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.
Key facts
- Who: Mai, an English teacher from Japan
- Where: a private English academy (Peppy Kids Club), teaching 95 children from 13 months old to high school seniors
- Course: Global English TESOL – chosen for its online format and individual tutor support
- Outcome: first-hand evidence of growing demand, with opportunities for both non-native and native-speaking teachers
What is it like teaching at a private English academy in Japan?
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.
If teaching children appeals to you, our 30-hour Teaching English to Young Learners course covers the songs, games and craft-based activities Mai describes.
Is demand for English teachers in Japan growing?
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.
“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.”
- Mai, English teacher, Japan
Why does a TESOL qualification matter in Japan?
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.
Who is hiring English teachers in Japan?
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 Peppy Kids Club recruitment).
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. (https://jetprogramme.org/en/)
Thanks, Mai. Japan sounds like a very interesting teaching destination with plenty of opportunities.
Where is the demand coming from?
Mai’s account points to three growth areas for EFL teachers in Japan:
- Private academies (eikaiwa and kids’ clubs) – chains like her former employer teach children from toddlers to high schoolers, six days a week
- Public elementary schools – English is now a compulsory subject, driving recruitment of overseas Assistant Language Teachers
- Adult learners – conversation and business English for professionals; see Corrina’s one-to-one business English career with Gaba
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
For official entry and visa rules, see the gov.uk foreign travel advice for Japan.
Frequently asked questions
Is there demand for English teachers in Japan?
Yes, and it is growing. Private English academies for children and adults are increasing, English is now compulsory in Japanese elementary schools, and public schools are recruiting more overseas Assistant Language Teachers – through routes such as the government-backed JET Programme. Both native and non-native teachers are in demand.
What do I need to teach English in Japan?
For visa sponsorship: a degree taught in English or three years’ full-time English teaching experience, plus a clean criminal record check. A TESOL certificate is strongly preferred – our accredited 120-hour Premier TESOL is our most popular course for Japan. More in our Japan guide.
Find out more:
* 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>>