In this episode, Robert Remmerswaal interviews Tina Shu Wen Lin from Taiwan.

Teaching in Japan vs. Taiwan: Contracts, Culture, and Career Paths
What’s it really like to teach English at a university in Japan versus Taiwan? In this episode, Robert Remmerswaal talks with Shu-wen Tina Lin about her journey from Taiwan to the UK and Japan—and back again—and shares practical insights for teachers considering a career outside Japan.
Tina discusses contract renewals, job security, teaching workloads, pay, and career progression. She also reflects on the differences she experienced in the classroom, the challenge of imposter syndrome, and why the connection she could build with students helped bring her back to Taiwan.
If you’re exploring university teaching in East Asia, this conversation offers a candid look at what to ask before signing a contract—from administrative duties to evening and weekend classes—and what to expect from everyday life and living costs.