Working in Taiwan: For Foreigners

Working in Taiwan: For Foreigners

My blog's been up now for 3 months now and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking a moment of your time to read my articles. I will do my best to keep on updating my blog for as much as I can for your viewing entertainment! I hope that you are learning a lot from the things that I have posted in this blog.

More importantly, however, one of my friends asked a very important question: Have you done a post about working in Taiwan as a Foreigner/Filipino? And, honestly speaking, nope, not even once, which was actually weird since this is a blog that highlights my experience in Taiwan as a foreign professional. Therefore, thanks to Ms. Amy Hubbard, I have prepared a very nice article for everyone especially for those who are aspiring to work here in Taiwan.

TYPES OF WORKERS IN TAIWAN

Basically, there are two types of workers in Taiwan namely the Blue collared and the White collared workers. Blue collar workers are skilled laborers or foreigners working as household helpers or factory workers and are working under a binding contract of a specific time period. On the other hand, White collar workers are foreigners working in a specialized or technical work.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

So, I heard that you really want to work in Taiwan. Here you go! I've prepared an infograph just for you! The infograph below dictates information and requirements if you would like to work here in Taiwan. I'll give a brief explanation for each block right after the infograph. NOTE: If you want a copy fo the Inforgraph, just send me a message or place a comment below!

WAYS OF LANDING A JOB IN TAIWAN

There are different ways in order for you to land a job here in Taiwan. The most common among all of them would be graduating from a legitimate Degree program here in Taiwan. There's a ton of universities here in Taiwan that offers scholarships for a 2 year MA or MBA degree. After graduation, the government of Taiwan then gives you the opportunity to be hired by letting you stay in Taiwan for 6 more additional months. 

Been there, done that? Well try checking some online job searching sites such as 104.com.tw, 1111.com.tw (Yes, they are all numbers) and Orseek.com.tw. These websites are popular job search engines here in Taiwan. However, take note that 104 and 1111 are all in Mandarin. I suggest that you either ask help from a friend who can read and write in Chinese but if you don't, then Google translate can assist you but it may not be as good as you think.

IMPORTANT RULES AND REGULATIONS

Of course, it's important that as a foreign worker that you know your rights, and equally important, your requirements. Your company must sponsor your ARC or Alien Residence card as per Taiwan government regulations. In order for the process to proceed, you must supply your employer with the following documents:

1. Highest Degree Diploma

2. Recent 2x2 Photo (according to Taiwan regulations)

3. Proof of Residency / Rent Contract

Your employer will print a copy of your contract and then apply for a work permit for you. After receiving the work permit, you should then proceed and apply for your ARC.

Now, let's talk about Salary! According to regulations, the minimum salary for Foreigners in Taiwan is 47,971 NTD. However, it should be clear that there are certain exemptions and this includes the salary for Research Assistants (Bachelors 31,250 NTD & Masters 36,050 NTD) as well as graduates from universities in Taiwan (37,619 NTD, Yes, if you finished your masters, that is the minimum wage according to the law). Take note that all deductions such as Tax and health insurances are excluded and are allowed to be deducted from your salary. It depends upon your skills in negotiation and experience on how you would be able to work things out.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, TIPS, AND CONCLUSION

It's been two years now since I became a part of the workforce here in Taiwan. And I must say, it is a feat that I am really proud of. We all know that we are away from our families and that living alone takes the best out of us. Experiencing rejection (at least 85% of the time) was probably that something that I will always remember from my experience here in Taiwan. I didn't work in the corporate world right away to tell you the truth. I think not every one knows. I was a Cram School teacher for a year right after MBA. However, being a Filipino that I am, I was rejected by almost every single Cram school employer out there, except for one! I received a phone call one day and he said "Why don't we try and see first, then I'll decide". To cut it short, I got the job and I became an English Cram school teacher! And I am very proud to be one! Because I learned that educating children is something that I can hold on to forever. I was able to make a difference in those kids lives.

But I had to move forward. I was hungry for more! I started throwing my CV's everywhere in 104 and in 1111. However, to no avail, I always face either of the two situations: A. My Chinese was not enough and/or B. The salary offered was way too low. I guess this connects to the tips that I could share to everyone who's reading this article right now.

TIP 1: Never give up! Just keep sending out those CVs!

TIP 2: Never lose hope! Hope is something that keeps you going!

TIP 3: Never give in! Don't you ever accept a low salary! It's your right!

TIP 4: Lastly, never tie yourself in Taiwan if you really couldn't find one.

My experience in Taiwan has been a life changing experience. It gave me a broader horizon and numerous opportunities. I guess this is one reason why I started this blog. I guess I want other people to have that life changing experience as well and grow as an individual. I sincerely invite you to come here in Taiwan and experience the Life of an Expat!

Genesis 12:1
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.