Teaching English in Japan: Programs & Requirements

Are you interested in teaching English in Japan? If so, you are not alone. Japan is one of the most popular and rewarding destinations for English teachers around the world. Japan offers a unique blend of ancient and modern culture, stunning natural beauty, and a high-quality education system. As an English teacher in Japan, you will have the opportunity to share your language and culture with your students, while also learning from them and immersing yourself in their way of life.

There are many types of teaching English in Japan jobs, such as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), English conversation schools (eikaiwas), and online teaching. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences, goals, and qualifications.

In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the requirements and qualifications, the types and benefits, and the challenges and tips for teaching English in Japan. Our purpose is to help you make an informed and confident decision about pursuing this exciting career path.

Requirements and Qualifications for Teaching English in Japan

The minimum requirements and qualifications for teaching English in Japan vary depending on the type of job and employer, but generally, they include:

Being a native English speaker, or having a high level of English proficiency
Having a bachelor’s degree in any field, or a higher degree for some positions
Obtaining a TEFL/TESOL certificate, or a relevant teaching license or experience for some positions

In addition to these requirements, you will also need to obtain a visa to work legally in Japan. The most common visa options for teaching English in Japan are:

The working visa, which is sponsored by your employer and allows you to work full-time for up to five years
The working holiday visa, which is available for citizens of certain countries and allows you to work part-time for up to one year
The student visa, which allows you to study at a language school or university and work part-time for up to 28 hours per week

To prepare and apply for teaching English in Japan jobs, you will need to:

Update your resume and highlight your relevant skills and achievements
Write a cover letter that expresses your interest and motivation for teaching English in Japan
Prepare for interviews and demonstrate your teaching ability and personality
Research the destination and the employer and ask questions to clarify the details of the job offer.

Types and Benefits of Teaching English in Japan Jobs

There are different types of teaching English in Japan jobs, each with its own pros and cons. The main types are:

ALTs, who work in public schools and assist Japanese teachers with English classes. They typically earn between 200,000 and 300,000 yen per month, have a regular schedule from Monday to Friday, and enjoy long vacations. However, they may have limited control over the curriculum, face large class sizes, and work in rural areas.
Eikaiwas, who work in private language schools and teach English to students of all ages and levels. They typically earn between 250,000 and 350,000 yen per month, have a flexible schedule from morning to evening, and work in urban areas. However, they may have a heavy workload, face high pressure and competition, and work on weekends and holidays.
Online teaching, who work from home or anywhere with an internet connection and teach English to students online. They typically earn between 1,000 and 3,000 yen per hour, have a very flexible schedule, and work with various platforms and students. However, they may have a low and unstable income, face technical issues and distractions, and lack social interaction and support.

Some examples of teaching English in Japan programs and employers are:

The JET Program, which is a government-sponsored program that recruits ALTs from around the world and provides them with training, support, and benefits. You can learn more about the JET Program here.
Interac, which is a private company that hires ALTs and places them in public schools across Japan. You can learn more about Interac here.
AEON, which is a large and reputable eikaiwa chain that operates over 300 schools in Japan. You can learn more about AEON here.
Gaba, which is a leading online and offline eikaiwa that offers one-to-one lessons to students. You can learn more about Gaba here.

Teaching English in Japan has many benefits and opportunities, such as:

Learning Japanese, which is a valuable and fascinating language that can open many doors for you in the future
Experiencing the culture, which is rich and diverse, and includes aspects such as food, festivals, art, and history
Traveling is easy and affordable, and allows you to explore the many attractions and wonders of Japan and its neighboring countries
Saving money, which is possible and realistic, as the cost of living in Japan is reasonable and the salary is decent.

Challenges and Tips for Teaching English in Japan

Teaching English in Japan is not without its challenges and difficulties, such as:

Culture shock, which is the feeling of confusion and discomfort that arises from encountering a different culture and lifestyle
Language barrier, which is the difficulty of communicating and understanding in a foreign language and context
Classroom management, which is the skill of creating and maintaining a positive and productive learning environment
Professional development, which is the process of improving and updating your knowledge and skills as a teacher

To cope with and overcome these challenges, you can:

Research the destination and the culture before you go, and learn about the customs, etiquette, and expectations of Japan
Join online and offline communities of English teachers and expats in Japan, and seek their advice, support, and friendship
Learn some basic Japanese phrases and expressions, and practice them with your students, colleagues, and neighbors
Be flexible and adaptable, and embrace the differences and opportunities that teaching English in Japan offers
Be creative and enthusiastic, and use various methods and materials to engage and motivate your students
Be reflective and proactive, and seek feedback and resources to improve and grow as a teacher.

Teaching English in Japan is a rewarding and exciting career option for many English teachers. It requires some requirements and qualifications, offers different types and benefits, and poses some challenges and tips. By following this guide, you will be able to make an informed and confident decision about teaching English in Japan, and prepare yourself for a successful and enjoyable experience.