Teaching English in Taiwan While Trading Stocks: A Realistic Guide

Are you a trader dreaming of relocating abroad while keeping your financial career alive? The idea of teaching English at a buxiban (cram school) in Taiwan and trading the US stock market after hours might seem like the perfect blend of adventure and ambition. Let’s break down what this lifestyle actually looks like.

The Time Zone Advantage

The US stock market opens at 9:30 AM Eastern Time. In Taiwan, that’s 9:30 PM. Most buxiban teachers finish their classes between 8 PM and 9 PM. This means you can head home, settle in, and start trading just as the US markets come alive. It’s a natural fit—your workday ends, and Wall Street wakes up.

Is It Realistic to Trade After Teaching?

Yes, many expats in Taiwan successfully trade US markets after teaching. However, you need to consider:

• Energy levels: Teaching is physically and emotionally demanding. You’ll need discipline to stay mentally sharp for trading after a full day with students.
• Laptop access: Most buxibans don’t allow personal trading during class hours. Plan to trade only from home.
• Market hours: You’ll typically trade from 9:30 PM to midnight or later. This means late nights, which can affect your teaching performance the next day.

Do You Have to Work Full-Time Hours?

Most buxibans require full-time commitments, usually around 25-30 teaching hours per week plus lesson planning. However, “full-time” in Taiwan often means fewer actual hours than in Western countries. Some schools offer part-time contracts with 15-20 teaching hours, giving you more time for trading and Mandarin study.

Finding the Right Buxiban

Look for schools that are:

• Located near MRT stations (for easy commute)
• Flexible with scheduling
• Known for fair treatment of foreign teachers
• Supportive of your Mandarin learning goals

Avoid contracts that require excessive unpaid preparation time or weekend work.

Trading Setup Considerations

You’ll need:

• Reliable high-speed internet (most Taiwanese apartments have fiber optic)
• A laptop with trading software and VPN (if needed)
• A quiet space for late-night trading sessions
• Knowledge of international tax implications

Balancing Teaching, Trading, and Mandarin Learning

This is the real challenge. Your week might look like:

• Morning: Study Mandarin
• Afternoon: Lesson planning
• Evening: Teach at buxiban
• Late night: Trade US markets

It’s intense but manageable for a single person without family obligations.

The Financial Reality Check

Teaching English in Taiwan pays around NT$60,000-70,000 monthly (roughly $2,000-2,300 USD). Your trading income will be extra. But remember—trading profits aren’t guaranteed. Have a solid financial cushion before making the move.

Cultural and Visa Considerations

You’ll need:

• A valid work permit (your buxiban will help with this)
• An ARC (Alien Resident Certificate)
• To declare all income, including trading profits, for tax purposes

Taiwan’s tax system is favorable for foreign residents, but consult with a tax professional familiar with international trading.

Is This Path Right for You?

This lifestyle suits someone who:

• Has consistent trading strategies (not day-trading every second)
• Can handle long working hours
• Is genuinely interested in Mandarin and Taiwanese culture
• Has backup savings in case trading income fluctuates

The blend of teaching, trading, and language learning is ambitious—but many expats in Taiwan successfully juggle multiple passions.