a dual diploma system, Taiwan-Canada. I guess I could reach out to the Taipei City MoE… At this point there’s no reason not to. I just feel they’ll probably defend their own school against a foreigner.
Considering this is where I’m at, would you mind sharing a bit more? How did you defend your contract without getting a lawyer involved?
Write your own demand letter then. You can use chatGPT to write one in English threatening to take it further
Here done by chat GPT. Fill this in and give it to them
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, Postal Code]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
Subject: Demand for Contractual Reimbursement
I am writing to formally address an issue regarding the non-payment of the 50,000 NTD reimbursement stipulated in my employment contract. As you are aware, the contract explicitly states that I am entitled to this reimbursement upon submission of the required documents, which I have completed.
Despite fulfilling all contractual obligations on my part, I have been informed by the administrative department that the reimbursement is currently withheld due to budget constraints. This explanation, while concerning, does not absolve the school of its legal and contractual obligations to honor its agreements.
The delay and eventual refusal to reimburse the agreed amount is not only a breach of our contract but also undermines the trust and professional respect necessary for any educational environment. It is important to address this matter promptly to avoid further complications or the need for legal action, which I am keen to avoid for both our sakes and the school’s community spirit.
Therefore, I kindly request the school to process the payment of 50,000 NTD at its earliest convenience. I believe this issue can be resolved amicably and that the school will uphold its commitment as outlined in our agreement.
Please let me know by [specific date - typically two weeks from the date of the letter] about the progress of this matter. I appreciate your immediate attention to this issue and look forward to resolving it positively. Should there be any concerns or further information needed from my side, feel free to contact me directly.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
Basically, you need to wear them down. The above form that was created by chat GPT can work, along with constant communication. “I entered this contract with the understanding that the benefits listed would be provided. I expect them to be provided.” Edit to add: you cannot ever back down with this. Do not say “ok” or ask if they “would mind” or offer to compromise because of blablabla. Stand firm that you expect to get the full benefits as outlined in your contract.
You would have had significantly more pull during the school year, wherein you could have sent a mass email to literally everyone (admin, principal, coteachers, Taipei education people, etc.) explaining the situation and asking for a resolution within the next two days or you will not show up until the issue is resolved (I’ve done that to great effect) but that’s kind of the nuclear option (they will see you as a whining brat and you’re burning all your bridges. Ironically, the school I did that to begged me to stay on though…). With the school year basically over now though, they’d almost certainly laugh in your face if you tried that now.
If you’re in Taipei, file a formal complaint with 1999 (there’s a website if you have stuff to upload. Upload everything!!). They’re legally obligated to sort things out within ten business days, if I remember correctly. There are some issues where they literally can’t do anything about to help you, but when it comes to labor and education stuff, taking things to 1999 will put that school on the shit list and the admin will have to fill out a lot of paperwork explaining their actions.
I hear notifications are going out now. Good luck.
notifications for what? The school year starts on Friday
New hires.
The FET contracts typically start ~Aug 15. Anyone coming to Taiwan to teach in the public schools is here already and may have even desk warmed for a week or more.
Not everyone comes from overseas. 
And clearly not all cases are the same. Hope you can accept that. 
Anyway, sorry for being snippy. I just wanted to remind folks who might NOT have received notification yet, that they are still sending them out.
Good luck!
Can you please tell me about your experience working as a teaching assistant? What is your workload like, do you plan a lot of lessons, do you teach most of the time, etc.? Do you like it?
I am interested in the role but can’t find much information about it anywhere.
Can you send me a DM on this website? I can’t find the feature.