How to Teach English Abroad in Japan

Try experiencing Japanese culture by teaching English in Japan

Becoming an English teacher in Japan is easier than you may think. There are thousands of teaching opportunities in Japan and the industry is solid. There are, however, many companies that will not offer sufficient or even necessary benefits like reimbursement for airfare or rent. It is the duty of the applicant, therefore, to find a placement that offers all the essentials for working in this industry.

Things You'll Need

• List of schools and businesses that hire English teachers in Japan
• Internet
• Phone
• Work Permit
• Teaching certification or Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or equivalent certification is required for some schools

Instructions

1. Make a budget for living and travel expenses. Find approximate airfare, calculate average rent for the city you plan to teach in, and figure out non-essential spending allowances (for example, are you planning on visiting museums and restaurants often?).

2. Make a list of schools and companies to contact. You can call the school directly or go through one of the many popular exchange programs to Japan. Notable and reputable programs include the JET Programme and AEON, but other trustworthy corporations post job opportunities on Craigslist and other employment websites. Make sure to read online reviews about these companies before putting them on your list.

3. Call around. See which companies reimburse airfare and other travel expenses, rent, and teaching supplies. Also find the best salary, location, benefits, etc. Narrow down your list to the best school or company, then call to say that you accept and arrange for a work permit.

4. Optional. Attain TEFL certification online (equivalents include TESL, TEOSL, and CELTA). While many teaching positions are available for candidates who don't have this, many more schools and businesses hire people who do. Teachers certified with TEFL can also get academic credit towards regular college and are paid more by employers in Japan and abroad.

References

• All About Teaching English in Japan: TEFL Courses and Teaching in Japan
• BridgeTEFL: Frequently Asked Questions About TEFL Courses

Resources

• The JET Programme
• AEON Corporation