Taiwan
Taiwan has a diverse economy, requiring a range of graduate skills. Foreign investment enterprises may require high-level, qualified executives to start or run a business. The recruitment of skilled and managerial staff at a middle management level remains a good opportunity for those with language skills and an understanding of relevant management techniques. Teaching English is also a good way for English-speaking graduates to find work in Taiwan. Opportunities may also be available in areas such as finance, engineering and sales.
Job information is widely available and applications can be made before arriving in the country. Many of the larger employers expect applicants to use specific procedures, such as online applications or the use of specific agencies, but other companies accept speculative approaches such as a good CV.
Competition can be strong for some vacancies as professional and vocational training is available for the local population. It is, therefore, essential to prepare any application thoroughly in order to maximise your chances of success.
Standard English CVs or American-style résumés are generally acceptable. However, it is not uncommon for employers to ask for more personal details than in the UK.
You should try to include the following near the beginning of your application:
Personalising your CV with a small photograph is also becoming popular practice, though is more prevalent at lower levels. Remember that many companies, even multinational organisations, will adopt local practices and you should tailor your application accordingly.
In general, Mandarin is the accepted language for business communications in Taiwan. However, English has become increasingly important and is widely understood within the population as more multinational companies have established offices and divisions there. If you are fluent in both Mandarin and English, it is worthwhile preparing a CV in both languages. It is not worth pretending to be fluent by employing a translation service to work on your CV, but it may be useful to translate your personal details, contact details and previous employers if possible.
The following is worth thinking about before your interview:
Western business customs are well understood in Taiwan and the usual approaches to job interviews are generally acceptable and expected, unless otherwise indicated. Take the following into account when at the interview:
UK qualifications will be understood and are generally acceptable for many jobs in Taiwan.
It is, however, important to check each employer's or higher education establishment's requirements and use equivalence services such as UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) where appropriate.
If you are planning to live and work in Taiwan, check your tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.
For a full list of newspapers available in Taiwan see Kidon Media-Link .
Speculative applications can be made by approaching employers, as not all jobs are necessarily advertised. Moreover, there are strong social networks in existence which can provide information on opportunities. Websites such as Anywork Anywhere can help with information on working and living in Taiwan.
Internship and sandwich placement opportunities are available; see individual organisations’ websites for details.
A number of exchange programmes exist between Taiwan and educational establishments overseas. The Taiwan Office of International Affairs provides some information for international students and additional details can be found on the websites of individual educational institutions.
There are numerous opportunities to work in teaching posts all across Taiwan, especially in urban areas. Opportunities for short-term work experience placements may be slightly less abundant though. The teaching of English as a foreign language is very popular and information on jobs is widely available. The Kojen ELS website, for example, has specific details of opportunities and requirements.
The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) promotes shared principles and best practice in volunteering worldwide and has a centre in Taiwan. IAVE aims to expand international volunteer efforts. United Planet has the Taiwan Volunteer Quest, which offers placements of six or twelve months. Volunteers can work with elderly people or on educational or social projects.
Opportunities for gap years are available and volunteer work may be the easiest option.
There is a network of colleges and universities across Taiwan, both public and private, with many concentrated in urban areas such as the capital, Taipei. Some institutions specialise in particular subject fields such as technology and medicine. The structure of the higher education system is quite similar to that of the UK. The Study in Taiwan website has detailed information for foreign students.
A wide variety of Masters and Doctoral programmes are offered in Taiwanese universities, colleges and graduate schools in a range of subjects such as science, literature, humanities and business disciplines. MBA programmes are also available. There are many centres of research activity in Taiwanese colleges and universities. A list of courses taught in English is available on the Study in Taiwan website.
Masters programmes typically last between two and four years. Doctoral programmes usually last between two and seven years. Details are listed on the websites of individual institutions.
