Abroad ESL Teacher for KNS Language Institute
Summary(Review): KNS Language Insitute is a English learning centers with 7 branches in Kaohisung, Taiwan.
Job Overview for Abroad ESL Teacher:
Salary Per Month:
Minimal: $2140
Maximum: $2470
Class Schedule:
Morning (9am-12pm)
Afternoon (12pm-3pm)
Late Afternoon (3pm-6pm)
Student Ages:
Elementary & Junior (age 5-15)
Country(s):
Taiwan
Job Details for Abroad ESL Teacher
Degree Required:
Associate
Bachelor or above
Certificate Required:
No/Preferred
Accent(s):
Native North American
Native UK
Native Australian/New Zealand
Native Ireland
Native South Africa
Min Hours Per Week:
30
Abroad ESL Teacher Job Description
Set up and Orientation
Moving to a foreign country can be a daunting experience and the first few weeks adjusting to a new culture and a demanding job are sometimes difficult. KNS is committed to making your transition to living and working in Taiwan an easy one. Upon your arrival in Kaohsiung, you will be met by a member of our support team, who will take you to your temporary accommodation, answer your questions, and assist you in starting the process of settling in.
ApartmentsWhether you wish to live alone or share with others, furnished apartments are easily found. Upon moving into your new apartment, you will generally be required to pay a months rent plus two months damage deposit, which is returned upon completion of your lease. You can expect to pay between $NT 7000 to $NT 15000 per month depending on your living arrangements and location.
Temporary AccommodationYou will stay with one of our existing teachers for the first week or so, while we work with you to find your preferred permanent accommodation.
Scooter/Motorbike/Cell phoneThe most practical mode of transportation in Kaohsiung is the scooter. Purchasing a refurbished, second-hand scooter can cost between $NT 10000 to $NT 20000 and this cost can be partially recouped upon re-selling when you leave.
PhoneYou’ll want to get yourself set up with a cell number as soon as possible after arriving. Used phones are available, but most people opt to buy new ones. Calling rates are much cheaper in Taiwan than in North America and you are not charged for calls received.
KNS Financial AssistanceGetting set up can be expensive, and you’ll want to bring enough money to cover the costs, but in the event that you arrive in Taiwan with limited funds, KNS is happy to loan you the money you require to get settled in, interest free.
Abroad ESL Teacher Job Requirements
All of our candidates must meet the following requirements as specified by the Taiwan Bureau of Labour Affairs.
- Be a native speaker of English holding a passport from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the USA
- Have a passport valid for at least the next six months
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Be able to pass a general medical examination
- Be willing to commit to at least a one-year contract
- Have a clean national-level (FBI, RCMP, etc.) criminal background check from country of origin
Applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree majoring in any field will be considered, although those with a degree in Education or with related TEFOL certifications are preferred.
Teaching English as a second language requires enthusiasm, creativity, and patience. Teachers, of course, must also be passionate about working with children, and be capable of cultivating a friendly, yet orderly environment in the classroom. Successful teachers work well with their co-workers and managers and are able to easily build rapport with their students. We look for organized, outgoing people with a good sense of humour, and clear, articulate speech. Candidates for teaching positions at KNS are chosen with careful consideration to these qualities.
Abroad ESL Teacher Salary and Compensation
All teachers at KNS are under contract.This means that they enjoy the benefits of Taiwan’s health insurance program, which includes medical and dental coverage. KNS covers the fees incurred in the processing of your work permit and ARC (Alien Residence Certificate), as well as the cost of the required medical check.
Travel bonus. A bonus of $NT40 per hour worked, paid to all teachers following the completion of a first year contract. There are approximately 1400 working hours per year.
Full time hours all in one place. KNS teachers work full time hours at a single school, where they have their own desk and access to an array of teaching aids and materials, including the internet. A standard work week consists of between 25 to 30 teaching hours.
Summer Holiday. KNS offers teachers significant vacation time. In addition to a nice break at Chinese New Year, a 3-day personal leave of your choice, and all national holidays off, KNS teachers enjoy a lengthy, three-week summer vacation. Whether you wish to head back home to catch up with friends and family, lounge on a tropical beach, or hit the South-East Asian backpacking trails, three weeks gives you ample time to relax and recharge. The KNS summer break runs from late July to early August.
Savings. First year teachers at KNS net a total annual income of over 820000 NT$. Monthly expenditures vary with lifestyle, of course, but the cost of living in Kaohsiung is quite low. A big spender, living alone (higher rent) can still expect to save 30000 NT$ per month, while those more interested in living frugally, can easily save a monthly 40000 NT$ or more.
How to Apply to Abroad ESL Teacher?
Company Information for KNS Language Institute
Founded in 1995 by husband and wife team Kevin and Sofia, KNS Language Institute in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is a leader in teaching English as a Foreign Language. Our reputation as a well-established and well-run, multi-campus school, has our clients re-enrolling year after year and puts KNS among the schools preferred by applicants seeking work as teachers of English in Taiwan. In addition to providing English instruction to our students, we are also a licensed Cambridge Examination Center serving the southern Taiwan area.
