Travel to Taiwan to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Intro: life and experiences in Taiwan

Backpacking and traveling in Taiwan?

  • Taiwan is unfairly not high on the favorite backpackers wish list. This makes the experience all the more authentic because you won't encounter large numbers of tourists. It is a great country for both travelers and backpackers, with facilities for every type of trip, friendly people and good infrastructure.
  • Activity spotting: visit Taipei and one of the world's most famous skyscrapers; explore the Taroko Gorge; visit hot springs; sneak at night markets; learn about Chinese art at Taipei Palace Museum; wander to the top of Hehuanshan; bike around Sun Moon Lake; visit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall; admire the sunrise and tea plantations of Alishan; take part in the Pingxi Lantern Festival; surf in Kenting and so on! 
  • City spotting: Taiwan, Tainan, Hualien. 
  • Animal spotting: Taiwan black bear, macaque, sambar deer, Taiwan flying squirrel, Taiwan serow, coral snake, mikado pheasant, swinhoes pheasant, blue magpie, whales, manatees, coral reefs. 
  • Food spotting: bubble tea! Beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao (stuffed, soft rolls), oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, gua bao (Taiwanese burger), shaved ice, ba wan (dumplings), Buddhist vegan cuisine! 
  • Features: Beautiful nature and places, tea plantations, temples and monasteries, helpful and friendly people and feeling safe.

Studying in Taiwan?

  • Studies: basically all subjects and forms of education can be found. Universities in Taiwan are known to be the best in the world.
  • Study cities: Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung (National Sun Yat-sen University and Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology), Gaoshiung (National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology and Kaohsiun University).
  • Features: investment in research and innovation, learning from experienced experts and teachers, strong academic programs.

Internship in Taiwan?

  • Internships: found in all sectors of society: shipping, steel, chemicals, agriculture, trade, electronics. In start-ups, multinationals, NGOs and government.
  • Internship cities: Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan. 
  • Competencies: intercultural skills, technical skills, adaptability, knowledge of Mandarin. 

Volunteer in Taiwan?

  • In terms of volunteering, there are mainly options through individuals, called “Work exchange.” Consider working on farms, helping with the household, living in a Buddhist monastery, helping in schools and with sustainability projects.

Work in Taiwan?

  • Many foreigners come to Taiwan to teach English. There is a high demand for English-speaking teachers at all levels of education. In addition, the IT and Tech sectors are also a great source of jobs for expats. Other options include working as an interpreter, working in international trade or scientific research and academia. 
  • Work culture: companies often have hierarchical structures with decisions often made by upper management. Also, communication is often formal and politeness and respect are highly valued. People work hard and put in long hours. 

Working as a digital nomad in Taiwan?

  • Taiwan is an attractive destination for digital nomads. The Internet is reliable and fast, the cities are modern, with a high standard of living and at the same time the culture is still very much alive on the streets, the costs are relatively low, the climate is favorable and there is a growing number of co-working spaces.
  • Favorite locations: Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hualien, Tainan.  

Living in Taiwan?

  • In Taiwan, you enjoy a comfortable life as an expatriate thanks to the welcoming culture, good infrastructure and high quality of life. 
  • Facilities are modern and good, life is affordable, food is delicious, people are incredibly friendly and hospitable. They have an open and interested attitude toward foreigners, which makes it easy to adapt. 
  • Employment opportunities are plentiful, there are good international schools and universities for children, and although the official language is Mandarin, English is mostly spoken in professional settings. In more remote areas, basic knowledge of Mandarin does come in handy. 
  • You can enjoy excellent dining options and you don't have to think about cooking because eating out is not expensive. The climate is subtropical, comfortable. 
  • Health insurance: health care is excellent. But before you leave, make sure you have your own well-covered health insurance.

 

    Supporting content

    Supporting content:
    Where to study in Taiwan, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Taiwan?

    Where to study in Taiwan, do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Taiwan?

    Why study, intern, volunteer or work temporarily in Taiwan?

    • because Taiwan has a rich culture and history to explore. There is much to explore: temples, historical sites and museums.
    • because Taiwan has a diverse landscape, with mountains, beaches, forests and lakes. You can easily hike, bike, swim and do other outdoor activities.
    • because Taiwanese are in general hardworking, ambitious, humble and friendly colleagues.
    • because of its high ranking compared to other universities in Asia.
    • because you can easily hike, bike, swim and do other outdoor activities.
    • because the standard of living in Taiwan, despite substantial increases, is still relatively affordable.
    • because you can get around easily without a car. All cities and towns are generally easy to reach by public transportation.
    • because of the opportunity to learn Mandarin because you are surrounded by Mandarin every day, you learn faster and easier.
    • because of the good technological developments in the country and all the opportunities around it.
    • because he standard of living in Taiwan is relatively affordable.

