I want to know if this is a reputable agency. I’ve applied to TFETP (government program) because I wanted to work in a public school. As far as I understood public school hiring was centralized meaning, you had to go thru TFETP. Now “Teach Taiwan” is telling me that they have public schools positions. “Just send a resume, teaching license and criminal background check!”. To say this is in stark contrast with TFETP required documents is an understatement. They claim the government has contractors that look for candidates outside of TFETP. Sounds too good to be true. Why would they have a government agency do the exact same thing and make the application process more difficult than “Teach Taiwan” for example. Is this true, is there a listing of these contractors, what’s the catch here? Is there anything I should look out for? Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
The government does work with recruiters. Teach Taiwan is one of them. Have fun. (Evil laugh)
I work at a public school in Taipei through them. It’s legit
Edit: still read through all the contracts carefully though. Sometimes MOE officials in different places try to skim benefits off the standard contract and will say it was a mistake.
I remember coming across this blog: teach English in Taiwan | Reach to Teach Lies but I see that it’s for Reach to Teach, not Teach Taiwan. Recruiters always carry some risk, but so does applying directly to the employer for a job. Sometimes recruiters are actually better because they can advocate for you when your school is being “unreasonable”. Sometimes they’re worse because they lie, withhold critical information, or are just generally worthless. It goes both ways!
I would say be sensible about any job. Send in your application and ask questions at the interview (everything – how many classes taught, contact hours, class sizes, classroom conditions, break times, when you should arrive/leave each day, the process for taking off if needed, clubs you might be expected to teach, how to get resources for those clubs, curriculum development, etc. things you think you don’t think you need to ask, ASK.) then get everything IN WRITING!!! Never, ever, ever agree to anything that isn’t in writing.
I will also, as I have done before on Forumosa, inform you that the starting salary for a foreign teacher in the public schools with a BA and no teaching experience (as of 2021-2022 school year) is 62,720/mo + 5,000/month in housing if you’re living alone, 10,000/month if you’re living with a spouse or lineal relative. I say this because I have been given contracts from actual schools that lower that number significantly. One can only assume someone is stealing part of your paycheck in that case, but not actually, because you didn’t agree to that number in the first place. You are also, in the TFETP program, entitled to roundtrip airfare for yourself and a lineal relative/spouse of NT$40,000 PER PERSON, EACH WAY
(If you have a masters and no teaching experience it’s 69,965 + housing and airfare as above)
There is also monthly attendance bonus of NTD 2000.
I have been working through TeachTaiwan for 4 years now. They are very good, can only recommend.
You, my friend, are a rockstar!! This is one of the best pieces of info I’ve come across. The next to worry about is exactly that, contracts. I read somewhere that you can add amendments to protect yourself. For example, you can demand that if either they or you, terminate your employment they do so without asking to reimburse the work permits, fees, etc. Also, you can ask them to release your work permit right away so you can find another job. Something along those lines. Is that true? sounds a bit unconventional. Also, sound very much like hiring a lawyer is a good idea. Concerning salary, where did you find that info? I happen to have a Master’s and 1 year of teaching experience.
You in Teach Taiwan? What exactly is that? Is that unique to them?
It’s in my contract as well. I don’t think it’s unique I think it’s a normal part of the public school contract
It depends on the city/county. Not ever location does the attendance bonus. Doesn’t hurt to bring it up.
You can ask them to add whatever you have discussed/agreed on. If they tell you during the interview that you’re welcome to leave early on Fridays, for example, you can ask them to make sure that’s added to the contract. Whatever it is you talk about regarding the job, make sure it’s in there.
Go out into the evil world and fend for yourself!!
@elPepin You are lucky to find this forum. We might not always be right but we are here to help.
Oh, I agree! I’ve learned so much here so far. I’m still a bit nervous about the legal hurdles and the horror stories. Like getting fired and them holding your work visa so you cant get another job, getting kicked out of your apartment as soon as you quit, getting charged for the documents or some fees (I think it’s like a finders fee? Not sure, still learning here You know, the kind of things that will give you nightmares when you are alone and don’t speak the language. A lawyer sounds better and better 
Is that just what it sounds like? You get paid for showing up, like perfect attendance?
Well, I see that my year experience doesn’t get me much 
I’m asking because I read this post, that I’ll link below, and it seemed unrealistic. I found it strange that any employer would enter a contract in such a combative tone. I mean that sounds perfect but…
My understanding is that Dewey is known for being awful, but that’s mostly from what I’ve read online. No one takes to the internet and brags about how great of an experience they had with a recruiter or employer. You’ll find far more horror stories as a result.
None of the counties I worked in had an attendance bonus. Some counties also give you 12 months pay + one month bonus; all the places I was were 11 months pay + one month bonus. So there is some discrepancy.
It’s also forgiving. You can be late a few times. But if you take sick leave you lose it that month
Edit:oh I get 12 months plus bonus month
Which city (district) do you work for?