Chiayi City and Chiayi County
Chiayi County loops around Chiayi City and they are two separate territories.
FSE cooperates with both Chiayi City and Chiayi County’s two individual local governments.
We share the resources of teaching workshops, community services, and cultural visits.
Despite the lifestyles and school styles being quite different (urban/rural), you may expect close-knit cohorts with frequent city-county meetups.
Additionally, being located in central southern Taiwan, Chiayi is easily accessible to other cities. It takes 1.5 hours to travel to Taipei and 0.5 hours to Kaohsiung by High-Speed Rail.
“Check the map,
if Chiayi County is a yummy donut,
then Chiayi City is a delicious munchkin.”
2024-2025 Chiayi Grantee
Chiayi City
Living: small city, Teaching: small city,
School Size: small / medium, Commute: bike / scooter
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Chiayi City is a good-sized city, easy to get well-acquainted with and navigate without needing a scooter. It is also more affordable than the larger cities, and the people here are quite friendly. Additionally, Chiayi's location in Taiwan makes it a convenient base for travel, with many beautiful spots both in the city and the surrounding areas. There are also plenty of parks, cafes, and other places where you can relax and enjoy the charm of Taiwan and its wonderful people.
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2024: 262,365 people
2025-2026: 5ETAs+3ETFs
2025-2026: 7 elementary + 2 junior high
Climate: Chiayi has a warm humid subtropical climate that closely borders a true tropical climate.
Apr-Oct: 26 ~ 35 °C, 79 ~ 95 °F (hottest: 39 °C, 102 °F)
Dec-Mar: 13 ~ 25 °C, 55 ~ 77 °F (coldest: 05 °C, 41 °F)
Chiayi County
Living: town, Teaching: village,
School Size: small / medium, Commute: scooter 30 mins
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Chiayi County has majestic and broad scenery surrounded by hills and waters, possessing relaxed rural landscapes and seascapes. It’s a great work-life balance. ETA/Fs teach in rural towns with slower-paced vibes and easily commute into the natures or downtown.
Scooter riding would be necessary for convenience (training can be completed here).
ETA will be the only foreigner in school with a chance to fit into the community-focused environment.
Local students with lower English ability lead to ETA's higher sense of accomplishment.
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2025: 473,181 people
2025-2026: 5 ETAs + 2 ETFs + 2 RBI ETFs
2025-2026: 8 elementary + 7 junior high
Climate: Chiayi has a warm humid subtropical climate that closely borders a true tropical climate.
Apr-Oct: 26 ~ 35 °C, 79 ~ 95 °F (hottest: 39 °C, 102 °F)
Dec-Mar: 13 ~ 25 °C, 55 ~ 77 °F (coldest: 05 °C, 41 °F)
Teaching and Living
Coordinators
Jessie Chen
Hello, I'm Jessie. Prior to joining Fulbright, I earned a TESOL certificate from the University of Pennsylvania and spent over a decade teaching English to children. My passion for English education is unwavering, and I am equally committed to enhancing my own proficiency in the language.
Words for incoming grantees:
Having worked, studied, and traveled in Australia, I understand the mix of emotions that accompany being abroad. I admire the courage of all the ETAs who have chosen to come to Taiwan, and I am confident that this experience will be a memorable journey in your lives. Taiwan truly is a remarkable destination worthy of your visit.
Email: jchen@fse.fulbright.org.tw
Cam Chao
Lír-hó! (汝好!) This is Cam. I was born in Taipei, raised in Penghu, grew up in Tainan, got my degree in Taichung, worked around Taiwan, and am now based in Chiayi. All in all, I am a Taiwanese. (Chiayi became my fav place!)
Before joining Fulbright, I was a local tour guide with enthusiasm to share the history, culture, lovely nature, and languages of my fascinating country. I’ve been a Chiayi coordinator since 2021.
Words for incoming grantees:
Welcome aboard! Taiwan, Formosa itself, is a hidden gem on Earth, and congrats on discovering it.
In Chiayi, you can go hiking to the main peak of the Jade Mountain, which is ranked as the 4th World Island Highpoint (3952 m), and enjoy eating oysters by the seashore in one day.
I am ready when you are; should we?
Email: cchao@fse.fulbright.org.tw
Jenny Wei
Hello! I’m Jenny, who’s very proud of being a Chiayi native. I love connecting with people from all over the world. With a background in hosting events and guest communication, I bring energy, empathy, and an open heart to my work.
Words for incoming grantees:
Stepping into a new country takes immense courage, but remember, you’re never alone on this journey.
Embrace every surprise with curiosity, and trust that this year will shape you in extraordinary ways. Let’s make this chapter unforgettable together!
Email: jwei@fse.fulbright.org.tw
