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Teaching Placements
Teaching Placement Overview
| Salary range in USD per month | $1300 - $1900 USD * * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility. |
| Salary local currency per month | 215,000 - 250,000 Yen |
| Saving potential in USD per month | $150 - $200+ |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Contract Length | 1 year |
| Placement Types | Public Schools, Private Schools, Private Language Centers ("Eikawas") |
| Classroom Audience | Kindergarten, Primary (elementary and middle), High school students |
| Classroom Age | Between 4 - 18 |
| Classroom Size | Public Schools: 20 - 35 Private Language Centers: 6-10 |
| Working Hours per week | 20-30 |
| Days off | 2 days per week but may not be consecutive |
| Holidays / Paid Leave | 5-10 paid vacation days and 10 public holidays per year (paid) |
| Tax rate range for teachers | 5% |
| Visa | Instructor Visa or a Specialist in Humanities Visa |
| Initial Enrollment to Arrival | 5 Month Minimum |
| Top Placement Locations | 1. Chubu Region 2. Kanto Region 3. Tohoko Region 4. Hokkaido Region 5. Kyushu Region |
Teaching Placements
There are two main types of teaching positions available in Japan – public schools and private language centres (known as eikaiwas in Japan).
The role is slightly different in each school type.
In eikaiwas teachers will work very independently and will lead each class.
In public schools, teachers work alongside a Japanese classroom teacher in the day-to-day school system as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT).
Public School (Alt) Positions
Assistant Language teachers work in public school alongside a Japanese classroom teacher. Teachers at public schools work a regular Monday to Friday schedule. This will be a great cultural experience as it is a chance for teachers to experience the day-to-day school system in Japan. Teachers will typically teach between three to six classes each day. ALTs may be required to teach at several different public schools in the area during the week.
The day-to-day role of an ALT will differ depending on the teacher they’re working alongside. Sometimes they will take the lead in delivering lessons with guidance from the Japanese classroom teacher on what to teach. Other times they will act in an assisting capacity and will help with conversational English.
Eikaiwa Positions
Eikaiwa positions are where students pay to learn English outside of the traditional school system. The majority of the Eikaiwa schools we are working with focus on teaching young learners. Due to this, the teaching times are typically outside of traditional school hours on evenings and weekends. Days off commonly fall on weekdays.
The class sizes of these schools are around 6 – 10 students per class. They tend to have quite intensive working hours where you will teach up to 6 or 7 classes, with a 10-minute break in-between. In Eikaiwa school’s teachers will be guided on what to teach and typically will have access to materials such as a curriculum, text books and some basic games and toys to use for lessons.
There tends to be flexibility for teachers in crafting their lesson around the topics to teach. Teachers in Eikaiwa positions tend to have some autonomy in teaching and need to be highly independent.
Each eikaiwa is different so exact teaching hours and what the school looks like will differ. Some eikaiwas are based in shopping centers for the convenience or parents dropping their children to attend lessons. Others are stand-alone classrooms in towns throughout Japan.
Most of our Eikaiwa positions require commuting to different locations for work, up to an hour is common. Some will have several branches in the same city that teachers will attend on different days. Others may require teachers to teach on a rotational basis spending around a week at each location, across four centers.
With these positions the teaching contact hours are shorter to allow time to commute and travel is reimbursed (not all positions provide this). In these positions the teacher is the one who opens up the classroom, sets up, teaches the class and then closes for the day, so a great deal of independence is required. You wouldn’t be teaching alongside many colleagues if in this school placement.
Do I have a say in what placement I receive?
Our placement team does their utmost best to place all our teachers at schools which best match their preferences (in terms of location, age group, and the type of school). While preference cannot be guaranteed, we can guarantee that our team will do everything possible to find the ideal placement for you.
We also encourage and guide our teachers to being open-minded to all types of placements – a first and vital step to a journey of personal growth and development that comes with teaching abroad in Japan.
Where will I be teaching?
