Education: BA/BS required but Diploma holders can also apply
TEFL Certification: A minimum of 300 Hrs TESOL Advance course is required to apply
Peak Hiring Months: Year-round
Types of Jobs: Corporate training, Private language schools, public schools
Typical Hiring Process: Sometimes walk-ins can also be conducted in 3 to 6 months advance. Skype or telephonic interviews are most common
Average teaching hours per week: 25-30 hours of classroom as well as extra prep time
Types of Students: Private students, school children and Business professionals
Cost of Living per month: $800 – 2,000 USD
Visas: Work Visa generally issued by the employer
Average Monthly Pay: $2500 – 4000 USD
Start –up cost: $1500 - 2500 USD
Accommodation Benefits: Stipend can be availed. Some schools also do provide accommodation
Fight Reimbursements: Most of the cases
Japan Alumni Ambassador Corner: ITA grads working in the country will help provide you tips on teaching English in Japan, travelling, and living here.
Teaching English in Japan
Asia is home to some of the largest English teaching markets in the world and the honor of holding the longest tradition of English instructor employment goes to Japan. There is a mandate in the country that all of their public schools teach English right from the tender age of five lasting till the time they complete high school. Thanks to this broad base of child learners, Japan has a large job market for English teachers. Millions of adults have also started taking English language classes, so much so that often there is an impression of a language school existing on seemingly every corner of a city block.
Jobs ae available round the year for those looking for English-teaching jobs in the country with in-person interviews typically being conducted across Canada, UK, and the USA at least three months in advance of the recruitment. Housing costs and airfares are typically borne by the instructors although they can get some assistance from schools in finding suitable accommodation.
The famous Interac Program and JET Program offer opportunities to many Americans for teaching English in the country, placing qualified Americans in the position of assistant language teachers in grade schools and high schools across Japan. Private language schools also attract many foreigners. A proper work visa is required in order to work as an English teacher in Japan.
Those looking to save can make the most of the good salary on offer though there are certain things that need to be kept in mind.
It is usually the JET program that offers best benefits and maximum savings potentials because housing and airfares are included. Monthly savings of $300-$600 is expected for JET program participants.
In the event that housing is not provided, higher start-up costs come into the picture including “key money” payments which are typically a month’s non-refundable rent given as a gift to the landlord. Those renting their own apartments should plan this expense well in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
Japan has a higher monthly cost of living compared to most of the other Asian countries and the time taken to start saving money and establishing yourself is usually longer. Depending on where one chooses to reside, it can take around 4-6 months to break even for those working in private language schools.
Overall, English teachers in Japan can expect to lead a comfortable lifestyle with typical workweeks being 20 to 25 hours, occasionally a little more. That leaves them with plenty of time for exploring and travelling. A bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification are required for teaching English in the country with major job centers being the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Tokyo, and Fukuoka.
