Welcome to "Your one website for foreigners and teachers in Taichung"  

NEW  website  COMING September 2006. Specifically for those foreigners that are teaching

English and living in the Taiwan

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LIVING IN TAIWAN

 

If you are new to Taiwan, you are in for an eye-opening experience. The name the Portuguese gave this island 500 years ago was "Formosa" which means beautiful island. Unfortunately these days that is not completely true about Taiwan. There are many beautiful sites to be found on the island, however these are all overshadowed by the noise, pollution, and unsightliness that we encounter everyday living in the cities of the most densely populated island in the world. 

The saving grace of this small island is it's people. Taiwanese can be the most caring and giving people that you will ever meet. Taiwan is certainly a different country than what most "westerners" are used to, and is nothing that you would have experienced before if you have never visited Asia. Learning a little about the culture and language will go a long way in making your stay more comfortable here. But I also believe that can be a land of opportunity for some foreigners. 

Living in Taiwan can be a good experience or a bad experience for some people. Our goal with this part of the website is to hopefully assist you in making your experience in Taiwan a more enjoyable one. This portion of the website give you a few pointers about the everyday aspects of living in Taiwan.

USEFUL NUMBERS  | VISA FACTS | ACCOMMODATION | LEARNING CHINESE  

BANKING | MEDICAL  | USEFUL LINKS | TEACHER HOME PAGES | CULTURE SHOCK 

ACCOMMODATION

 

What to look for

If you need a place to live, accommodation in Taiwan can be quite expensive in some places, and cheap in others, so you'll have to shop around. If you are just new to Taiwan I might suggest starting with a one-room apartment, known as a Tao Fung. Most Tao Fungs come completely furnished with all the necessary utility hookups, telephone, cable, electricity etc. This way you don't have to put up a lot of money for deposits and furniture when you first get here. This could only be for a few months until you start to get a feel for Taiwan and decide to stay. At this point you could decide on getting a bigger place or sharing accommodations with other foreigners that are in the same situation. You will find that most two/three bedroom apartments are unfurnished, so you will have to decide if this is an expense that you are willing to put out. As an aside if you are sharp eyed you may see perfectly good furniture on the road that is being thrown out....look especially near large furniture stores!

 

When looking for a room, remember:

1.   Is there security guard included? If so, is there a fee for the service?

2.  Are you allowed to sub-lease? Or have limited roommates?

3.  Can you leave before the end of your contract and still get your deposit back?

4.  Who’s responsible to pay the utility bills?

5.  Is the telephone limited to local calls? (some phones in Taiwan are coin operated, even in- house phones)

6.  Are windows,  sink and the undersides of tubs caulked or sealed properly? Creepy night crawlers like cockroaches tend to enter through these spaces. 

7.  How much is the security/damage deposit.

8. Check the bathroom. Water pressure, leaky taps,  and bathing utilities can really determine the comfort level of your

     apartment.

9.  What day of the month is rent due?           

10. Is the apartment or house near a busy road, motorcycle shop, small manufacturing shop or nightclub? (or all of the above) Could get quite noisy and make it hard to sleep

Damage deposits

The standard damage deposit required in Taiwan is two months rent. So when you first move in to a new place you must have 3 months rent up front, 2 months damage deposit plus your first months rent. If there is a telephone in the landlord's name he or she may require an additional deposit for this. 

 

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LEARNING CHINESE

Where to study?

Learning Chinese is defiantly something that will make your stay in Taiwan more enjoyable. Being able to speak a little Chinese really makes life a lot easier here and gives you a great deal more independence. If you have decided to take the leap and learn Chinese there are a number of schools that you can choose from in Taiwan depending on where you are living. Each school has it's own merits so you may want to check with some of your friends who are currently studying Chinese or talk to some of the students who are studying at that school.

 

Taichung

Taipei Language Institute - Teaching Center
28-5, TaiPing Rd., 8f, 9F Tel: (04) 2225-4681; 2225-4831
Hours: 8 am - 9pm Mon. - Fri.; 8am - 5pm Sat.

