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Taiwan is a modern island-nation, home to twenty-two million people
who have maintained their independence from mainland China. Outside
of the bustling, industrialized cities, Taiwan's countryside is marked by idyllic
mountains and coastlines, earning its namesake "Ilha Formosa," or Beautiful Island.
Taoyuan
Located 45 minutes south of Taipei, Taoyuan is a rapidly growing area with
a population of 348,000. Easily reached by train and the site of the international airport, thousands
of foreigners come here for work opportunities. Bilingual street signs and billboards
are common.
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Lodging
One of the advantages of Taoyuan is that living expenses are about a third of
Taipei. Our teachers typically rent a "tao fang," a single room with air-conditioning and private
bath for $5000 NT (approx. $145 US) per month. Larger, three-bedroom apartments range from $8000-15000 NT
($230-430 US).
Recreation
Taoyuan offers the amenities of a large city - shops, movie theaters, restaurants, bars, and Internet cafes.
If you enjoy the outdoors, hiking trails are just 20 minutes away by motorcyle. Also nearby is
the Shihmen Reservoir, the largest lake in northern Taiwan.
Climate
Typical daytime temperatures in Taoyuan are around 30°C (86°F) in summer and 20°C (68°F) in winter.
Winters are rainy and cool while summers are hot and humid.
Currency
Taiwan's monetary units are NT$ or New Taiwan Dollars.
Click here for the latest exchange rates.
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