Summer Teach in Japan

Turn your summer into something unforgettable with the Summer Teach Japan Program – a 15-week paid teaching experience based in and around Nagoya. This program is designed for those who want to truly live in Japan for a season, combining meaningful work with the chance to explore one of the world’s most fascinating cultures.

You’ll spend your summer teaching English at an International School, building real-world teaching skills and confidence while experiencing daily life in Japan like a local. Depending on your background, you can arrive in Japan already TEFL-certified, or choose to complete in-class TESOL training in Nagoya or an Online TEFL course before you start teaching, giving you structured preparation and support.

Teachers on this program earn a monthly salary of approximately $1,600–$1,700 USD, paid in Japanese Yen. This is generally enough to cover everyday living costs such as rent, groceries and local transport, with room for cultural experiences and occasional trips. Please note: your final earnings in your home currency may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations, as salaries are paid in local currency.

Running from 18 May to 31 August 2026, this program offers a clear start and end date, full pre-departure guidance, and in-country support – giving you a safe, supported pathway to spend a summer living, working and travelling in Japan.

To join the Summer Teach Japan program, you’ll need to:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field

• Have an internationally accredited 120-hour TEFL. We have an In-Class TESOL or an Online TEFL option that is highly recommended, but we do have a Placement Program that is applicable to those that have an existing, internationally-accredited TEFL.

  • Applicants with an Education degree are exempt from the TEFL requirement

• Be 21–29 years old

• Be in good physical and mental health

• Have a completely clear criminal record

• Have no dependents or pets travelling with you

  • Couples may be considered case by case

• Hold a passport from one of these countries:

  • Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA applicants considered case by case

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, our team can review your situation and suggest the best pathway.

You can join the Summer Teach Japan program through one of these routes:

Placement Only (Existing TEFL or Education degree)

Perfect if you’re already qualified and just need a reliable placement, orientation, and full support while you spend the summer living and teaching in Japan.

Online TEFL + Placement

Ideal if you’re new to teaching and want the flexibility of getting certified from home before you go, with your TEFL and Japan summer placement all organized in one go.

In-Class TESOL & Placement (Nagoya)

Best if you’d like hands-on, face-to-face training in Japan before stepping into your teaching role, with an in-country TESOL course and your Summer Teach Japan placement combined.

Placement Program - $2,199 USD
(For Education degree holders or anyone who already has a TEFL)

Enrollment fee: $599 USD

Paid after acceptance and completion of the application steps.

Final program fee: $1,600 USD

Due 12 weeks before your departure.

This includes your one week of in-person Cultural Orientation (and accommodation for that week, as well as the activities), school placement in Nagoya, pre-departure guidance, in-country support, and the full Summer Teach Japan experience.

Online TEFL + Summer Teach Japan - $2,498

If you don’t yet have a TEFL and your degree is not in Education, you can bundle TEFL and placement together:

Enrollment fee: $599 USD

Online TEFL fee: $499 USD

Due 2 weeks before your chosen TEFL start date.

Final program fee: $1,400 USD

Due 12 weeks before departure.

You’ll complete a 120-hour Online TEFL course before arriving in Japan so you feel prepared and confident stepping into your summer teaching role.

In-Class TESOL in Nagoya + Summer Teach Japan - $3,199 USD

If you’d prefer to get certified in person and ease into life in Japan with a built-in community, you can combine an in-class TESOL course in Nagoya with your summer placement:

Enrollment fee: $599 USD

Paid after acceptance and completion of the application steps.

In-class TESOL course fee: $2,600 USD

Covers your on-the-ground teacher training in Nagoya before you start teaching.

Due 12 weeks before departure.

You’ll arrive in Japan ahead of your placement, complete your TESOL training face to face in Nagoya, as well as the week of immersive cultural orientation, and then transition straight into your Summer Teach Japan role with ongoing support throughout.

The Summer Teach Japan 2026 program runs on fixed dates:

• Program dates: 18 May – 31 August 2026

• Total duration: Approximately 15 weeks

You’ll arrive in Japan, settle into Nagoya, complete any in-country training (if chosen), and then begin your summer teaching placement.

Application deadlines:

• USA citizens: apply by 31 January 2026

• All other eligible nationalities: apply by 23 February 2026
  (at least 3 months before the start date)

Japan has strict visa timelines, so applying early is strongly recommended.

TravelBud is built for people who want more than just a trip abroad - you want it to mean something.

We help you teach, travel, and immerse yourself in a new culture in a way that’s structured, supported, and genuinely impactful. From your first inquiry to your final day in the classroom, you’re never doing this alone.

What You Get With TravelBud

1. Ethical, vetted placements
We partner with trusted schools and organizations that value their teachers and follow fair, sustainable practices. You’re not just thrown into any classroom - your placement is carefully matched and checked.

2. Support from day one (before you even book flights)
You get step-by-step guidance on visas, documents, flights, and what to expect, plus honest advice about whether a program is the right fit for you and your goals.

3. In-country orientation & ongoing help
When you land, you’re welcomed by a team who has been in your shoes. You’ll settle in, learn about the culture, make friends, and know exactly who to call if you need help throughout your stay.

4. Quality teacher training options
Whether you’re brand new to teaching or already certified, there’s a path for you. You can complete an Online TEFL, join in-class training, or use your existing qualifications and go straight into placement.

5. Real cultural immersion, not just surface-level travel
You’ll live like a local, build relationships at your school, and experience daily life in your host country in a way that short trips or tours can’t offer.

6. A community that has your back
From fellow teachers to our support team and alumni network, you’re joining a global community of people who’ve taken the same leap and are ready to share advice, stories, and encouragement.

You bring the curiosity and courage - we’ll bring the structure, guidance, and support to make it all possible.