Courses are offered through a network of universities, colleges and graduate schools, with some specialising in particular disciplines such as arts, science, technology or education. These are located throughout Taiwan, particularly in the principal centres of population. A list of universities in Taiwan can be found at Universities Worldwide .
Application procedures vary slightly but all institutions have websites containing extensive information on how to apply, which courses are available and the entry criteria for each. Applications can usually be made by application form or online, and applicants will generally need to be educated to Bachelors degree standard (or an acceptable equivalent). For some courses a good command of Chinese will be required but many are taught in English.
When applying, applicants may also need to supply additional information such as copies of academic certificates, financial statements, health information and letters of recommendation. Closing dates for applications vary so check with individual institutions.
Some scholarships may be available for postgraduate study and further details can be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Taiwan . There may also be some pre-degree Mandarin language training assistance available to help recipients to improve their language ability. Information on eligibility criteria and application procedures is available from the Ministry of Education website.
Some exchange programmes do exist for international students and details can be found on the web pages of specific colleges and universities.
Qualifications may be recognised for acceptance into a wide variety of jobs in the UK. Further information can be obtained from organisations such as professional bodies or equivalence information services, such as UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) and ENIC-NARIC .
Most EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit but citizens of non-EU countries may be required to have these documents.
Since March 2009, a visa waiver policy has existed in Taiwan for certain trips lasting no longer than 90 days. It is possible, however, to extend the visa by a further 90 days once in the country as long as it is done before the initial 90-day period runs out. If you plan to stay for longer, arrangements will need to be put in place before travelling to the country.
If you want to work in Taiwan, you will require a work permit and a resident visa. For those wishing to study in Taiwan for a stay of longer than six months, a resident visa is also required. It is advisable to check with the Taipei Representative Office in the UK for up to date information on visa requirements. Additional information can also be found at the National Immigration Agency - Taiwan .
If passports have less than six months left on their validity, entry to Taiwan may be forbidden, so check this and all current regulations before travelling as rules may be subject to periodic change, perhaps with little notice.
More specific rules are in place for naturalised British citizens who were born in China.
Non-UK citizens should check with their embassy regarding specific visa requirements for Taiwan.
An extension on the 90-day period under the visa waiver policy can be applied for through one of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices in Taiwan. If you are intending to work, your employer should apply for a work permit on your behalf from the Labour Committee. Once you receive the permit you can then apply for a resident visa from the Taipei Representative Office in the UK.
Application forms are available online. Once you have entered Taiwan with the resident visa, you will need to apply for an Alien Resident Card (ARC); you will then be able to start work.
If you are not a UK national, contact the relevant embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Taipei Representative Office in the UK.
You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Taiwan.
A resident visa is required for anyone wishing to stay in Taiwan for longer than six months for the purpose of pursuing studies or accepting employment. This can be applied for from the Taipei Representative Office. Certain supporting documents will be required, as will a passport valid for at least six months. Resident visa holders are required to apply for the Alien Resident Certificate and Re-entry Permit at local service centres of the National Immigration Agency.
For more details see the Taipei Representative Office in the UK .
Employment services centres exist in major centres of population such as the capital Taipei, Taichung in central Taiwan, and Kaohsiung in the South. Information is available on matters related to labour insurance, with specific advice for foreign workers.
Higher education establishments provide their own support to students, and provision varies. In some instances, careers support can include availability of interviews, employer events, careers libraries and access to alumni networks. Related services such as counselling are also provided in many colleges and universities. Websites of individual colleges and universities generally publicise details of services available and should be able to say whether such services are open to foreign nationals.
The British Trade and Cultural Office can help British nationals in an emergency. They can get in touch with lawyers and doctors, speak to local authorities on your behalf and contact relatives if needed.
The Community Services Centre, Taipei represents the expatriate community and is also available for help and advice. Professional, confidential counselling services are available for people experiencing difficulties in adjusting to life in the region.
Emergency contact numbers in Taiwan are:
Find the latest travel advice and a traveller's checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.
