Hi Ken,
The ‘study abroad agency’ business in Taipei city is kind of saturated and is thus very competitive.
Opportunities in this business are probably better in other counties/cities throughout Taiwan but in recent years many agents have also expanded south.
But with the right location and business plan you can still be successfull in a saturated market - just like its possible to open an ESL school in Taiwan’s very saturated ESL market and still be successful. I know of a few foreign owned agencies in Taipei that do very well.
A lot of ESL teachers here in Taiwan also have the advantage of being in daily contact with students and parents (potential customers) so it is easy for them to start small and get some experience before they take risks and go into the business seriously.
I hope you found the article useful.
Steve