One of the benefits of studying at TLI is the flexibility. Students may choose to study one-on-one or in small groups, and may choose their own schedules. Also TLI publishes its own textbooks from which students can choose, or they can work with the school to develop a personated curriculum. Mandarin, Taiwanese, and cultural courses are offered. As well, office or home study is available (NT850 per hour plus teachers travel fee for longer distances). For classes at the school, tuition ranges from NT150 per hour per student for five or more students studying at least 10 hours a week to NT 380 per hour a one-on-one classes. 

 

Feng Chia University Language Center Chinese Division
10F, Jen Yan Building 100 WenHua Rd. Tel: (04) 2451-7520; ext 5870-5872
This center feels that it is important to learn the local culture while studying Chinese. Therefore the student is required to take at least three Chinese culture courses per term, including Kung Fu, Chinese opera, traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese music and instruments, Chinese cuisine, calligraphy, Chinese painting, or fortune telling. Language courses include Chinese word-processing, simplified characters, Chinese literature and Chinese history. Taiwanese courses are also offered. There are 4 terms per year. Tuition for reach term is NT 16,500. Class sizes range from 5 to 15 students. Students must study at least 10 hours per week. One benefit of studying here is that students can join any of the clubs or societies on campus, and can use the facilities in the campus's Recreation hall.

 

ESL House and Providence University
32, TaSheng St. Tel: (04)2319-4845 Fax:(04)2319-2548
Hours: 9 am - 2:30pm, 6-9pm Mon. - Fri.; 2pm - 5pm Sat.

This Language center is the off-campus branch of the Providence University Chinese Language Education Center. There are four three month semesters per year with tuition costing NT 16,500 per semester, or NT 60,000 per year. Classes (limited to eight per class) for beginner, Intermediate and advanced students are offered on weekdays in the morning (10am - 12 noon), afternoons (12 noon - 2 pm) and evenings ( 7 - 9pm). The branch is conveniently located near TaTun and KungYi roads. 

 

Tunghai University Chinese Language Center
181 Taichung Kang Rd., section 3 Tel: (04) 2359-0259
Full-time students are required to take six hours of courses in Chinese conversation and reading, in addition to elective courses for a total of at least 10 hours per week. Courses in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Chinese culture ( Chinese knotting, Chinese religions, Hakka culture, calligraphy and carving) are offered. The requirements to enter this language center are relatively strict and all teachers have at least 5 years experience. There are three terms that coincide with the university's schedule. Tuition varies according to the class size, but ranges from NT24,000 per student for 10 hours per week (6-10 students per class) to NT55,000 for 10 hours per week (one-on-one) for the fall or spring term.

 

Taipei

 

Chung Hua University and CLD Language Center
No. 707, Sec.2, WuFu Rd., Hsinchu, Taiwan 300, R.O.C (Main Campus) TEL: 886-3-5374281~5,        FAX: 886-3-5373771
Established in 1990, Chung Hua University's main campus is centrally located in Hsinchu city, which is very close to Taipei. The University has 5 colleges and 22 departments offering 22 undergraduate, 15 graduate and 10 doctoral programs. In affiliation with CLD Language Center, Chung Hua University offers Chinese language classes in Taipei. Whether you study Chinese at Chung Hua University or CLD Language Center, the same convenient location is used in Taipei. CLD Language Center is conveniently located near Taipei train station. CLD offers rest rooms and entertainment areas for reading or talking as well as 11 classrooms that can accommodate over 100 students.  There are Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels available. A semester at Chung Hua University is quite cheap; one semester is 13,200 NT Dollars.  A semester at CLD Language Center is 9,900 NT Dollars.  Studying at Chung Hua provides the student with a Student Visa.

 

 

Taipei Mandarin Learning Center
Address:  231,Sec.2, Chien-Kuo S. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
 
Tel：886-2-27005858
MLC is located in the heart of metropolitan Taipei, which has all the conveniences of the west and maintains its pleasantly active tone into the night, making it safer on average than most western cities. Post office, library and park are only blocks away. Students can participate in numerous local activities experiencing first-hand the richness of the Chinese people and culture.

