Clothes tend to be cheaper in Taiwan than in western countries. If you happen to be bigger or taller than typical sized Taiwanese people, you may want to bring most of your clothes with you. Western brand name clothes- Levi’s, GAP, Polo, etc will be more expensive in Taiwan than back home, but imitation Polo, Levi’s and GAP clothes will be far cheaper in Taiwan. Natural fiber clothes can be more difficult to locate in Taiwan.
Packing for Taiwan
In choosing to teach English abroad for a year, you are making a choice to live in a foreign country. You should not try to re-create every aspect of your daily life in your home country - not only is it impossible, but even if you succeeded what would be the point in moving to a foreign country?
The most important thing to bring with you is a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt your lifestyle to a new and foreign environment. Don’t be one of those sad saps who sits in a foreign bar crying in your beer and lamenting the lack of Doritos in Taiwan- remember it is you who is making the choice to live in a country where squid tentacles, not Doritos is the snack food of choice.
We do not suggest you bring everything in the suggested lists or you'll exceeded your baggage limitation however you may want to choose some items that will remind you of home and make the transition to life in Taiwan easier. No matter how much you like Taiwan you will experience moments of homesickness and have “I hate Taiwan” days, and for those special occasions it is nice to have your favorite book and a can of chicken noodle soup on hand. However even if you brought nothing from this list with you will be fine- Taiwanese lived for thousands of years without deodorant and peanut butter.
Bring around USD $500-800 to get you through your first month.
Female Teachers’ Packing List
Ladies this is definitely not an exhaustive list but it does present some things to think about when considering packing to teach in Taiwan.
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Miscellaneous Items to Pack
Be prepared. Pack early and give your packing some thought. Here are some suggestions:
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Western Foodstuffs To Pack For Taiwan
Here are a list the things you might consider adding to your suitcase before you go.
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Western Medicines and Pharmaceutical Products in Taiwan
Important - if you take prescription medications check with the representative working on your placement.
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Teaching Materials to Bring to Taiwan
Your school will be stocked with textbooks, games and other materials to supplement your classes with, and your students will be expected to bring notebooks, pens, pencils and erasers with them to class. Don’t worry about having to stock your school with enough teaching supplies to last 50 kids for a year.