Placements are throughout the country in both urban and suburban areas however the majority of positions are in the suburban areas.
- Big or small cities
- Suburban areas
You can teach:
- Kindergarten
- Primary (elementary and middle)
- High school
- Adults
For the placement only option is an online or in-class TEFL/TESOL required?
Yes, for this program we require at least an online TEFL/TESOL to participate. It is important to us that teachers set themselves up well for success with a good foundation of ESL teaching prior to starting the program. This will make the transition smoother and ensure that they are having a positive impact on the students they teach.
Commutes
Commutes are the norm in Japan. It is uncommon for teachers to live right by their placement schools. Teachers will typically commute from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to work. At eikaiwas it is most common to commute using public transport, this could be buses or trains. At public schools it could be public transport, driving or cycling.
Work Hours
The position is full time, ranging from 20 – 30 hours per week and have two days per week off but the days may not be consecutive and those working at language schools should be prepared to teach on Saturday and Sunday as those are the busiest days of the week for language schools.
It is important to note the work culture of Japan is “Live to Work”, and Japanese people tend to work longer hours so foreign teachers should be prepared for the same expectations when living in Japan.
Placement areas are typically confirmed approximately one month before arriving in Japan or once they arrive in the country. Placements are rare in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka which are the more touristy areas teachers often ask about!
School Training
All participants, whether placement only or taking the TESOL/TEFL course in Japan will likely (but not in all cases) participate in an onboarding with their new schools, which can range from 1-2 weeks prior to starting their teaching assignments. During these onboardings, most of which covers the teaching style and curriculum of your school, you typically receive most or all of your wages, so this is essentially paid onboarding.
Locations
Placements are throughout the country in both urban and suburban areas however the majority of positions are in the suburban areas.
There are a wide range of teaching environments, from more advanced, modern classrooms with small class sizes and extensive technology in the classroom, to classrooms that are standard, and lacking in technology. Some placements will have assistant teachers in the classroom but many will not.
Holidays
Public holidays: Approximately 10 public holidays per year (this may vary and is up to the discretion of the school). Some public holidays are off but some may be work days as well.
Paid Vacation: Approximately 5-10 paid vacation days (this may vary and depends on the school).
Dress code for teaching?
Professional dress unless otherwise advised by the school.
What is the level of English and behavior of students?
The level of English proficiency is generally beginner but some Japan people can speak English well enough to give you directions. Compared to the West, local children are much more respectful and disciplined. This is likely due to the conservative nature of Japan society and the strong respect for elders and family.
A TravelBud teacher in the classroom at his language school.
Japanese students on an outing
A picnic lunch in the park with your co-workers is common in Japan
Visa Trip
Teachers who take the In-class TEFL/TESOL course may be required do a visa trip once they have completed the course and before (or soon after) they start teaching. Visa trips are mandatory trips to countries bordering Japan to acquire or renew visa statuses.
Popular destinations for the visa trip are South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand or Vietnam. The visa trip usually lasts for 6-8 business days depending on the destination.
The cost of the visa trip is fully funded by the participant (see our Budget section for estimates of a visa run trip).
Note that this may not be required for those who do the Placement Only program, as they will likely have their placement before they arrive and thus will arrive on the correct visa provided by their school.
Don’t worry, we’ll talk you through the whole process, explain all your options and guide you every step of the way!
Guaranteed Job Placement
We find you a teaching job or jobs to ensure you have the maximum work hours allowed under your visa.
You could spend your own time trying to find your own teaching position.
But this can be time-consuming and stressful because you’ll have to wade through a myriad of risk factors and paperwork when evaluating teaching positions.
These can include but are not limited to:
- Work visas, relevant permits and documentation
- The interview process
- The credibility of the school
- Your safety at the school
- Understanding contracts, contract length and hidden clauses
- Payment terms and what happens in the event of non-payment
- Taxes
- Teaching philosophy and environment
- Teaching materials
- School code of conduct
- Local staff support and English proficiency
- After school activities and requirements
- Disciplinary processes
- And many more considerations!