Tuition:

New student registration fee：NT$300 
 
Group lesson tuition：NT$16,000 
 
Private lesson tuition：NT$500 per hour 

 

CIEE Study Center at National Chengchi University
Contact:

7 Custom House Street, 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101-4739
United States

Phone: 1-800-40-STUDY
Academic Program
Established in 1993, the CIEE Study Center at National Chengchi University provides students with the unique opportunity for Mandarin Chinese language training using traditional characters. The program is structured to teach students about Taiwan from both a social science and linguistic perspective through a core seminar on modern Taiwan. Students with near-native proficiency in Mandarin should be aware that their language ability may exceed the most advanced courses offered.
Cost Includes:
Fall 2006: $8,700; Spring 2007: available 8/15/06; Academic Year 2006-07: $16,400

The 2006-07 CIEE fees include an optional airport meet and greet, tuition, fulltime program leadership and support, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions to tea plantations and museums, field trips to the National Palace Museum, businesses and schools, pre-departure advising, and insurance.

Kaohsiung (Gaoxiong)

 

National Sun Yat-sen University
Location:  70 Lien-hai Rd. Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan ROC Tel: 886-7-525-2633 , Fax: 886-7-525-2630
 Tel: 886-7-525-2633 , Fax: 886-7-525-2630
The CLC Branch of Sun Yat-sen University offers a number of courses for learning Mandarin Chinese, as well as Taiwanese.  Some of these include courses in Chinese Writing, Business Conversations, Newspaper Readings, Literary Chinese, Learning Mandarin Phonetic Symbols, Learning Chinese Characters, and a Pronunciation Course.

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USEFUL NUMBERS  | VISA FACTS | ACCOMMODATION | LEARNING CHINESE  

BANKING  | USEFUL LINKS | TEACHER HOME PAGES | CULTURE SHOCK 

 

MEDICAL

Joining the National Health Insurance Program of the R.O.C.

Enrollment & Withdrawal:

MEDICAL INTRODUCTION to
 Joining the National Health Insurance Program of the R.O.C. Enrollment & Withdrawal:


1. Employees with regular employers must enroll in the NHI program from the first workday under Category 1.
2. Employers must enroll in the NHI program on behalf of their employees. Please attach one copy of the employee’s working permit and Alien Resident Certificate at the time of   application.

When to enroll.

Foreign employers must enroll in the NHI program after residing in Taiwan for more than four months.
Individuals who are not working but are qualified according to the NHI regulations must enroll in the NHI program as dependants of the insured.
Individuals who are not working, and are not qualified as dependants according to NHI regulations must enroll in the NHI program under Category 6. After residing in Taiwan for more than four months, they must go to their local (city/district/town/village) administration office with their Alien Resident Certificate to enroll in the NHI Program.


Losing your NHI.

Foreigners, losing their residence status because they no longer hold a valid ARC or because of not returning back to Taiwan, will also lose their right to participate the NHI program. They must withdraw their subscription to the NHI program through their group insurance applicants (their employers or local administration offices) and then return their NHI card to their applicants and pay up the premiums in full before leaving Taiwan.

When traveling overseas

 NHI Medical Services:
In cases of illness, injury, and childbirth, the beneficiaries can receive medical services; including medication, outpatient and inpatient services from NHI contracted healthcare providers.
The beneficiaries must pay co-payments for receiving medical services and follow medical regulations.

 Premiums:
People who are qualified to be the beneficiaries of the NHI Program must enroll in the National Health Insurance Program under an appropriate category. The insured are classified into six categories according to their occupation. The insured and their dependents must

 Pay premiums monthly.

Employees and their dependents’ premiums will be directly deducted from their salaries for their convenience.
For Category 6, those who enroll through local (city/district/town/village) administration offices, the local branch of the Bureau of National Health Insurance will mail them their premium bills by the end of the next month. The insured may pay premiums for their dependents and themselves at banks or other agencies that have been contracted with the BNHI.
Premiums may be also paid directly through a monthly bank account transfer.
Medical Expenses Reimbursement:
In cases where beneficiaries receive medical services overseas, such as unexpected medical needs or childbirth, they are entitled to claim reimbursement. They should make their claim within six months after the unexpected occurrence with receipts, including detailed service items and documents of diagnosis.

Penalty for Violations:
The National Health Insurance Program is mandatory; any person who is qualified for this Program must enroll in the National Health Insurance Program.

