Finding an internship in Taiwan as a foreign student from Europe can be difficult, but here are some steps you can take to increase your chances.
Firstly - start early. Many procedures in Taiwan are completed ahead of time! Usually students are not asked "When can you start"? You will be given a start date at the beginning of the semester or the summer vacations. Begin your search at least 6 months before you intend to begin your internship. This will give you enough time to conduct research and apply to various companies.
German Passport and Vaccination Certificate (Photo by Dennis Rochel on Unsplash)
Secondly, look into potential employers. Research companies in your field of study that are based in Taiwan. You can use online job boards for example 104, company directories like Cake Resume, and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn to find potential employers.
Thirdly, when applying to internships in Taiwan it is important to tailor your resume according to Taiwanese standards. Most Taiwanese recruiters prefer resumes with a more formal writing style than what we have back home.
Check visa requirements: Before you apply, make sure you have a student visa in Taiwan and applied for a work permit with your university. You can find information about visa requirements on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan and apply on EZ Permit system.
Contact universities and educational institutions: Many universities and educational institutions in Taiwan offer internship programs for international students. Reach out to them to find out if they have any opportunities available.
Use social media: Social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook can be a great way to network and connect with potential employers. On LinkedIn make sure your profiles are up-to-date and professional and be sure to join the local job seeking groups on Facebook, the latter one is what worked for me personally.
Taipei Taiwan (Photo by Adam Jang)
Attend job fairs and events. Attend job fairs and events in Taiwan to meet potential employers and learn more about the local job market. In the year 2021 I attended a job fair focusing on attracting students from central Europe. Be sure to check when our university organizes a job fair.
Finally, apply early and follow up. Apply to internship positions as soon as you find them and follow up with the company to show your interest and enthusiasm. This can help you stand out from other applicants. This is how they can remember you in case someone else declines the offer.
Remember to prepare your resume for the desired job and prepare a cover letter to each internship you apply for and be prepared for cultural differences in the interview process and in a workplace. Best of luck with your search!
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