So you might find a job but you’ll be unprepared from a teaching, cultural, financial and emotional perspective.
We take the pressure and stress away from you by guaranteeing your job placement and providing peace of mind support
- We guarantee you a teaching job in carefully vetted and trusted schools where every effort is made to match placement preferences.
- You can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle knowing your income of $1300 – $1900 USD is secured.
- We’ll explain all the paperwork, contracts, taxes, work hours, requirements and responsibilities.
- We guide you through everything you need to know before you depart to Japan and from the moment you touch down, you’ll continue to receive peace of mind 24/7 support from our in-country team who will be on hand for you throughout your placement.
- We’ve all taught abroad before and, having placed over 2200+ participants around the world, know the key to success is well-trained, culturally-adjusted, and emotionally-supported teachers. Read more about our teaching placements.
Expert guidance and support
Our experts will explain the program and answer all your questions.
Awards & Nominations
We’re thrilled to be recognized as one of the best Teach Abroad organizations and these awards reflect our commitment to delivering an exceptional standard of professional support, training and experiences to our community of teacher travelers worldwide. Read more about our values and team.
Lifetime Placement Guarantee
Once you’ve taught in one of the TravelBud schools, we can guarantee you a position at another partner school in any of our destinations for which you are eligible on your program line, at no additional charge to you.
- Pay one fee and you’re able to teach in any partner school on your program line as long as you like.
- It’s a once-off fee for a lifetime of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your students and travel the world in a sustainable way.
- For example, once you’re finished in Japan you can travel over to South Korea or Thailand and experience a whole new cultural adventure.
Fees
The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in Japan.
Currency Converter
Change to your currency. Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that the amount reflected above is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced.
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Option 1In-Class TEFL & Placement | Option 2Online TEFL & Placement | Option 3Placement Only | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Enrollment Deposit |
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| Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance |
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| Personalised one-on-one Support |
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| Visa Guidance |
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| Your questions answered |
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Online TEFL Fee | Choose between: 120 Hour Online TEFL $499170 Hour Online TEFL$1299 | This fee is due 1 week prior to your selected course start date. | ||
Final Program Fee, Guaranteed Job Placement and 24/7 Support | Final Program Fee$2600 | $1300 | $1300 | For In-Class TEFL & Placement:Due 12 weeks prior to selected intake date.For Online TEFL & Placement and Placement Only:The fee is due in two instalments.The first instalment is due 10 weeks after your initial enrollment fee payment date. The second instalment is due no later than 3 days after you have received confirmation of job placement. If, however, you are accepted into the public school placement program, then the 2nd instalment is due upon acceptance onto the public school intake date. |
| Guaranteed Job Placement |
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| 24/7 In-country support |
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| Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee |
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| TEFL/TESOL Course | (4 weeks in-country) | (4 weeks online for 120h or 11 weeks online for 170h) |
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| Internationally Accreditated Certification |
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| Practical Teacher Training in-class |
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| Airport pickup and transfer Subject to correct arrival times |
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| Airport Assistance Info & guidance on trains/taxis/buses and routes |
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| SIM Card Included |
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| SIM Card guidance |
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| Local bank account guidance |
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| Shared Accommodation | (1st month in-country) |
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| Cultural Orientation including excursions | (1 week) | (weekend) | (weekend) | In-class TEFL participants experience:
Online TEFL & Placement Only participants experience:
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| Lesson Plan templates and resource directories |
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| Support Network |
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| Self-development and advantageous future employability |
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Total Fee | 120 Hour In-Class TEFL$3199 | 120 Hour Online TEFL$2398170 Hour Online TEFL$3198 | Placement Only$1899 | Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that currency converted pricing is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced. |
Expert guidance and support
Our experts will explain the program and answer all your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ
How much does it pay to teach English in Japan?
Earn $1600 – $2100 USD* (225,000 – 295,000 Japanese Yen) per month. * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.
