In the land of the rising sun, the demand for English hasn’t set and Japan generally represents the more lucrative end of the market for TESOL teachers.
Demand is high, salaries large and the prospects for even the novice teacher are good. Japanese EFL vacancies are well represented in the UK national press and on the Internet. Indeed many of the larger organisations offer very favourable conditions for newly qualified teachers, including 1-year renewable contracts, holidays, flights, insurance and help with accommodation. Securing these lucrative positions from abroad is often the preferred step. However, it is also possible to travel to the country first and arrange work once you get there. Should you decide to try and obtain work from inside Japan however, you may need deep pockets. Because although you may secure a better contract for yourself, in the short term you will need a fair amount of money to tide you over.
This is because the cost of living is very high, particularly in the main cities. That said, many EFL teachers comment on good quality of life they enjoy on their salaries. It is possible to live quite well, enjoy a social life and travel to within Asia on the generally minimum EFL wage (around 250,000 Y per month). Added to this, Japan appeals because it is considered relatively safe, with a clean, efficient transport system, when compared with other popular EFL destinations. The country has an exciting culture and history and the people are warm and courteous.
You can read a personal view of Japan from one of our former students, Matthew Bruce, in the Student Comments section below.
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Jobs appear in the mainstream EFL press in the UK (the Times Educational Supplement on Fridays and the Guardian EFL pages on Tuesdays). Of particular note is the JET scheme; a well respected government run organisation that recruits UK graduates as classroom assistants. The pay and conditions are good and it is possible to stay for up to three years on a yearly renewable contract. However with the JET programme you need to be flexible, as you may not have much choice in destination. Alternatively, if you want to gain a prearranged contract, look on the Internet (e.g. www.tefl.com), where you will find many jobs and larger organisations advertising.
Japan is one of those countries where just speaking English may be enough to secure you some teaching work. However a Global English Level 2 TESOL with business will significantly enhance your job prospects, as will a degree, which is essential for the more established schools and organisations. It is important to dress smartly and conservatively but schools often look for teachers who appear lively and fun.
To obtain a visa in advance you will have to secure a teaching position. The visa can be obtained from the Japanese Embassy in the UK upon presentation of certified proof of employment. A letter from prospective employer will not be enough. A work visa (valid for twelve months) can be obtained once you are in Japan but you will need to find an employer prepared to sponsor you. Alternatively you can work on a tourist visa (valid for three months) which is renewable for an additional three months only. You should note that Japan has become stricter on people overstaying their visas. If you are travelling to Japan prior to securing a position, the best option is to find an employer willing to sponsor you for the work visa as soon as possible.
One of the best ways to get there initially is to go with a respected organisation, such as Nova. Several GE graduates have gone on to work for them and you can see comments from one of our former students in the Student Comments section below.
In addition to the reasonable salaries which attract so many new TESOL teachers, most Japanese schools tend to offer year round employment, in contrast to the typical European 9 month contract. It follows that the longer you stay the more comfortable life becomes. It is possible to live fairly well and save, as you can begin to take advantage of the perks and benefits that tend to accrue over time, and because the great expenses are generally incurred initially (see below). The tax rate is fairly low and many organisations offer free flights, health cover and paid holidays. These conditions, coupled with the chance to experience such a totally different culture make Japan a popular destination.
Teachers are very highly regarded in Japan, particularly those from abroad. Your students are likely to be very friendly, welcoming and eager to learn all about you. Although you are likely to be employed to help with ‘conversation and communication’ Japanese culture can make successful communicative lessons difficult to achieve. Having taught many Japanese students, we can testify to the fact that the Japanese are generally unwilling to express their own opinions publicly, particularly on controversial topics. Typical communicative EFL activities such as debates and discussions have therefore to be approached with more thought and planning. It is better to arrange small discussion groups and elect a spokesperson to speak for the group rather than as an individual. Accommodation is not usually offered with any position and is generally very expensive, sometimes as much as 33% of your salary in addition to (sometimes) a hefty deposit. Much accommodation comes unfurnished, adding to the initial outlay. Commuting can be expensive, particularly in the larger cities. Securing a job in advance from an organisation that provides help with accommodation is therefore the preferred option for most new EFL teachers. Opportunities for well paid private tuition are good, particularly when you have been in one place for a while and have established yourself.
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GE graduate, Sarah Walters is having a great experience working with Interac in Japan
I got my job by asking Global English which company would be good to apply to. They put me in touch with Interac. I went for an interview in London, where I was given some information about living and working in Japan.
I had to teach a short lesson in front of imaginary children! I was filmed doing this, and felt really silly, but it wasn’t that bad. Next there was a more in depth interview about why I wanted to go to Japan and what I thought it would be like. We also had to do a personality test, and an English grammar test.
I found out pretty soon after that I had been successful. After that, I was frequently sent information about what I needed to sort out, arrange and consider. They helped me to arrange my work visa, health insurance, housing etc, so that everything would run smoothly when I arrive in Japan. I felt free to email them with any questions I had, and they often called me back to talk about it. This was nice, because it made me feel part of the company and well taken care of.
I was not scared about coming to Japan, I was very excited, because I love to travel. However, when I arrived in Tokyo airport, I was very glad to be met by another ALT!! He took me and some others arriving at a similar time, to the hotel where we were to be staying for a week. The hotel was really luxurious and in a nice area of Tokyo. We had orientation for a week, and lots of advice on lesson planning and ideas, and cultural awareness, as well as housing and car information.
After the training, we went on a bus to the area where we were to be working.It was very nice, because we were all individually met by staff who work in the area. They helped us to arrange everything we need – a futon, food and other equipment.After that, we had a few days to get used to our local area before we started work in our schools.