Any person who doesn’t enroll is subject to a fine of NT$3,000 to NT$15,000. In addition, this person is required to pay the full premiums starting from the date she or he must be enrolled. No benefits will be offered before the premiums are paid in full. A notice of penalty violation will be delivered in writing and the fine must be paid on time. If the fines imposed remain unpaid, after a given period of time the case will be referred to the courts for compulsory enforcement.
For more accurate and up to date information regarding Medical Insurance try the link below:
Bureau of National Health Insurance
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Teacher Home Pages

 Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) headquarters branch offices are listed below:

(1) BNHI Headquarters:
　Tel: 0800-212-369
　 Address: 140, Sec. 3, Hsinyi Rd, Taipei 106

(2) Southern Region Branch:
　Tel: (06) 224-5678 ext. 1607 - 1611
　Address: 96, Kungyuan Rd., Tainan 700

(3) Taipei Region Branch:
　 Tel: (02) 2523-2388
　Address: 17, Hsuchang St., Taipei 100 or
　15-1, Kungyuan Rd., Taipei 100 or
　7, Sec.1, Chungshan N. Rd., Taipei 104

(4) Eastern Region Branch:
　Tel: (03) 833-2111
　Address: 36, Hsuanyuan Rd., Hualien 970

(5) Northern Region Branch:
　Tel: (03) 438-1111 ext. 2031-2064
　Address: 525, Sec.3, Chungshan E. Rd., Chungli City, Taoyuan 320

(6) Central Region Branch:
　Tel: (04) 2258-3988
　Address: 66, Shi-Cheng N. 1st Rd., Taichung City 407

(7) Kao-Ping Region Branch:
　Tel:(07)323-3123
　Address: 157, Chiuju 2nd Rd., Kaohsiung 807

 

Below are some common questions and their respective answers.

Q1: Are foreigners eligible for Taiwan's National Health Insurance Program?

Ans:
From July 17, 1999, foreigners, staying in Taiwan for at least 4 months and holding Residence Certificate, are eligible for and should enroll in the NHI Program. Foreign employees with specific employers should enroll in the NHI from the date of employment.

Q2: How do foreigners enroll in the NHI Program?

Ans:

  1. Foreign employees should provide Xerox copies of Work Permit and Residence Certificate to their places of employment (i.e. employers) for enrollment in the NHI program. A foreigner as the head of an enterprise is eligible for NHI coverage after residing in Taiwan for more than 4 months.
  2. Unemployed foreigners, if qualified as dependents of an insured person, may enroll under that insured person.
  3. Unemployed foreigners, if not qualified as dependents of an insured person, should bring the Residence Certificate to the village (township, municipal and district) administration offices to enroll in the NHI Program.

Q3: What's the definition of dependents under the NHI program?

Ans:Dependents of the insured are defined as follows:

  1. The unemployed spouse of the insured
  2. The unemployed lineal blood ascendants of the insured (e.g.: parents, grandparents)
  3. The unemployed lineal blood descendants within the second degree of relationship who are under 20 years of age; or who are 20 years old or over but incapable of earning a living; or are in school without employment (e.g.: children, grandchildren)

Q4: Are foreign missionaries eligible for the NHI program?

Ans:Foreign missionaries holding Residence Certificates are eligible for the NHI program. They can enroll in the NHI through the village (township, municipal, and district)  administration offices or through government approved religious organizations or through local religious groups which they belong to.

Q5: Are foreigners who marry Taiwanese females eligible for the NHI program?

Ans:

     Foreigners with Taiwanese wives and holding Residence Certificates may enroll in the NHI as indicated below:

  1. Foreigners with specific employers may enroll in the NHI program starting from the first working day through their employers or places of work.
  2. Foreigners who are self-employed can enroll in the NHI after residing inTaiwan for at least 4 months under their own business.
  3. Foreigners who are unemployed may enroll in the NHI as dependents, if applicable, after residing in Taiwan for at least 4 months.

Q6: If one qualifies for more than 2 different categories of dependents, how does he/she choose the right category to enroll?