Safety
Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realise that safety can be a concern.
What do TravelBud staff and teachers say about safety in Japan?
Our teachers in Japan (both men and women) report feeling extremely safe in the country.
Levels of crime are very low, especially compared to big cities in the US and UK, and public services such as transport are very efficient, modern and safe.
In fact, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world with crime rates lower than any other industrialized country.
What are the authorities like in Japan?
The police in Japan are very kind and helpful. Provided you don’t find yourself on the wrong side of the law, they will treat you with respect and keep you safe.
Petty crimes involving brazen debaucherous behaviour are not tolerated and can be dealt with severely. DUI (driving under the influence) are also not tolerated by the Japanese authorities and can result in you being sent home.
Is English spoken in Japan?
Yes, English is spoken in Japan. There are different levels of English proficiency though – English is more widely spoken in larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka, compared to smaller towns.
The proficiency of your students will most likely be beginner to a moderate level of English, hence why you’re there to help them advance their handle on the English language and in turn, obtain valuable employment opportunities and contribute actively to our global economy.
English proficiency has however been dropping rather drastically since 2011 which is why the country desperately needs more English language teachers from abroad.
Are teachers in high demand in Japan? If so, why?
Native English-speaking teachers are in very high demand in Japan as English proficiency has been dropping throughout the country since 2011 where it’s fallen from 11th place to 53rd place in 2019 on the English proficiency scale for second language countries.
The reason for this is that Japanese students did not receive a sufficient amount of English language education at public schools in the past (only 1-2 hours per week). The Japanese government is now working on improving this while the English language education provided by private language schools is becoming increasingly important.
This is where TravelBud’s program and you come in to actively work to improve the English proficiency of the Japanese population and contribute to growing the local economy and employment rate.
To work for large global companies in Japan (which is the goal of the majority of the local population), a strong English proficiency is essential.
Through an improved English proficiency of future generations throughout the country, locals will be empowered to replace foreign English teachers one day to continue the groundwork laid by you and fellow TravelBud teachers.
Do students have to learn English in Japan?
Yes, it is compulsory at their public schools. On top of their public schooling, many children attend private English language centers after school to improve their English. This is where most TravelBud teachers will be placed and where your impact will be made.
Do you need a degree to teach English in Japan?
Yes, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in any field to teach English in Japan.
If you are a non-degree holder please see our Teach English in Cambodia and Teach English in Myanmar programs.
What is the big difference between language schools, private schools, government schools and varsity?
The basic structure of the school system differs between two main types of schools: private language centers and public schools.
Private language centers typically entail teaching at several different school branches in the same city or town on different days of the week, teaching young learners between 7 and 13 years old, and working hours being on weekends and afternoons and early evenings as they cater for students outside of public school hours. Class sizes are generally smaller than in public schools and with modern technologies available.
Public schools will generally have a less flexible curriculum to language centers, with larger class sizes and working hours being Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Students will Class sizes are generally bigger, and students will have varying English proficiencies.
Private language centers all provide 2 days off per week (usually during the week) whereas public schools have weekends off for students and teachers.
How much money can I save teaching English in Japan?
It is generally up to your lifestyle. Things like how much you eat out, where you do your shopping, how frequently you travel, and how often you go out with friends in your free time will have a big impact in how much you can save.
What you save all depends on what you’re looking to get out of this experience – be it, traveling as much as possible, living like a rockstar, or putting money away every month to pay off loans or debt back home or to return home with a nice amount of savings to your name.
On average, you can save about $2,500 to $5,000 USD over a year of teaching
And while it’s no guarantee, some schools also provide a contract completion bonus and/or a flight reimbursement at the end of your contract.
What are the expected tax deductions from your paycheck?
Tax deductions differ from school to school but a tax of 5% will typically apply to your salary.
Do schools pay TravelBud a fee or portion of my salary? If so, why?
No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of our teacher’s monthly salary.
Where most recruiters take a cut from your salary, in return for not charging a program fee, we do the opposite which allows our teachers to earn and save more at the end of the day.
