Internship Process Overview
We work closely with businesses, partner schools, and students to ensure every step of the internship process is clearly defined, efficient, and fully supported. Below is an overview of how each party—companies, students, and Match International—collaborate to complete the application and onboarding process for international interns in Taiwan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of internships can international students do in Taiwan?
Students can intern in hotels or restaurants.
– Hotel roles include housekeeping, front desk operations, and food & beverage service.
– Restaurant roles include kitchen prep, front-of-house service, and basic administrative support such as cashiering or inventory.
How long can international students stay in Taiwan for an internship?
The standard internship duration is up to 6 months, with the option to extend once for up to another 6 months.
As of 2025, the maximum internship period must not exceed half of the student’s total academic program duration (e.g., up to 1 year for a 2-year program, 2 years for a 4-year program).
Do international interns need a work permit?
If the internship is considered part of an academic program (“curriculum-based learning”), no work permit is required.
If it is not course-based, standard labor regulations apply and a work permit may be needed.
Are medical exams required for international interns?
Yes. Interns must undergo a medical exam either in their home country (within 3 months before entry) or in Taiwan within 3 days after arrival.
Interns in the food service industry must also complete a food safety health check.
Do employers need to provide meals and housing for interns?
Yes. Employers are responsible for covering basic living support, including accommodation.
If no in-house dorm is available, the employer must arrange suitable housing and cover commuting costs.
What documents do employers need to apply for international interns?
For hotel or lodging businesses, a valid license or registration certificate from Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau is required.
Each branch must apply separately; interns cannot be rotated between locations under the same company.
What are the employer’s responsibilities during the internship?
Employers must:
– Follow the approved internship plan and not change it without consent
– Not transfer interns to other locations
– Cover repatriation costs if the intern violates the terms or must return home
– Follow public health regulations and cover pandemic-related expenses
– Report absences or visa violations to the authorities immediately
How many interns can an employer apply for?
Intern numbers are based on operational needs.
As a guideline:
– 1 intern per 10 hotel rooms
– 1 intern per 10 restaurant seats
The total number of interns should not exceed 30% of the company’s total workforce.
Do international interns need labor or health insurance?
It depends on the employment relationship.
– If an employer-employee relationship exists, labor insurance is required.
– If not, interns must still be covered under commercial insurance, and national health insurance after 6 months of residency.
What are the penalties if an employer violates the rules?
Violations may result in:
– Fines and mandatory correction
– Suspension from future applications for up to 3 years
Suspension period depends on the number of violations (e.g., 6 months for the first offense, up to 3 years for repeated offenses).