Teaching jobs in Japan enjoy the culture and tradition this beautiful country offers. This will make your life easier when you get to Japan. If you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime and to live in a culture that is very different from your own, apply to teach English in Japan. English teachers must obtain a proper work visa to work in Japan. Do a bit of research by talking with schools and recruiters who can provide you with information that fits your unique situation. I had earned a TEFL certificate before applying for jobs in Japan. Close. How to Become a Japanese Teacher. Japan’s immigration laws require you to have a bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible for a work visa. Many schools will want to see a photocopy of your diploma before they even interview you. It is probably more difficult for non-native English speakers to get hired. There are many reasons to pursue a career as a Japanese teacher, and several ways to become one. Any higher education institution, including junior colleges, can provide teacher training as long as their courses satisfy the requirements of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and … It can also be found on the Japanese Embassy website. It’s a country with so much to offer teachers – an abundance of jobs, good salaries and benefits, and incredible culture and history. whether you have a passport from a native English-speaking country OR at least 12 years of English-language education My school required me to have an international driver's’ license before I arrived in Japan so that I could drive a company car to different branches of the school. National colleges of education require an average of 4-5 credits in practice teaching in the lower secondary education program. Read more about working as an ALT in Japan. Exact visa requirements vary depending on what country you are from. To apply for a visa to teach English in Japan, you will need: Finding a teaching job in Japan will take some preparation, time, and patience. In fact, there are only 2 things the government looks for when deciding whether you qualify for a Japanese working visa: a.) Your bachelor's degree doesn't need to be in English or teaching, but it might be more useful. Your school will tell you how many you should need. Native English speakers are generally preferred by schools, but it is not a requirement. In addition, the decreasing numbers of young people in Japan are translating into more space at universities. Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) work concerns the internationalization of Japanese youth. Which means that whether you’re working as an: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in a public or private school Eikaiwa (private English school) teacher After I started working at my school, the person who interviewed me told me that one of the reasons they decided to hire me was because they felt like my TEFL certificate showed that I really cared about teaching. All teachers, including ALTs, are expected to set a good example for students in and outside the school gate. Many Americans teach English in Japan through the famous Jet Program and the Interac Program, which places qualified Americans as assistant language teachers (ALTs) in high schools and grades schools throughout the country.Many foreigners also teach in private language schools. Teachers must hold a degree from an institution of higher education. If you are not a native English speaker, don’t be completely discouraged. The exact number you need varies. The more you bring the better. I also had the opportunity to take a short trip to Japan during the summer holiday. There is a high social expectation placed on anyone who is a teacher in Japan, including Interac ALTs. Login. Some interviewers won’t really care if you have a TEFL or not, but you never know what might set you apart from other people applying for the same teaching position. Becoming a teacher is far more difficult in Japan than in the United States. As there is a team of office workers ensuring you do well at school, this is a great job for those new to living in Japan. You can do this by showing that you have learned a few words of Japanese, talking about Japanese foods that you want to try, and say that you are eager to learn about the language and culture. As I finished up an incredible experience teaching abroad for a year in South Korea, I decided I was ready for another teaching adventure. Kindergarten Teacher in Tochigi Full Time. If your interviewer believes that you speak English well enough to teach it to others, then you could land the job. There are two minimum requirements that most institutions will require for teaching in Japan and that’s a degree (well or ten years experience) and being a native English speaker. Occasionally, there are also changes in policies regarding immigration and visas. Japan is not a cheap place to live and you will need money to live on before you get your first paycheck. When you are hired, your school will provide this for you. Your school will likely help you with this. A Bachelor’s degree in any major from an accredited institution in an English-speaking country and at least 10 years of education from schools where English is the primary mode of education. Working as a preschool or kindergarten teacher will usually require certain qualifications or specific experience teaching children. Would I qualify? Some sources say that in this case, you would need to be educated for 10 years or more in English. Again, I knew several people who did not speak English as a first language who worked as English teachers during my time in Japan. Working overseas is a big decision. #ALTinJapan #EnglishTeacherinJapan #HowtobeanALT #TeacherinJapanThis is my journey in becoming an English Teacher (ALT) in Japan. Starting with detailed information about the branch school being offered and finishing with an informational phone call to go over what the new teacher can expect during their first few weeks in Japan, the recruiters work closely with all of the teachers we hire. If you majored in something related to English or Education, some employers may consider this a plus and some students may request to have classes with you if they know that you have a degree in these areas. If you are determined to live in Tokyo, Osaka, or another big city, you may find that it takes more time and patience to land your first job in Japan. Requirements Must currently reside in Japan, English (Native level) Featured. Here is an overview of the teacher requirements in Japan. As an assistant teacher, you aren’t required actual teaching qualifications or experiences to get the job. Any old bachelor’s degree will do. high school teachers have to earn at least twenty credits of junior high school subject matters, thirty- one credits of teaching, and eight credits of subject matters or teaching. A typical Japanese university application requires the following items: References from professors/teachers; Proof that … For example, one of my co-workers from Germany who spoke English quite well got paid the same as the other teachers at my school who were native English speakers. 