There were also problems in communication and differences over teaching styles.
An Australian male teacher, who declined to be identified, was sent to Jenai Primary School in Nantou. His arrival coincided with the dry season in the isolated locale, and even taking a daily bath become problematic. The relationship he had with school authorities was also problematic. The teacher therefore applied to terminate his contract, and the MOE accepted his request.
Authorities at the school said that they hoped the ministry would give teachers a better idea of the circumstances of their positions in the future.
How the foreign teacher program works
* Schools apply for the placement of a foreign teacher.
* Teachers sign contracts with the school authorities, usually through an overseas agent acting for the Taiwanese government.
* The teacher is given a monthly salary. They also receive free flights to and from Taiwan, and a monthly housing stipend.
* A task force formed by the school authorities and the local government deals with any difficulties the teacher may encounter.
* The Ministry of Education supervises the project, interviewing teachers and authorities about the program's results.
RSS