Teaching English in Japan
By Ashley Thompson
Teaching English in Japan is one of the more popular vocations for foreigners moving to the country.
Over the course of the last few years, there has been an increase in demand based on the fact that children are required to learn English as a second language in local schools, and also because many companies are either using or are now requiring English as the main company language. Adults are even becoming more curious and many more wish to study English privately.
However, before starry-eyed expats pack their bags and board their flight, it should be noted that there are certain requirements that need to be satisfied in order to teach English in Japan.
First of all, most jobs require a four-year degree from an accredited university. Of course, a teaching degree will increase your chances, but many companies and organizations, including the government’s JET Program(me), are open to any four-year degree. Keep in mind that while possible, finding a job without a four-year degree is more difficult.
Also, for some positions, namely in colleges and universities, teachers are usually required to have a Master’s degree, although this can vary depending on the school.
A TEFL, ESL or related certification may be helpful and possibly improve your chances of being hired, but is typically not a prerequisite.
Furthermore, if you lack teaching experience, then taking a short course - like those listed above - may be beneficial to you.
Once you've added the proper certification to your repertoire you can begin to look for a job.
The web is a great place to start your search. Sites such as Jobs.gaijinpot.com, Japan English Teacher.com, All-About-Teaching- English-in-Japan.com have regular job listings and other information about teaching English in Japan. The JET Program is one of the most popular, enlisting over 4,000 participants from 36 countries in 2010.
Most people apply for the position of ALT, or Assistant Language Teacher, and may teach in public high schools or junior high and elementary schools.
Other companies include Interac, ECC, Aeon, Berlitz, and many smaller and private companies as well. Some schools contract directly, although many go through some type of intermediary organisation such as JET or Interac. Some of the above companies contract with businesses to provide English classes, or provide individual private lessons to adults and/or children.
Once hired, most companies will handle or offer assistance in organising the appropriate visa and immigration procedures. For example, a local embassy will handle all visa procedures for new JET participants.
English teachers will apply for an “Instructor” visa for one or three years, which is subsequently renewable if re-contracting with your organisation or being hired elsewhere. For more specific information, including a chart of procedures and the types of visas available, visit the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site.
The base and average pay for most full-time English teachers is between JPY 250,000 – JPY 280,000 a month and varies per company and job.
The best time to start looking for jobs is during winter, as the school year in Japan changes in April. Jobs do open up throughout the year, but many employers look for applicants currently residing in Japan – although, it’s still worth looking if you've not yet arrived in the country.
The application process for JET is long and arduous, and the deadline to apply is the beginning of December, with a start date of late July the following year (except for some countries such as New Zealand and Australia, which also have April start dates).
In the end though, with a bit patience and persistence expats can certainly fulfill their dream of teaching English in Japan.
Teaching English in Japan is one of the more popular vocations for foreigners moving to the country.
Over the course of the last few years, there has been an increase in demand based on the fact that children are required to learn English as a second language in local schools, and also because many companies are either using or are now requiring English as the main company language. Adults are even becoming more curious and many more wish to study English privately. However, before starry-eyed expats pack their bags and board their flight, it should be noted that there are certain requirements that need to be satisfied in order to teach English in Japan.
First of all, most jobs require a four-year degree from an accredited university. Of course, a teaching degree will increase your chances, but many companies and organizations, including the government’s JET Program(me), are open to any four-year degree. Keep in mind that while possible, finding a job without a four-year degree is more difficult.
Also, for some positions, namely in colleges and universities, teachers are usually required to have a Master’s degree, although this can vary depending on the school.
A TEFL, ESL or related certification may be helpful and possibly improve your chances of being hired, but is typically not a prerequisite.
Furthermore, if you lack teaching experience, then taking a short course - like those listed above - may be beneficial to you.
Once you've added the proper certification to your repertoire you can begin to look for a job.
The web is a great place to start your search. Sites such as Jobs.gaijinpot.com, Japan English Teacher.com, All-About-Teaching- English-in-Japan.com have regular job listings and other information about teaching English in Japan. The JET Program is one of the most popular, enlisting over 4,000 participants from 36 countries in 2010.
Most people apply for the position of ALT, or Assistant Language Teacher, and may teach in public high schools or junior high and elementary schools. Other companies include Interac, ECC, Aeon, Berlitz, and many smaller and private companies as well. Some schools contract directly, although many go through some type of intermediary organisation such as JET or Interac. Some of the above companies contract with businesses to provide English classes, or provide individual private lessons to adults and/or children.
Once hired, most companies will handle or offer assistance in organising the appropriate visa and immigration procedures. For example, a local embassy will handle all visa procedures for new JET participants.
English teachers will apply for an “Instructor” visa for one or three years, which is subsequently renewable if re-contracting with your organisation or being hired elsewhere. For more specific information, including a chart of procedures and the types of visas available, visit the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site.
The base and average pay for most full-time English teachers is between JPY 250,000 – JPY 280,000 a month and varies per company and job.
The best time to start looking for jobs is during winter, as the school year in Japan changes in April. Jobs do open up throughout the year, but many employers look for applicants currently residing in Japan – although, it’s still worth looking if you've not yet arrived in the country.
The application process for JET is long and arduous, and the deadline to apply is the beginning of December, with a start date of late July the following year (except for some countries such as New Zealand and Australia, which also have April start dates).
In the end though, with a bit patience and persistence expats can certainly fulfill their dream of teaching English in Japan.