I have three schools that I work in, all senior high schools – and this is ideal for me, and the kind of age range that I enjoy working with. I have a car, so all of the schools are easy for me to get to. I really enjoy teaching here, and I feel that I have plenty of support from Interac if I need it. We also have training now and again, so this helps us to keep up to date with information and meet each other. Since I got here (10 weeks ago), I have been busy going on trips every weekend with other ALTs. This has helped me to feel relaxed and at home here.
I am still a beginner at speaking Japanese, but with gestures and some words, I manage to get by most of the time. However, I am generally surprised about the low level of English skills, especially in the area that I am living. I live about 4 hours north of Tokyo, close to Sendai. At least the low levels of English skills in this area means that my job is meaningful to the students I teach, as they practice most of their English skills through me.
There does seem to be a general sway towards American English as opposed to British English, and this can sometimes be confusing as I hear words that I have not heard of before, or that I am not used to. For example, a “full stop” is referred to as a “period”, I find myself talking about “candy” instead of “sweets”, “fall” instead of “autumn”, and spelling words like “favourite” and “colour” without the letter “u”. The only problem with that is that when I return to England, I will have adapted an American way of speaking and writing.
Matthew Bruce has been in Japan for 4 years and completed his business English foundation course from Japan via email.
Japan, a country with a population of 126 million is a land of contrasts. On one hand it has the most modern technology on the planet, at the same time remaining deeply rooted in culture and traditions dating back thousands of years that still infiltrate everyday life.
I have been living in Japan for just on 4 years and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience teaching English as well as learning a new language and culture. While living in Japan I have fallen in love with the delicious Japanese cuisine and come to respect Japanese people for their politeness, humility, friendliness and hardworking spirit. Japan is a very beautiful country with four distinct seasons. Each season has its own beauty and there are many festivals to enjoy along the way. My wife and I enjoy hiking and living in a country where 65% of the land mass is made up of forested mountains, Japan is hiking heaven. After a day of trekking it is so refreshing to relax in one of the thousands of 'Onsens' (hot springs) all over these volcanically active islands.
Japan is also a popular place for teaching English. There are limitless opportunities to find work. However, if you are seeking a better than average position you should ideally have a TEFL qualification and any form of teaching experience is always a bonus. My Business English teaching qualification attained through Global English enabled me to get an excellent position with a large Japanese corporation teaching English to employees and management staff of a major electronics company 30 minutes from our apartment in the Tokyo area. The position starts from early June and I will be responsible for teaching both general English courses, as well as presentation courses, telephoning courses, online chat and e-mail courses and other specialised Business English technique programs. I look forward to the challenge and am excited about it. Over 150 applicants applied and just 10 were interviewed, and I was the very fortunate person to be selected. In the interview the interviewers asked me various questions with regards to I.T. and teaching English. I was able to answer and present some good ideas due to the fact that I had learnt many valuable points through the Global English Business English course. I am grateful to the team at Global English who provide such professional courses, and the support is second to none.
Before coming to Japan to teach English I would advise the following:
1. Complete a TESOL course
2. Try to get a bit of teaching experience before arriving in Japan
3. Study basic Japanese language (greetings, shopping expressions, travel language etc)
4. Buy a suit or formal work clothes
5. Make a few contacts in Japan
6. Buy a guide book
7. Carefully consider different job options available (incomes may seem high but this is the most expensive country in the world!)
8. Bring an open attitude and be willing to eat and try new things (you will win the respect of the locals)
9. Check out websites on teaching in Japan
10. If you have any health concerns seek advice
Many people have come to Japan to teach English for a year or so without any plan to stay on but have ended up staying several years, or even living permanently. Japan has that effect on you. I trust you will experience the same.
Global English student Lenora Carlson writes:
‘It is quite easy to find work in Japan. The average salary is 250,000 Yen per month, although the cost of living can be quite high. I got a job from the Internet and started work for a private school on a tourist visa! The Internet is the best bet for finding jobs here – there are jobs for all ages and levels in private schools. But don’t be surprised if your school sublets you an apartment, which is quite shabby for 50,000 Yen a month! The average working week is 25 – 30 hours and the people are very friendly.
Global English Graduate Rachel Sykes is teaching in Japan:
I’ve been living in Japan for the last 3 months where I’m working for Nova. I’m really enjoying teaching here, the students are all very polite and respectful and very interested in me and my culture. I’m supposed to be focusing on conversational English but sometimes getting them to talk is like pulling teeth! They expect me to talk all the time while they take notes. I’ve just started teaching children’s classes (3-6 year olds) which are fun although chaotic and unpredictable!
I saw the Nova advert in the Times Ed. A lot of the teachers have done EFL or education degrees although it isn’t necessary. I was worried about the cost of living in Japan but fortunately I live in a smaller, regional city (Miyazaki) which is relatively cheap. Even people who live in Tokyo and Osaka say the cost of living is exaggerated in England.
Maria Boucher writes from Japan: I did your TEFL course last year and really enjoyed it! I had already been teaching in Japan for about 3 years but I wanted something that would give me the edge on the competition and more options in other countries. After finishing the course I was given 2 pay rises by my boss and favourable reviews, it gave me more confidence in my teaching ability, particularly grammar! I am still working at the same company and next week will be training new teachers myself!
There was a lot of support from the tutors on the course and they made very constructive remarks when grading the work. I have recommended the course to several people as I think its one of the best around so thank you Global English!
If you have any experience of working in Japan and would like to share it with us, please email us at info@global-english.com.
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