Cultural Differences

As with any overseas transition, there are large cultural differences to be expected from moving to Taiwan. Several examples are highlighted below, with potential solutions for addressing them provided.

Overview:

14 elementary schools and 5 junior high schools 

• Grade 3 to 9 

• The average class size is 20 students 

• Student proficiency is extremely varied 

• 2 schools shared 1 ETA/ETF

Basically, ETFs and ETAs go to 2 schools, the combination can be 2 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools or one of each. Teaching grades from 3 to 9 however, some schools might require you to teach grade 1 and 2. The average class size is about 20. 

Teaching content usually follows English text books while ETFs and ETAs can integrate culture exchange sessions. Some schools add other subjects such as life skills, activities and so on. 

Students’ English proficiency is extremely varied. Some students who go to cram schools have a very high English level while some do not.

• Students take school supplies very seriously in Taiwan

  For some reason, Taiwanese students love their stationery and school supplies. Be warned that students will play with anything inside their pencil cases during class. From erasers to pens to even their personal name stamps and small cutting knives, they have everything in their arsenal. Because they love their school supplies, they will also be reluctant to share with their classmates.

  Discuss with your co-teacher about how to remove distractions during your lessons.

• Competition is everywhere

  Taiwanese students are very familiar with the concept of competition. Many of them participate in Reader's Theater competitions, English song competitions, and even English speech competitions! It would not be unusual to see at least one instance of competition among students during classroom activities. Competition can be used as a method for getting students to participate in class.
  Try tying friendly competition to your incentive system, either among classes in a particular grade or among table groups in a single class.

• Students attend additional classes after school

  Many students attend cram school (known as 補習班 bǔxí bān) after regular school hours. The amount of time they spend at cram school and the quality of instruction they receive there is highly dependent on how much their parents are willing to spend. This ultimately creates a classroom divide between advanced students and the average student, making teaching difficult.
  Consider differentiating activities and breaking students into groups.

• People will stare at foreigners. Whether it is an old Taiwanese man on the street or a little girl on the MRT, you're bound to hear "外國人，外國人! Wàiguó rén, wàiguó rén!" (foreigner). These people perceive those who don't appear Asian as exotic. Because Taiwan has a fairly homogeneous population, many Taiwanese people have not been exposed to people from different racial/ethnic groups. This is especially the case in rural areas of Taiwan.
  
  One of your roles as an ETA is to be a cultural ambassador. Maintain a sense of understanding and openness. The fact that not all Americans look alike can also be a cultural lesson to impart to students and community members.
   

• “Fat” is not as negative in Taiwan as it is in the U.S. Instead, "fat” is often used as a harmless descriptor, sometimes even as a term of endearment. You may hear someone’s nickname being “小胖子" xiǎo pàngzi (“little fatty” or “chubby”). The Taiwanese aren’t as sensitive to it, although you may be taken aback hearing it used so casually.
  
  Try not to take being called "fat" personally. Taiwanese people do not intend to be rude or malicious when using the word. In classroom settings, let students know "fat" has different connotations in other cultures. 

• In Taiwan, getting a tan is undesirable. On the contrary, Taiwanese people prefer to avoid tanning by wearing long sleeves and pants to limit their sun exposure when outdoors. Umbrellas with UV protection are also very common in Taiwan.

  
  If you don’t want to go to these extremes, keep your sunscreen handy.