With so many parents enrolling their children in private English lessons, the language school market is a competitive one and schools come and go. With seven campuses and student enrollment numbers increasing annually, KNS continues to grow. Sound management, a pleasant learning environment, and an effective curriculum that gets results have contributed to the development of a school that is here to stay and is one of the most respected and recognized in the city.
Abroad ESL Teacher Reviews
How much money should I bring with me initially?
Since your biggest initial expenditure will be in rent, the cost of setting up will vary depending on whether you choose to live alone or with roommates. $NT60000 should be enough to cover the essentials, and you’ll need an extra $NT15000 – 20000 for living expenses until your first paycheck comes in. Keep in mind that KNS is happy to offer you an interest free loan of up to $NT50000 if you find yourself short during your initial month.
What is the cost of living like in Kaohsiung?
Generally speaking, the cost of living in Taiwan, and in Kaohsiung in particular, is much lower than in North America. What you spend in a month will vary depending on your living arrangements, lifestyle and entertainment choices, and a number of other factors, but in general, a thrifty person looking to save as much as possible can get by on as little as 20000NT per month, while a big spender might go through 35000 or 40000NT.
What is the accommodation like? Are apartments furnished?
There is a wide range of accommodation choices available and the vast majority of places come furnished. Whether you choose to live alone or with others, you can quickly find something that suits you. A three bedroom, furnished apartment, in a secure building costs anywhere from 12000 to 20000NT per month, while a bachelor pad can be priced anywhere from 8000 to 12000. Most large apartment buildings in Kaohsiung typically come with large courtyards and several amenities, including exercise facilities and game rooms, and in some cases, swimming pools.
Can I rent an apartment within walking distance of the school?
Yes, you can, although it could take longer to find and you may be limiting yourself to fewer choices. Our branches are all located in convenient locations and you stand a pretty good chance of finding something you like fairly close to where you’ll be working. Even if the place you choose to live in isn’t near the school, it’ll still be no more than a five to ten minute scooter ride or fifteen to twenty minute bike ride away.
What will I do for transportation?
Most teachers opt to purchase a scooter. Fully automatic (no shifting) scooters with a one year engine warranty can be had for around 20000NT from a second-hand shop and can be easily resold at the end of your stay. There is also a steady supply of scooters being sold privately by outgoing teachers for less. In addition to allowing you to get around the city more easily, your scooter is your ticket to excursions out of town on weekends.
Kaohsiung is also very bicycle friendly and a growing number of people are getting around this way. In addition, the new MRT system, in conjunction with plenty of public bus routes makes most of the city accessible via public transportation.
What are the class sizes?
Classes at KNS are capped at 16 students.
What are the student ages and levels of ability?
Our students range in age from six to fifteen years. Your class schedule could include a mix of beginner classes, intermediate classes, and high level classes who have been learning with KNS for as many as seven years.
How much money will I save?
Given an average yearly net salary of over 800000NT, and monthly living expenses between 25000 and 40000 depending on your lifestyle, you can expect to save anywhere from 300000 to 500000NT in your first year.
Will I be able to send money home?
Yes. You will be given an account with a local bank, into which your monthly salary will be deposited. Money can be wired to your home country bank account for a small fee.
What are the holidays?
In addition to the Chinese New Year break, and all national holidays, all KNS teachers have a three week break in July/August, during which time all regular classes are off. First year teachers also get a three day holiday which can be used at any point throughout the year, although it can’t be added on to the New Year or Summer Breaks, or be taken at Christmas time.
How does tax work?
Understanding Taiwan’s tax system can be a little confusing. Basically, there are two situations to consider.
1) You arrive here after June 30th and will therfore be in Taiwan for less than 183 days of the calendar year. You will be taxed on all money earned in that year at a rate of 18%. Normally, you aren’t entitled to a refund on this money, but KNS has a system in place to assist teachers in this situation, allowing you to recover a portion of your taxes. From January 1st of the following year you’ll be taxed at only 6% and will be entitled to a refund on a portion of those taxes.
2) You arrive before July 1st and will therefore be in Taiwan for more than 183 days of the calendar year. You will be taxed on all money earned in that year at a rate of 6% and you will be entitled to a refund on a portion of those taxes. From January 1st the following year, your tax rate will depend on how many days you ultimately spend in the country that year. (Less than 183 days = 18%, More than 183 days = 6%)
In subsequent calendar years, the same rules apply and it pays to be in country for 183 days or more of any year.
Do I need health/travel insurance?
It is advisable to purchase at least 6 weeks worth of travel insurance before you depart for Taiwan. Upon your arrival, we will begin the process of obtaining your work permit and Alien Residence Certificate (ARC). This can take four to six weeks. Until your ARC has been processed, you are not covered under Taiwan’s National Health Insurance plan.
Will I be covered under Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) plan?
Yes. As mentioned above, it will take several weeks before your coverage begins, so you may want to purchase travel insurance for the first couple months of your stay. Once insured in Taiwan, you’ll be well covered for most instances of illness or injury. More detailed information is available at the NHI website here: http://www.nhi.gov.tw/english/
What’s the dress code?
Neat-Casual. KNS doesn’t require teachers to dress overly formally. Summers can be quite hot and shorts and t-shirts are perfectly acceptable in the classroom.
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