    What should you pay attention to?

    • the well-known bureaucracy can make things like visa applications complicated and time-consuming to arrange.
    • Taiwanese people are very polite and respectful. It is customary to bow when greeting someone and to say "thank you" and "please."
    Why to live in Taiwan, why to emigrate to Taiwan or stay for a long time?

    Why to live in Taiwan, why to emigrate to Taiwan or stay for a long time?

      Why live in Taiwan as an expat, emigrant or working nomad?

      • because of the high quality of life.
      • because of the efficient health care system.
      • because of a well-developed economy.
      • because of the low crime rate and sense of security.
      • because of the clean environment.
      • because of its hospitable and friendly residents.
      • because of the good work ethic and commitment to work of employees.
      • because of the career opportunities for expats.

      What should you pay attention to?

      • that it is helpful to speak a little Mandarin. Communicating with locals can be difficult if you don't speak any Mandarin.
      • Taiwan has a humid climate, which is not pleasant for everyone.
      • Stay informed about political relations and possible tensions.
      What are typical Taiwanese habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Taiwan?

      What are typical Taiwanese habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Taiwan?

      What are the customs in Taiwan regarding food?

      • Leave some food on your plate. It shows appreciation for the amount of food served and is considered polite.
      • Characteristic are the many choices of dishes that you eat together with rice. Rice is the staple food. 

      What are the best recipes in Taiwan?

      • Stinky tofu, chou doufu: Don't let the name fool you! Stinky tofu is a popular Taiwanese street food made from fermented tofu that has a strong odor but a surprisingly mild and creamy flavor. It's usually served deep-fried and topped with a variety of sauces and pickles.
      • Taiwan is famous for the amount of streetfood available. The Taiwanese kitchen is a blend of Chinese and indigenous food. The focus is on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and variety.

      What are the best drinks in Taiwan?

      • Taiwan is famous for it's tea. There are tea plantations found in Taiwan, from Oolong to Jasmine tea.
      • Bubble tea is a Taiwanese invention called the king of Taiwanese drinks, bubble tea is a global phenomenon. This sweet and creamy concoction features a tea base (usually black or green tea) with chewy tapioca pearls and other toppings like jellies, fruits in all kinds, and whipped cream.
      • Wheat Grass Tea is an unique and healthy drink, wheatgrass tea is made from the young shoots of the wheat plant. It has a grassy flavor and is believed to have various health benefits.

      What are notable activities, holidays and festivals in Taiwan?

      • KTV – Karaoke is a popular waste of time or night.
      • Founding Day of the Republic of China (ROC) is on January 1. This is a three-day bank holiday that celebrates the founding of the ROC in 1912.
      • Chinese New Year (depending on the moon, in general late January or February): This is a 15-day holiday that is the most important holiday in Taiwan. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the beginning of the new year.
      • Tomb Sweeping Day is on April 5. This day is a time for families to visit the graves of their ancestors and clean them.
      • Mid-Autumn Festival (September). This festival is also known as the Moon Festival. It is a time to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the bounty of the earth. Mooncakes are a popular food during this festival.
      • All festivals have their specific traditions and customs.

      What are the notable habits in Taiwan?

      • Politeness - Taiwanese people are very polite and respectful. It is customary to bow when greeting someone and to say “thank you” and “please.”
      • Respectfulness - Taking off shoes when entering a house: In Taiwan, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone's house. This is done as a sign of respect and to keep the house clean.
      • Respect for elders is considered vital, as is loyalty toward the family
      • Cleanliness - Using toilet paper with the right hand: In Taiwan, toilet paper is used with the right hand, while the left hand is considered unclean.
      • Convenience stores – Open 24/7, with a variety of food, drinks and everyday items available.
      • Gift giving is an art and gifts have a meaning. Knives and scissors are not appreciated and will be seen as severing a relationship. Clocks and handkerchiefs are best avoided, that will be connected to death and funerals.
      • Check the label of the gift you would like to give: made in Taiwan is not an interesting gift and the recipient from Taiwan already has (all) things made in Taiwan.
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