News: International Teaching in Tainan-Science-Park: High Tech Balanced with Nature - Apr 29, 2024
<< Back to: Latest News | School Spotlights

Monday, April 29, 2024School Spotlights

International Teaching in Tainan-Science-Park: High Tech Balanced with Nature

Teach abroad in one of southern Taiwan's most highly regarded high-tech science parks, at a site developed for the coexistence of nature and ecology, and full of lush vegetation. The International Bilingual School at Tainan-Science-Park (IBST) is the Bilingual Department of the National Nanke International Experimental High School (NNKIEH).

NNKIEH is a public, multicultural school serving Grades 1–12, with a total enrollment of about 2,348 students. Founded in 2006, NNKIEH endeavors to ensure an exceptional academic environment for the children of both the Science Park employees as well as overseas-hire high tech professionals. Three of its four branches serve the local Chinese-speaking students and use the Taiwan (R.O.C.) national curriculum.

IBST students are from diverse international communities, often the children of those employed in tertiary education, business, science and medicine, and technology, and all seeking a high-quality college-preparatory education. Eighty-three percent of Bilingual Department parents hold advanced degrees.

The beauty of Tainan Science Park is described on traveltainan.net:

The park's numerous ecologically rich flood basin, Siraya Square, with its unique ethnic style, a host of exciting art installations, plus the ecology conservation area make Tainan Science Park resemble a natural ecological art museum. Tourists who visit the Science Park often take lakeside walks by the site's three ecological lakes… where they can see different landscapes and large flocks of birds feeding. Other popular features of the park include the cable-stayed footbridge over Siraya Boulevard and its adjacent art installations, as well as a large dragon sculpture at Yinxi Lake.

Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), IBST serves 163 students of 14 nationalities in Grades 1-12. The school’s bilingual curriculum beautifully blends the Chinese National Curriculum with the U.S. Common Core followed by Advanced Placement courses. Forty-three percent of IBST’s teaching staff are Taiwanese.

Extracurricular activities include Soccer Club for students in Grades 1-6. Futsal (indoor soccer) Team and Volleyball Club are offered to those in Grades 7-12. Other clubs for secondary students are Basketball, Coding and Math, Bouldering, Home Economics (cooking), Science, Club, 3D Modeling, Model UN, Culture Interaction Film, Debate, and more.

At IBST, a tutoring program called Interact offers more than just academic support. Participants may also do service work, such as beach cleaning and charity sales. During summer and winter breaks, Interact organizes four and five days of camp for elementary students, during which members teach campers English, arts, music, and sports.

IBST hires certified singles and couples of diverse profiles teaching overseas, including those with a non-teaching partner. They will also consider newly certified candidates. Teachers must hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. As per government regulations, those up to the age of 65 may obtain a work visa.

International teaching benefits include allowances for moving, monthly housing, and annual airfare for the teacher, spouse, and two children under age 18. Additionally, tuition is free for children. An annual allowance is provided for professional development opportunities. Local health insurance, including life and dental, is covered, with the employee paying a percentage.

To gain access to the International Bilingual School at Tainan-Science-Park’s full profile on the Search Associates database, including a list of any vacancies, candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.

Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.



Did You Know…?

Senior Associate Gary MacPhie is based in Toronto, Canada where he started his teaching career, and then spent 26 years overseas as a teacher, principal and recruiter in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.