Growing demand for EFL teachers in Japan

English teacher Mai, from Japan, reports there is a growing demand to learn English from both adults and children. We asked her more…

Mai’s interview, below, is part of a series we're running, focussing on TEFL jobs in Japan sharing stories on teaching English in Japan from native English speakers and non-native English teachers and highlighting our most popular, accredited online 120-hour TESOL course for Asia.

Hello Mai. Please tell us about your English teaching experience

I was teaching English at a private English academy called Peppy kids club. With a British partner, we took care of a total of 95 children (from 13-month old to seniors at high school) from Mondays through Saturdays for one hour, once a week.

They were really cute and so enthusiastic about learning English! Small kids loved all those English activities such as singing songs, dancing, playing games, listening to stories, making paper crafts, and so on, and those who are around fifth graders and older are learning and enjoying English conversation. 

What are job prospects teaching English in Japan right now?

In Japan, private English schools are increasing with growing demand for English teachers. There are many private English academies in Japan and English for both children and adults. That means there are tons of opportunities for both non-native and native-speaking teachers.

Tell me about the importance of a TESOL qualification

I think it is really important to learn how to teach English through TESOL/CELTA course to be a skilled teacher who can contribute to improving the English speaking level of Japanese people.

I was looking for a TESOL school, and then one of my Japanese friends told me about Global English. I got attracted right away: everything can be done online and I have an individual tutor to consult. 

Can you link us to some employers in Japan?

My previous employer has always been looking for both Japanese-speaking and native English-speaking teachers (check http://www.ittti.com/pkc/index.html). 

And also, more and more public schools are hiring ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) from overseas recently. English finally became a compulsory subject in elementary school in Japan 

The JET program is one of the best options for those who are interested in teaching English at public schools in Japan. (http://jetprogramme.org/en/)

Thanks, Mai. Japan sounds like a very interesting teaching destination with plenty of opportunities.

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Could you teach English in Japan?

For Visa sponsorship, you'll need:
* A degree (from a university where the medium of instruction was English)
or
* 3 years full-time experience teaching English

Strongly desired:
* A TESOL certificate
* Native English speakers – although this is changing
* A clean criminal record check

* Discover our most popular TESOL course for Japan >>
* Find out more about TEFL jobs in Japan >>
* Learn more about teaching English in Japan on our destinations pages>>