by 劉可觀

Originally from Hokkaido, Japan, Rino is now working in Taichung as a Japanese language teacher. Behind this stable job lies a long journey of navigating language, culture, and Taiwan’s work regulations.

From Student to Job Seeker: The Realities Faced by Foreign Students

Rino recalls that her first full-time role began when she started teaching Japanese at a cram school. Before that, she had several part-time jobs — including working at restaurants and hotel banquets — often found through friends or online job platforms.

As a foreign student, visa and work permit regulations always felt like an invisible barrier blocking many career options.

“Many employers don’t understand the rules around hiring foreigners. I’ve had several cases where I submitted my resume, passed the interview, and only afterward was told I didn’t qualify for a work visa.”

Rino says she’s gotten used to this kind of disappointment. That’s why she’s learned to “screen carefully” before applying — only targeting jobs that clearly state they welcome foreign applicants, such as language teachers or translators — to avoid wasting time and getting her hopes up.

The Bright Side of Being a Foreign Student

In the early days of living in Taiwan, language was Rino’s biggest struggle. The adjustment period was tough — whether it was communicating in the dorm, shopping at local markets, or simply understanding greetings in Taiwanese from elderly neighbors, she often felt overwhelmed. Fortunately, her school’s language partner program became a major support system during that time.

As a foreigner, Rino’s native language actually gave her a head start in Taiwan. In fields like language education, translation, and tourism, her identity became a door opener — and she seized those opportunities without hesitation.

“In Taichung, there are many restaurants run by Japanese owners. They often prefer hiring fellow Japanese, since it makes communication much smoother.”

Foreign students in Taiwan often form their own social networks, and this sense of solidarity helped Rino feel less alone. Through classmates, upperclassmen, and support from her school’s job placement office, she gradually built up her teaching experience.

“Being a native Japanese speaker is a huge advantage in teaching. A lot of Taiwanese students learning Japanese want more than just grammar — they want help with natural language flow and cultural context.”

When she speaks about this, there’s a calm confidence in her eyes. The path wasn’t always straight, but she knows she’s headed in the right direction. Beyond language, transitioning from student to working professional brought a new level of cultural adjustment.

“In Japan, we value getting things done quickly and leaving on time. People don’t talk much while working. But in Taiwan, people care more about the atmosphere. It’s normal to chat while working — that was a cultural gap for me.”

At first, this difference made it hard for her to adapt. But over time, she learned to embrace the pace — and it helped her grow in flexibility and communication.

Next Stop: Not Home — But the World

For Rino, her years in Taiwan were more than just about learning a language — they were about expanding her worldview.

“Most of my university classmates are still in Hokkaido. But I’m already working and living abroad — that’s something they haven’t experienced.”

There was a hint of pride in her voice as she said it. She knows clearly that she chose a different path.

When asked about her future plans, Rino didn’t hesitate:

“I’m not going back to Japan, and I’m not staying in Taiwan either.”

She’s eager for something new — hoping to explore life in Southeast Asia and experience a different pace and culture. Though she’s still under contract, she’s already laying the groundwork for a new chapter two years from now.

One Message for Students Hoping to Stay in Taiwan

At the end of the interview, Rino shared a sincere piece of advice:

“Mental preparation is important. Taiwan and Japan aren’t that different on the surface, but the way people work and think is still very different.”

She reminds international students not to focus only on Taiwan’s convenience and friendliness — but to be ready for cultural differences and system limitations too.

Rino, a young woman from Hokkaido, first came to Taiwan through a student exchange. She has since faced language anxiety, culture shock, and visa hurdles — and emerged with growth and cross-cultural confidence.

Her story shows us: identity can be a limitation, but also an opportunity. And even far from home, it’s possible to find your own sense of purpose and place in the world.

Hey Foreigners in Taiwan ! You’re not alone

Job hunting in Taiwan can feel overwhelming—language, culture, visa issues—it’s a lot.
But you’re not alone. Jordan, Jessica, Rino, and many others have been where you are.
This community exists to remind you: there are people here rooting for you, quietly and steadily.

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