10 Up & Coming Places to Teach Abroad in 2021, The 10 Best Places to Teach Abroad in 2021, 5 Meaningful Travel Trends to Watch in 2021. English teachers are in high demand. All you need is PC. As I’m a native English speaker, I’m not completely clear on the details of this, but it may depend on the school. I am fit, healthy, enthusiastic and experienced. I have noticed that some other job ads for English teachers at Japanese schools ask for the same thing. Airfare to and from Japan is the responsibility of the Native English Teacher. Am I too old? Teaching Requirements The type of certification you'll need to teach English in Japan depends on what type of teacher you're interested in becoming. Without a bachelor's degree, Japan will not issue you a work visa. University application requirements. There are four main ways to work in Japan; work visa, working-holiday visa, spousal visa and to work illegally on a tourist visa. To teach English in Japan full time, whether in a language school or on the JET scheme, you need a degree to get a work visa. Preschool & Kindergarten. What Qualifications Do You Need to Teach English in Japan? While not required, if you are willing to live outside of a big city like Tokyo or Osaka, you may have more luck in finding your first job in Japan. That said, if you are truly determined to teach English in Japan, you most likely can find a way to do it. This can make it a little more difficult to find a teaching job in Japan than in some other countries where the market has a higher demand for English teachers. Yes. If you are caught working without a visa you will be detained and deported. Close. The teaching certification law determines teacher education programs at colleges and universities in Japan. I know this is not for everyone. It is also one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, where residents enjoy a high quality of living. Eventually, I decided to give teaching in Japan a try. Not only teaching English in school but also participation in school activities, events, clubs, etc. However, this degree doesn’t need to be in English, education or anything remotely related to teaching English abroad. And there's a lot of misleading information about teaching English in Japan. The below eligibility criteria are for Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs), not Sports Exchange Advisors (SEAs). Teaching English in Japan Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree (any field is acceptable) English teachers in Japan must be able to prove that they have a Bachelor’s degree to get a visa. You don't want to break the law in Japan. As a teacher in Japan, you have the option to teach English at public and private schools. This means upholding good character in your free time as well. See if you have the other half of what you need to successfully land a job as an English teacher in Japan. After traveling to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, the idea of one day teaching in Japan stuck. Completed Visa Application Form. Passport-size photos. You typically need to speak English at a near-native level of fluency, but the final call will be up to the person hiring you. I also had time to do plenty of traveling around Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and other interesting spots around South Korea. Showing a genuine interest in Japanese language and culture is always appreciated in interviews. While having a TEFL certificate may make you more marketable when you apply for a job in Japan, it is not required. Most of my fellow teachers in Japan were native English speakers. They don’t do an official health check, but if you have health problems you should resolve these before living in a foreign country. A Valid Passport. Age Requirements and Jobs in Japan. If you have a TEFL certification, make sure you mention it frequently during your interview and give specific information about how what you learned from your TEFL certification will help you be a great English teacher. Other English teacher in Japan requirements include being the proper age (no one above 60 is allowed, as this is the mandatory retirement age here), having clean criminal background check, and having a degree from an accredited institution. Many schools in Japan prefer to see that you have experience teaching Japanese students and also prefer to interview for schools in person, especially in more popular locations. Japan is quite strict and has set a national minimum annual salary of 3.4 million Yen (or $31,000 USD) for full-time foreign English teachers working in the country. Unlike many countries popular with ESL teachers, the requirements to teach in Japan are quite mild. The good news is that your degree can be in anything. You don’t need to show a background check, but if it is later discovered you have a criminal record you could be in pretty big trouble. You can work, anytime, anywhere. State of the Industry: What Does the Future of Travel Look Like? You can’t teach with the JET program, for example, without a degree. Read our Requirements page to see how Gaba brings 1-to-1 English instruction to Japan. The requirements to be an English teacher in Japan especially for an Eikaiwa teacher are not too bad. While applying for jobs and waiting for paperwork to be processed, save as much money as possible and learn as much about Japan as you can. Best Teacher, Inc. is revolutionary