Q: What will the weather be like in Taiwan?

A: In the summer, high temperatures, humidity, massive rainfall, and tropical cyclones characterize the climate of Taiwan. November through February bring cooler weather, but temperatures rarely go below the 50’s.

Q: Is the water safe?

A: It is not best to drink the water in some parts of Taiwan. It will not make you deathly ill, but it can make you sick. Previous teams have used the water for cooking and brushing teeth with no problems. Water fountains with purified water are everywhere, which is quite convenient.

Q: Is Taiwan a safe country?

A: Taiwan is a safe country, but just like any other location, caution is encouraged. Team members are requested to stay in pairs during the daytime and always at night. Cell phones can be carried for extra precaution. At times theft can be a problem, but that usually only occurs when belongings are left unattended.

Q: Are there witnessing opportunities?

A: Team members are encouraged with the motto “Don’t preach it, but live it.” As people see a difference in the teacher’s lives and ask questions about their faith, they are free to share. This is an appropriate time to give a Chinese tract or Bible. Street preaching or witnessing is not encouraged due to the sensitivity of the government and culture.

Q: What types of communication do I have access to?

A: Keeping in touch with friends and family is quite easy. Cell phones can be purchased for a decent price in Taiwan. You can call and receive calls internationally on the cell phones. Phone cards are cheaper to buy in Taiwan, so you may wait to purchase them there. If your family wants to buy a good phone card with which to call you, try firstphonecard.com. E-mail access should also be available for you.

Q: What kind of transportation is available while I am staying in Taiwan?

A: During the day, transportation to and from the schools is provided for the team members. During the evenings, walking out to take care of an errand is fine since everything is so close. If a destination is a distance away, buses are available or one might be able to get a ride with a Taiwan teacher friend.

If per chance teachers have plans during the weekend in another city, they can take the bus or train. The bus and train systems are easy to figure out, and travelers can take a cell phone for extra precaution. Tickets are fairly reasonable. A one-way bus ticket to Taipei from Nantou (which is a 3 1/2-hour trip) costs about 11 U.S. dollars.

Q: What kind of things will I be doing during my free time?

A: After teaching during the day, evenings and weekends are open for free time or other activities. In the evenings team members generally prepare for the next day, e-mail home, relax with other teachers, shop, etc. Weekends are also free with the exception of any special team or school events.

Sundays are set aside as a day of rest. On Sunday morning the team members will either go to a nearby church or spend time together as a team, with one of the young men giving a sermon.

Q: Do I need to have any medical shots?

A: No shots are necessary for travel to Taiwan.

Q: Do I need to set up a banking account?

A: No. Working on a cash basis is fine.

Q: Can I use a cash/debit card?

A: If you have some sort of common ATM/credit/debit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discovery, Cirrus), then you do not need to worry about bringing lots of cash over with you. If you do need to bring cash, it can be exchanged once you are in Taiwan. (Make sure that any dollar bills you bring are “new” and “crisp,” as older bills are harder to exchange in Taiwan.) Using travelers checks is not a good idea.

Q: Is foreign medical insurance needed?

A: The King Car Foundation provides safety and medical insurance for the teachers. This insurance covers any accidents or medical bills incurred while in Taiwan. If teachers are interested in getting a separate insurance in the United States, that is fine, but it is not a necessity.

Q: Do I need to know Chinese to teach in the schools?

A: It is not necessary to know Chinese, but team members may want to begin learning the language prior to their departure for Taiwan. It is always gratifying to the nationals when foreigners make an effort to communicate in their country’s mother tongue. Chinese classes are often arranged for the teachers while they are in Taiwan.