How to Prepare to Teach English in Japan
Teaching English in Japan can be a fun and rewarding endeavor. Many for-profit English-language schools in Japan actively recruit teachers from the U.S. You'll be dealing with some important cultural differences between a teaching job here and one in Japan, however, so a bit of preparation will help.
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Instructions
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Research the teaching possibilities. You can teach English conversation at a large English-language school, in a private school or through the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program, known as the JET program. Two programs that recruit teachers from the U.S. are AEON Corporation and GEOS Language. Check education job boards if you are looking for an ESL position in a Japanese private school.
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Prepare your application materials. Each program has its own requirements, but you will generally need to submit a resume, an essay, college transcripts and references, and any teaching experience you have. Be prepared to describe your proficiency in speaking and reading Japanese, although surprisingly this is not always a required or even desired qualification for foreign English-language teachers.
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Start applying for jobs online. Apply for the jobs 2 to 6 months before your estimated departure date. The busiest time for hiring is March and April, so you may want to plan to have your applications finished before then and your passport in hand.
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Familiarize yourself with Japanese culture. English-language teachers in Japan are expected to embrace the local cultural norms, in particular the Japanese work ethic. Your contract may require you to spend anywhere from 29 to 40 hours a week in the classroom, but you will really be "on duty" at all times. For a complete Japanese cultural immersion experience, apply to the government-sponsored JET (Japan English Teaching) program, in which foreign teachers live and work in small rural communities.
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Know what you're getting into. Read the job descriptions carefully, and once you are offered a position, make sure you examine and understand all aspects of your contract, especially compensation. Some organizations arrange your visa and supply housing, health insurance and commuting costs while you are in Japan; with others, you are on your own.
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Make any pre-departure arrangements. You may be required to take preparatory correspondence courses, enroll in a Japanese conversation class to help you negotiate daily life if you are not fluent and attend training and orientation sessions. You'll also need to secure a work visa and make your travel arrangements if your employer is not taking care of these.
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Tips & Warnings
Many English-language schools don't require that you speak Japanese in order to teach. Your job will be to immerse Japanese adults or young people in English conversation, so employers feel it's actually better if you aren't bilingual. Your employer may provide Japanese classes once you arrive. You don't need to read Japanese to teach in English-language conversation schools, or even worry about developing lesson plans, because most provide their own English-only curriculum to which you are required to adhere.
Be flexible. This is not a job for someone who isn't comfortable adapting to new and different cultural circumstances. Teaching English in Japan can be an educational experience for you as well as your students, but only if you keep an open mind.
Build a financial cushion before you start your job. The cost of living in Japan, especially in major cities, is among the world's highest, and even if your employer is covering some of your expenses, you don't want to be caught short.
