Teach English Abroad in Japan

Japanese Requirements, ESL Schools, Locations and Students

Aug 27, 2009

Teaching English in Japan can be a rewarding and challenging experience for both teacher and student, and an enjoyable way to combine work and travel.

With many respectable language schools to work for- from large corporations with hundreds of locations to small private schools – there are many ways to teach English in Japan,each providing a different experience. With basic requirements, any native English speaker has the ability to teach in locations across Japan.

Basic Requirements for Teaching English Abroad

There are strict requirements for teaching English as a second language in Japan. While not all schools and organizations have the same requirements, most often one needs a bachelor’s degree in any subject taught in English to teach. This diploma signifies a teacher has achieved a higher level of education, is able to organize and process thoughts, and is adept at writing assignments at a post-secondary level. Do not plan on finding a job in Japan without a completed bachelor’s degree.

Alternatively, some schools and organizations will also accept a college graduate, especially if the diploma was achieved in English studies or at a teacher’s college. All teachers in Japan must possess a work visa. Work visa requirements vary by home country and visa applications may require proof of return plane tickets, bank account statements, and offer of employment.

TEFL, TESL, TEOSL, and CELTA certificates for teaching English as a second language are not a requirement. Knowledge of the Japanese language is also not required. In fact some schools, such as ECC, prefer that their teachers have no Japanese language skills in order to maintain an fully English-immersed environment.

In addition to the numerous private or independent schools in Japan, there are several large language institutes which hire thousands of English teachers each year for their locations across Japan. These corporations including ECC, Nova, Aeon, and Geos, hold recruiting sessions in major Canadian, U.S., Australian, and European cities. These recruitment session include information sessions about teaching in Japan, as well as the application, and interview process. Large schools will arrange for a work visa for their teachers, and the offer of employment may include return plane tickets.

Another option is to gain a visitor visa or working holiday visa for Japan and seek employment upon arrival in the country. Inexperienced travelers may find this option overwhelming, and it is advised that the job search begin before leaving home. Both the visitor's visa and working holiday visa have restrictions on how long one can stay in the country and limit the hours of work individuals are permitted per week.

Begin by inquiring to these institutions online as to their requirements, hiring practices, and job listings. Keep in mind that these schools will have the same requirements for teachers that the major corporations have, and it is not unheard of for them to request a copy of one's university diploma or transcript.

What to Expect: Types of Schools and Students

From private schools to large language institutes, the Japanese are hungry to learn and improve their English skills. Classes can be held in community centres, single-room schools, large elementary schools, and even retirement homes.

Teaching English abroad is a full-time job with up to 40 hours of work expected per week. Classes may range from beginner to advanced with students ranging from pre-school age to senior citizens. A teacher may find him or herself teaching pre-school aged children the letters of the alphabet in the morning, and holding advanced discussions on current events with seniors in the evening, or even teaching Japanese English teachers. The chance to converse and learn from a native English speaker is highly desirable for a Japanese student, as is the mutual cultural exchange.

Not all teaching jobs are located in major centres like Tokyo or Kyoto. Even the smallest towns have language centres. If hired by one of the larger ESL schools, a teacher’s flights, transportation, and housing arrangements are often made in advance by the school. However, a teacher may not be able to specify which location in Japan their school will be located in. Often, these location assignments are not revealed until after training sessions in Japan.

One of the benefits of choosing a private or independent language school is that through research, a teacher is able to pin-point the location they desire. Flights and housing may also be arranged as part of the teaching contract with these smaller schools.

References and Resources for Teaching in Japan

There are many resources available online for those considering teaching abroad in Japan. From blogs detailing the day-to-day life of a teacher in Japan to detailed reference guides on the interview process, job research, and ESL resume tips.

Teaching in Japan is an experience of a lifetime and a great way to earn money while traveling this beautiful and unique country.

The copyright of the article Teach English Abroad in Japan in Teaching Abroad is owned by Rachel West. Permission to republish Teach English Abroad in Japan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.