Overview of Kaohsiung
Location
Known as Taiwan's "Harbor Capital" because of its close connection to the ocean and maritime transportation, Kaohsiung is a port city that sits on the island's southwestern coast. Since its start in the 17th century, Kaohsiung has grown from a small trading village into the industrial center of southern Taiwan.
Population
2.72 million (2022)
Weather
Kaohsiung's climate is tropical, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 35°C
Number of ETAs/ETFs
2022-2023: 13 ETAs, 6 ETFs
2023-2024: 12 ETAs, 6 ETFs
Number of schools with ETAs/ ETFs
2022-2023: 32 Elementary School, 4 Junior High School
2023-2024: 28 Elementary School, 4 Junior High School
As with other sites, Kaohsiung ETAs will co-teach with at least one local Taiwanese English teacher. Class sizes vary greatly, with typically no more than 30 students, although some ETAs have had as few as 3 students in one class.
Teaching
Transportation
In Kaohsiung there are a number of ways to get around the city: by bus, by scooter, by bike, by car, or by MRT. Kaohsiung is the only city besides Taipei that has an MRT, which you can also take to the Kaohsiung airport. In addition to the MRT, Kaohsiung is also connected to the HSR (high speed rail) and the Taiwan Railway (train). Recently, Kaohsiung also installed a LRT (light rail), which goes along the water to Pier 2 and Dream Mall.
@kaohsiungeta
Every year there are about 13-14 Fulbright ETAs placed in Kaohsiung county. If you'd like to know more about the daily life of a Kaohsiung ETA, go check out our Instagram page, @kaohsiungeta.
Living
As one of Taiwan's largest cities, Kaohsiung has international cuisine, cultural and historic attractions, nightlife, and more. Check out the whimsical art district Pier 2, or take a day trip to Kenting, one of Taiwan's most famous beaches. Hiking is also an option at Monkey Mountain, where as its namesake suggests, monkeys abound.
Coordinators
Kenny Shih
Hello Kaohsing ETAs, I'm Kenny, an English major graduate of Tamkang University. After graduation, I had experience with children's storybook reading, and online tutoring and also worked as a TA at a cram school! I will say that interacting with kids is one of my passions. Some other passions are movies, investing, and a whole lot!
I joined Fulbright in 2019 and worked as the Taipei coordinator. After 2 years I'm fortunate enough to be transferred back to Kaohsiung. I'm really glad to be back since I was born and raised in Kaohsiung. The city has changed a lot and I believe it's heading in a really good direction. According to me, this place is the best city in Taiwan!
Email: kshih@fse.fulbright.org.tw
Ellie Liao
Hello everyone, I am Ellie, a half-indigenous girl who was born in Taipei and raised in Kaohsiung. I graduated from National Pingtung University with a degree in music. During my school years, I participated in several international exchange programs in both the Czech Republic and the USA.
I am a cellist who loves classical, Jazz, Taiwanese indigenous folk songs and Techno. Besides music, I am also fascinated by outdoor adventures and cultural exchanges with people from different backgrounds. I have been with Fulbright as an ETA program assistant coordinator since 2021 and looking forward to experiencing more with Fulbright.
Advice for incoming ETAs:
Kaohsiung is the Harbor Capital of Taiwan. It offers diverse municipalities, ranging from the coastal urban center to rural areas with abundant natural and cultural resources such as beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, and friendly people, and you might have wild monkeys' company on Monkey Mountain.
There are plenty of new things for you to discover and I hope you discover this beautiful place as I do!
Feel free to reach out if you need any suggestions.
Email: eliao@fse.fulbright.org.tw
Instagram: __liaobaobao: https://www.instagram.com/__liaobaobao/
Others
2019-20 Kaohsiung ETA Monopoly Game :
This board game was created by the 2019-20 Kaohsiung ETAs to showcase aspects of their daily life and some of their favorite places.
Click the file to experience our life in Kaohsiung.
73 Questions with Kaohsiung:
This is a video the Kaohsiung 2018-19 ETA’s created to show the various parts of living in Kaohsiung, we took a Vogue-style 73 questions video showcasing the city center, famous landmarks, and the beauty of rural Kaohsiung. enjoy!
More About Kaohsiung