Ans:

  1. One who is under 20 years of age and not employed or who is 20 years old or over but incapable of earning a living; or is in school without employment can enroll in the NHI program as a dependent under a parent who qualifies as an insured.
  2. One who qualifies both as a dependent of a spouse or a lineal blood ascendant or descendant may enroll under either conditions.

Q6: Can foreign students be eligible for the NHI?

Ans:

  1. Foreign students with Alien Residence Certificates and staying in Taiwan for more than 4 months can bring the Alien Residence Certificate to the school where they study for enrollment, but the students studying language program must go to the local village (township, municipal and district) administration offices to join.
  2. Foreign students with relatives who qualify as an insured person under the NHI program can enroll in the NHI as dependents. (e.g.: With parents living outside Taiwan but grandparents living in Taiwan, the student may enroll as a 　dependent of the grandparents.)

Q8: How does a person in charge of the branch office of a foreign enterprise in Taiwan enroll in the NHI? And are their dependents eligible for the NHI if they have Residence Certificates?

Ans:

If this person is an employee of the foreign company, the Certificate of Employment approved and issued by the Investment Review Board of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, it   is required to enroll such a person as an employee of a company. Otherwise, the person should enroll in as an employer. Dependents who have resided in Taiwan for at least four months may apply for coverage.

Q9: How do employees of foreign enterprises with branch offices in Taiwan enroll in the NHI program?

Ans:

Employees of a branch office of a foreign company will be eligible for the NHI program after the company receives official business permit or registration issued by the proper authority responsible for the specific type of business. To apply for NHI coverage, please submit copies of the official business permit or registration and the ID card or Residence Certificate to the appropriate NHI Branch Office. Taiwanese nationals employed by this company should be enrolled under Category 1.

Q10: If the insured under Category 6 (especially foreigners) changes addresses, how does one inform the BNHI of the new address?

Ans:

  1. If the new address is still under the same Group Insurance Applicant (village, township, municipal or district administration area), the insured should inform the local police station first. Then, bring the updated Residence Certificates with the address changes to the village (township, municipal and district) administration offices so that the premium bill may be sent to the new address to avoid late payment and fines.
  2. If the new address is under a different administration area, the insured should withdraw from the original Group Insurance Applicant first, then enroll in the NHI program from the new Group Insurance Applicant (village, township, municipal or district administration area).

Q11: Would foreigners lose the coverage if they return to their countries of origin?

Ans:

The insurance coverage will be cancelled under the conditions listed below:

  1. Those foreign residents who cease to have a legally acceptable reason to reside in Taiwan or decide not to return to Taiwan will lose their eligibility for coverage and should apply to withdraw from the insurance. All outstanding premium should be paid prior to departure from Taiwan.
  2. Those foreign residents who leave Taiwan for vacations or on business trips and still have valid permit to remain in Taiwan will be continued to have the coverage.

Those foreign residents who plan to leave Taiwan for more than 6 months can either continue to pay the premium to keep the coverage or to withdraw from the insurance. In the latter case, no premium is required.

Upon returning to Taiwan, application to reactivate the coverage should be submitted. Those who choose to discontinue the coverage, but return within the 6-month period need to repay the premiums to cover the period while absent from Taiwan. Those who continue to pay premium and maintain coverage may claim for emergency treatment or childbirth medical expenses while living outside of Taiwan. Proper documentation certifying the medical condition and expenses incurred is required for reimbursement application.

Q12: Is there any penalty if one refuses to enroll in the NHI?

Ans:The NHI program is a compulsory insurance. Anyone who is eligible for the NHI should enroll in the program, and the enrollment will be retroactive to the first day when a person becomes eligible.Those who refuse to enroll in the NHI will be fined the amount between NT$ 3,000 and NT$ 15,000. However, until the required premium or penalty is fully paid, the coverage will not come into effect.
 

  

 

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Teacher Home Pages

There are some teachers in Taiwan that have developed their own web sites with some invaluable information. I have listed some of the sites that I am aware of and are worth while taking a look at. If you know of any other site that is not here or you have your own site that you would like me to list below please send me an email at webmaster@englishintaiwan.com

 

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Created by English in Taiwan.
Copyright © 1999 [English in Taiwan]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 十月 01, 2006 .