Recruiters also have little interest in the quality of the placement you receive or matching you with the right school, as they serve the interests of the schools only.
TravelBud works to serve both you and the school to ensure the best experience for both you and your students.
Do schools in Japan accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates?
While some have a preference for TEFL/TESOL certificates completed in-class, most schools do accept TEFL/TESOL certificates completed online. Read more about our online TEFL/TESOL course options.
Having an in-class TESOL certificate will certainly strengthen your job application though, particularly with schools in our network as they tend to have high standards and more sought of working conditions for English teachers.
How long does it take to get a TEFL/TESOL certification in Japan?
TravelBud’s In-class TEFL/TESOL course takes 4 weeks to complete.
If you have already completed an in-class or online TESOL/TEFL course through another provider, we may be able to accept you onto our Placement Only program in Japan so long as it is internationally accredited, at least 120 hours in length and meets other important requirements from our schools.
What is the main religion in Japan?
Shinto and Buddhism are the most widely practiced religions in Japan.
Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion tracing back all the way to 1000BC, one of the oldest religions still practiced today. The Shinto religion cente4s around the belief in gods or spirits – or kami – that inhabit all things. Throughout the year, there are many seasonal and age-related Shinto festivals and rituals carried out in the country.
Buddhism is also widely practiced and has been a key religion in Japan since the 6th century.
Although only a small percentage of Japanese citizens identify as religious, Shinto and Buddhist practices are still practiced by many and often are both practiced by some, reflecting the common view in Japanese society that the practices of different
religions needn’t be exclusive.
Due to a rising level of immigration over the years, Japan is also home to a smaller percentage of Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and other religious groups.
Will I get picked up from the airport?
Yes. If you’re completing the In-Class TEFL course, you can count on airport pick-up and travel assistance to your accommodation.
For Online TEFL and Placement Only participants, we provide full airport assistance (info & guidance on which bus or train to take etc.)
Where will I be placed as an English teacher in Japan?
We place teachers in both big cities and small towns, with the majority of placements being in suburban towns outside of major cities.
TravelBud’s placements are available in all regions throughout Japan.
Refer to the Teaching Placements section for more information.
How many days off will I get as an English teacher in Japan?
You will get two days off per week at all school placements in Japan. Public school placements will have weekends off whereas placements at private language centers will have two days off during the week, as their busiest times are on weekends.
What are the working hours for English teachers in Japan?
Working hours differ from school to school but you can generally expect to work between 20 to 30 hours per week while teaching English in Japan.
What documents do I need before I depart to Japan to teach English?
Japanese schools fortunately do not require as much rigorous document collection as some of their neighboring countries. All you will need is your work permit and criminal background check, which our support team will guide you through.
What if I have visible tattoos?
Tattoos were used for many years to mark someone who’s committed a crime, and tattoos in modern-day Japan are highly associated with Japanese mafias (or Yakuzas). Read more information on why tattoos are stigmatized in Japan.
If tattoos aren’t visible to parents, students, and coworkers then you’ll be perfectly fine.
If it weren’t for Travel Bud, I wouldn’t have been able to make it to Japan
They provided a great path for me to achieve my goal of teaching in Japan and I appreciate the program for being able to both certify me in teaching and facilitate my travel here. I can confidently say if it weren’t for TravelBud I wouldn’t be living in Japan now.
Very professional and helpful from start to finish!
The experience was definitely so helpful, especially during the pandemic. I received a lot of support and reassurance and they were very professional and helpful from start to finish! Anytime I had worries or questions, the team were quick to respond and would make sure to find all possible solutions or remedies.
TravelBud brings me comfort and security while in a foreign country
Before arriving to Japan I was nervous about many things, from what to do at the airport to what I should prepare. I decided to use Travelbud to help me get a job and to have my back for living alone in Japan. This company was always supportive and would answer and questions I had.
We’re here to help
We’ll answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way!