Comparison
Teacher comparing two stable Asian markets where lifestyle differences matter more than pay.
Two clean, safe East Asian markets. Japan has more roles and more career progression. Taiwan has higher pay per hour at buxibans and lower cost of living. Taiwan's hiring is more relaxed and visa processing is faster.
JET, eikaiwa chains, and ALT positions. Pay is steady, vacation is short.
JET: 3.36M JPY for first year, scales up year over year. Eikaiwa: 250k to 280k JPY per month. ALT dispatch: 230k to 270k JPY per month. Cost of living outside Tokyo is reasonable.
Instructor visa or Specialist in Humanities visa. Bachelor's required. Native English speaker preference for most roles. JET requires application by November for the following August start.
Teachers committed to staying multiple years and learning Japanese. The pay does not stretch as far as Korea, but career stability and quality of life are high.
Buxiban (cram school) work plus growing public school programs.
Buxibans: 600 to 750 NTD per hour, with most teachers working 20 to 30 hours per week. Public schools (FET): 60k to 75k NTD per month. International schools: 80k to 130k NTD per month.
Work permit through the employer, then ARC (Alien Resident Certificate). Bachelor's required, 120-hour TEFL strongly preferred. Native English speaker preference for most roles.
Teachers who want urban Asia with cleaner air than mainland China, excellent food, and a culture that respects educators.
English Instructor (Eikaiwa)
Sakura English Studio · Tokyo, Japan
Teach Abroad in Japan – Paid Public School Teaching Positions
RVF International · Various
A Full Time English teacher is needed in Tokushima, Japan
Squbee English · Various
English Teaching Opportunities — Online & In-Person in Japan
CES Continental English school · Various
Assistant Language Teachers in Japan
Interac · Across Japan, Japan
Japan
JET if you can wait 9 months for a placement and want a public school role with full benefits. Eikaiwa if you want to start within 60 days and are okay with evening hours. ALT dispatch is the fallback when you are already in Japan and need work.
Japan
Less than in Korea or the Gulf. Most teachers cover living costs comfortably and save 30k to 80k JPY per month outside Tokyo.
Taiwan
Most teachers report Taiwan as one of the safest places they have lived. Crime against foreigners is rare and the legal system is straightforward.
Taiwan
Buxiban teachers commonly save 30k to 50k NTD per month. Public school teachers save less but have more vacation.