online English tutorial company in Japan. It is a plus if you can speak Japanese fluently, but this is not a requirement for English teachers. The average salary for teaching in Japan is $1,700 - $5,000 USD per month. If you don’t have a TEFL, focus on your other strengths as an applicant. AEON’s recruiters support our new teachers as they prepare to move to Japan and begin working at their schools. Close. We invite you to join part-time ESL Teacher online. As we discussed in our Requirements to Teach in Japan page, applicants don’t need much to qualify for a Japanese work visa: Be a native English speaker OR have at least 12 years of schooling in English Japanese is recognized by the U.S. Department of State as a critical language skill. Ideally, you have one from an English-speaking country, but some schools will make exceptions if you have a high-proficiency of English. Always bring a few extra with you just in case. The below eligibility criteria are for the 2021-2022 JET Programme Year and are subject to change for the following year. English teachers in Japan must be able to prove that they have a Bachelor’s degree to get a visa. If you have a strong desire to experience a new culture and the willingness to open your mind in order to see the world in a whole new light, you already have half of what you need to teach English in Japan. Our goal is to give you the facts about jobs in Japan - the good...bad and the ugly, so you can find out if teaching English in Japan is right for you.. We’ve put together tons of useful information designed to answer your questions about becoming an English teacher in Japan. The good news is that your degree can be in anything. Guaranteed Placements in Japan with TEFL Certification, Cultural Orientation & 24/7 Support, Early Childhood English Teacher (1700 schools, 2000+ teachers, Full Time Position), The COVID-19 Vaccine & Travel: All of Your FAQs Answered. Some say that non-native speakers don’t get paid as much as native speakers, but this seems to vary on a case by case basis. Many schools will want to see a photocopy of your diploma before they even interview you. Obviously, you need a passport to travel internationally. Linda taught English abroad for a total of four years in South Korea, Japan, and China. Certificate of Eligibility. Ground transportation to all company functions and commuting costs (if applicable) are covered. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Japan, so be sure you can withdraw this money in cash. Minimum requirements for student teaching are 4 weeks (4 credits) for the elementary program and 2 weeks (2 credits) for secondary. Teaching certification, such as TEFL, is preferred but not required. I already live in Japan. The General Criteria Basic Requirements to become an English Teacher, especially within an English Conversation School or Language Centre are as follows: Be a native English speaker Recieve an education in English for 12 years Savings of $2,000 or more. No criminal record. A new public school teacher had to pass prefectural examinations whose passing rate was one out of every 8.3 in 2003 (Monbukagakushō 2004e). Be sure to supplement the list below with your own research by visiting the Japanese Embassy’s website to learn about the specific requirements for your country. There are also expats already living in Japan who stay for years at a time and have the advantage of being able to interview for jobs in person, making it more challenging for those who are applying from outside Japan to land jobs in some cases. Select an option below to help us find the right position for you. However, plenty of English teachers in Japan have degrees that are completely unrelated to English teaching and do just fine. I did some research and talked with many people who taught abroad in different countries in Asia. Open Positions. Japan has been a popular destination for EFL teachers for many years. Japan is a popular choice for people who teach English abroad. A regular dose of travel info & inspiration, delivered straight to your inbox ✈️. Teaching in Japan is a life-changing experience for many people, myself included. To teach English in Japan, you will need to meet the following requirements: Citizenship from a recognized English-speaking country; Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Clean criminal background check; Pass a health exam & drug test; Meet the age requirement I found a job where I lived about an hour outside of Tokyo and found that it was easy enough to travel to Tokyo and other parts of Japan on weekends and during school holidays without having to deal with the stress of living in a big city. Many English teaching jobs in other countries require TEFL or other English-teaching certifications for all teachers. by Michael (New Zealand) Hi, I'm a retired (69) English teacher still working full-time, with an ESOL qualification who would like to teach in Japan. But you do get a working visa and a salary to support living in Japan, as well as assistance from companies to bring you here. A Transportation Stipend of 60,000 yen is provided upon completion of the final contract for candidates hired internationally. This post was originally published in October 2018, and was updated in June 2020. Teaching jobs are one of most popular choices among college graduates in Japan. However, I knew people who were teachers from France, Germany, the Philippines, and other countries who did not speak English as their first language. Teach in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher It came with many ups and downs, but in my opinion, it was well worth it. Search. Read our Requirements page to see how Gaba brings 1-to-1 English instruction to Japan. During my time in Korea, I taught English mostly to elementary school and middle school children, as well as a few adult classes. In order to teach English in Japan, most teachers will require a Bachelor’s degree and a clean criminal record. Be mentally and physically healthy. Log in, visa requirements to teach English in Japan, Interview with The Japan Guy, Donald Ash, teaching English in Japan, Interview with Neil Mullens, teaching English in Japan, Interview with John Bardos, Teach English in Japan. Our mission is to empower human connection through perspective-changing travel.