Teaching English in Japan
Teaching English in Japan is a great way to learn about the culture of the country while using your skills and earning money. You can teach just about any age group, from toddlers to business executives. The best way to start teaching English in Japan is to apply from home and be already set up when you arrive in Japan. There are a number of schools and options available, each with a slightly different process. The following steps will help anyone looking for a job teaching English in Japan.
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Instructions
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Make sure you meet all the basic requirements to teach English in Japan. To teach English in Japan you need to hold a bachelor's degree and be a native English speaker from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada or Australia. Most English schools do not require that you have a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certificate, but requirements do vary by position.
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Apply for a passport if you do not already have one. When you are hired, you will need to have a passport before you can get your visa. The process to get a passport can take up to 6 months, so it is important to start early.
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Start researching the schools you plan to apply to and their application process. There are many conversational English schools in Japan, each with a different application process. The four largest schools in Japan are Geos, Berlitz, ECC and Aeon (see Resources below).
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Create your resume and cover letters and send them to schools you want to apply to. Most applications are done via email. Be sure you include any extra paperwork and documentation that the school requests. Participate in any follow-up interviews offered to you.
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Wait to be hired by a school. The school will then apply for and send you a Certificate of Eligibility. Take this certificate to your nearest Japanese consulate to obtain your travel visa. This process is very simple and should only require a few hours of your time.
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Prepare to leave for Japan by packing your bags, taking care of any personal details and finding flights. Depending on the school, you may have to pay for your own ticket to Japan. Check with your new employer to find out the details of your arrival and any special arrangements you need to make.
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Tips & Warnings
Start learning Japanese before you leave for Japan. While it is not necessary to know Japanese to get a job, it will make the time you spend in Japan easier and more fulfilling.
Teaching English in Japan will require a large amount of upfront money in order to buy plane tickets, put down a deposit on an apartment and pay living expenses prior to your first pay check.
Resources
- Photo Credit Kevinrosseal, MorgueFiles
