More Filipinos are discovering teaching opportunities in Taiwan, drawn by structured school systems, professional respect, and steady career paths. To understand what the work and lifestyle really look like, teacher-vlogger Sir Sicat offers a clear, unfiltered view through his day-in-the-life videos in Tainan. His routine reflects not only his own story, but also the typical rhythm shared by many Pinoy teachers in Taiwan today.
A Typical Start: Early Prep Before the Bell
Filipino teachers in Taiwan start their mornings early. Like Sir Sicat, many leave home before sunrise to get ahead of the school rush. The goal is simple: be ready before the students arrive.
Most mornings involve:
- Setting up the TV or projector
- Writing key vocabulary on the board
- Preparing flashcards, props, and worksheets
- Confirming the day’s lesson flow with a co-teacher
- Checking attendance sheets and class lists
Taiwan’s public school system runs on consistency, punctuality, and structure. Arriving early helps teachers maintain:
- Classroom order
- Smooth transitions
- A clear plan for student behavior and lesson pacing
Inside the Classroom: Structure + Interaction
Once students enter, the atmosphere changes. Based on Sir Sicat’s vlog and common ESL routines, a typical class often includes:
Warm-up: Greetings and short speaking drills
Vocabulary & Sentences: Repetition and visual aids
Activities: Games and interactive tasks using target language
Worksheet Output: A quick written exercise before dismissal
The Christmas lesson shown in the vlog highlights how Taiwan classrooms favor structured, activity-based learning. Co-teacher Alicia supports by assisting with transitions, behavior, and instructions — a model common in public schools.
The Co-Teaching Culture
Many foreign and Filipino teachers work under a two-teacher system, where:
| Teacher | Main Role |
| Filipino/Foreign Teacher | Lead English speaking, drills, pronunciation, interaction |
| Local Co-Teacher | Manage behavior, clarify instructions, facilitate classroom flow |
This system allows teachers to divide responsibilities and maintain order while keeping lessons interactive.
Managing Classroom Challenges
Common realities in Taiwan ESL classes include:
- Mixed proficiency levels
- Shy speakers
- Language barriers
- High student energy for younger grades
To manage these, teachers use:
- Gestures and visuals
- Sentence frames like “I want…,” “This is…,” “I like…”
- Consistent routines
- Rewards for participation
Office Work, Lunch, and School Culture
When classes pause, work continues in the office. Teachers often:
- Update lesson plans
- Print and prepare worksheets
- Coordinate for school events
- Sort and check student outputs
School culture highlights include:
- Calm lunch breaks (packed meals or cafeteria food)
- Seasonal school programs (music, arts, and performances)
- Quiet hallways and clear routines
After 4 PM: Life Beyond Teaching
After dismissal, personal time becomes important for OFWs abroad. In Sir Sicat’s case:
- Body Jam fitness class
- University ballroom dance session
Other teachers use evenings to:
- Tutor (if allowed)
- Study Mandarin
- Attend church or OFW gatherings
- Rest and video call family
These routines help teachers stay grounded and connected.
Why Filipinos Choose This Path
Advantages
- Stable work and salary
- Safe school environments
- Respect for the teaching profession
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Challenges
- Cold winters
- Language barriers
- Strict school routines
- Homesickness
Data & Quick Facts About Teaching in Taiwan
To give clearer context, here are figures that reflect typical conditions for foreign teachers in Taiwan:
| Category | Typical Range/Detail |
| Monthly Salary | NT$65,000–NT$100,000 for foreign teachers (varies by school and experience) |
| Class Size | 25–35 students per class in public schools |
| Student Age Range | Mostly elementary and junior high for ESL placements |
| Working Hours | Around 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, with office hours included |
| Teaching Load | About 18–22 teaching hours per week, plus prep time |
| Calendar | August to June school year, with national holidays and a winter break |
These figures help illustrate why Taiwan remains an appealing teaching destination.
Shared Rhythm, Shared Purpose
By evening, teachers slow down, prepare for the next day, and rest. Sir Sicat ends his vlog with reflections on balance and fulfillment — enjoying both teaching and dancing while building a meaningful life abroad.
His story mirrors a shared experience: early mornings, active classrooms, steady office work, and intentional personal time. Across Taiwan, Pinoy teachers carry the same rhythm and the same goals — to teach well, build stability, and grow while working overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do teachers usually work in Taiwan?
Around 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with office hours and class prep.
Do Filipino teachers always co-teach?
In public schools, yes — co-teaching is the standard model.
How do teachers handle language barriers?
Through visuals, gestures, repetition, routines, and simple sentence patterns.
Final Thoughts
Whether in Tainan, Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung, the day-to-day life of a Pinoy teacher in Taiwan reflects a familiar combination of discipline, service, and self-discovery. Sir Sicat’s routine is just one snapshot, but it represents a growing community of Filipino educators who are building steady careers while shaping young learners’ futures. The work may be structured and the challenges real, but many teachers find fulfillment in the stability, the cultural exchange, and the simple victories that happen inside the classroom. For Filipinos considering this path, Taiwan offers not just employment, but an environment where teachers can grow, connect, and create meaningful impact—one school day at a time.