Reputable Programs for Teaching English in Japan
An Overview of AEON and JET Requirements and Benefits
Aug 15, 2009
Both programs offer a unique entry into Japan and becoming an English teacher. Their one year contracts have different requirements, salaries, schedules, and benefits.
Both AEON and JET offer an exciting opportunity to teach in Japan for a year. Throughout the year, there are holidays and weekends when teachers can take advantage of public transportation and visit major cities or the countryside of Japan. Their applicant requirements are similar, but they vary on benefits.
Education Requirements
- AEON applicants must have an accredited Bachelor’s degree.
- JET applicants must obtain a Bachelor’s degree or hold a qualification of 3 years in an education training course.
Language Requirements
- AEON requires a master command of the English language. For applicants not from a native English speaking country, they must have 10 years of education in an English speaking school and a Bachelor’s from an English speaking country.
- JET requires a command of either the English or Japanese language.
- Neither program requires the applicants to speak Japanese, but it is a benefit.
Age Requirements
- AEON is an equal opportunity employer and hires all ages.
- JET is a program to foster youth-to-youth exchange from Japanese youth and young professionals, and therefore they place a 40 year age limit. Applicants may still apply after the age of 40 if they feel they have the ability to accomplish JETs goals with the youth exchange program.
Travel Expenses To and From Japan
- AEON does not pay for nor reimburse airfare to and from Japan.
- JET will reimburse for the incoming flight and outgoing flight AFTER the one year contract is completed.
Work Week and Approximate Starting Pay
- AEON offers a full-time job, with a five day work week with approximately 38 hours in each week. After 25 hours each week, AEON provides an overtime pay of 3,000yen/hr. Monthly salary is approximately 270,000 yen. AEON also provides a cash bonus (80,000 yen) after completing the contract.
- JET offers a full-time job, with a five day work week with approximately 35 hours in each week. Yearly salary is approximately 3,600,000 yen.
Insurance
- AEON teachers will be covered by the Japanese National Social Insurance System.
- JET teachers will be covered by Government Health Insurance, JET Program Accident Insurance, Employees’ Pension Insurance, and Employment Insurance.
Living Arrangements
- AEON provides a furnished single-occupancy apartment, but the teacher is required to pay up to 55,000 yen/month for rent.
- JET does not necessarily provide teachers with housing arrangements. The employer (the contracting organization) will either have already decided housing or will help the incoming teacher find an apartment. It is possible, but not mandatory, that the contractor may also assist with deposits or rent subsidies. As a general rule, all teachers should expect to pay rent.
AEON and JET are two major programs offering a one year contracted teaching position in Japan. There are pros and cons to both programs, and both options should be considered carefully before a decision is made.
For more information look at the homepages for AEON and JET
The copyright of the article Reputable Programs for Teaching English in Japan in Teaching Abroad is owned by Jaclyna Perez. Permission to republish Reputable Programs for Teaching English in Japan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
