Teach English in Japan

Quick Facts

Eligibility Requirements

You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Japan. You do need:

Required

• A passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand
• A bachelor’s degree in hand in any field (Letter of graduation not acceptable) – no teaching experience required. If you do not have a bachelors degree, please see our Japan Non-Degree Program.
• A Native English Speaker
• No major medical or mental health diagnosis or medication in the past 5 years
• No communicable diseases
• No criminal conviction whatsoever (even misdemeanors)
• No visible tattoos, such as on the face, neck and hands
• To be in excellent health with a doctors letter being required to confirm you are fit to travel and live abroad for at least 1 year.
• You will also be required to have a tuberculosis (TB) scan done to confirm you do not have TB.

Preferred on case-by-case basis

• Between 21 and 40 years of age

Get Started

Unsure? Get expert advice and guidance

We’ll send you more info, explain the program and answer all your questions.

Program Options

What’s included for each Program Option

Full Program Highlights

• Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance

  • Getting the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure.
  • Assisting you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets and booking flights.
  • Answering your questions to help ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip.

• Logistics and safety when arriving

  • Airport pickup (provided participants land on the Sunday before the program start date).
  • Transfer from the airport to your arranged accommodation (included for in-class applicants only – if no actual pick-up at the airport is provided, then full guidance and support are given in order for you to make your way from the airport to your front door.
  • SIM card guidance/assistance.
  • Local bank account guidance/assistance.
  • Welcome dinner to meet your fellow teacher travellers

• A toolkit for navigating Japanese culture

  • Cultural Orientation and excursions
  • Social events and meet and greets.

• Practical Teacher Training

  • To hone your craft and ensure confidence before you begin teaching professionally.
  • Lesson Plan templates and resource directories.

• Guaranteed Job Placement

  • At carefully vetted schools.

• An Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL certification

  • The knowledge required to teach english successfully.
  • You will graduate with an Internationally Accredited 120 hour in-class TEFL/TESOL certificate that never expires and can be used to teach all over the world.

• A support network of fellow teachers

  • Lifelong friendships and travel opportunities

• 24/7 In-country support

  • Ex-foreign teachers and local, on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
  • You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as translation help, legalities, emergencies, travel options or school queries. Someone is on hand.
  • Teacher meet-ups.
  • We check in with you regularly and keep up to date with your teach abroad experience.

• Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee

  • Once you’ve completed your contract, we can guarantee you a position at another partner school throughout Asia for which you are eligible, at no additional charge to you.

• Self-development and advantageous future employability

  • When you do head back home, you’re not just another resume in a pile of resumes – you are someone different who’s done something interesting and rewarding.
  • Add teaching abroad to your CV to stand out from the crowd.

Guaranteed Job Placement

We find you a teaching job or jobs to ensure you have the maximum work hours allowed under your visa.

• 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.

Lifetime Placement Guarantee

• 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.

Boost your employability

You might think you’re taking a step back by taking a year off but nothing could be further from the truth!

Although you may think it’s a halt in your education journey, you’re actually fast tracking yourself through:

• Learning independence.
• Learning how you react to different situations.
• Learning how to master and grow your confidence in public speaking.
• Learning how to overcome obstacles.
• Learning about yourself through your own personal self discovery.
• Learning how to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.

These would normally take much longer in a normal, sheltered environment and wouldn’t be nearly as much fun!

When you do head back home, you’re not just another resume in a pile of resumes – you are someone different who’s done something interesting and rewarding.

Teaching Placements

Teaching Placement Overview

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.

You can teach:

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

Cultural Preparation

Part of the success of your experience comes from understanding the culture that you’re going to be living and working in.

Our Program Includes:

Pre-departure Support

We assist you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets, booking flights and any questions or information you need. 

Pre departure Support

• We’ll outline the entire process you’ll follow to realise the teaching abroad dream.
• You’ll be provided comprehensive information relating to each step in the pre-departure process and you’ll have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like, no matter how silly you may think they are!
• We’ll explain and help you get the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure.
• We’ll assist you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgeting and booking flights.
• We’ll ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip and share the positive and life-changing adventures of the teach abroad experience.

Logistics and Safety when arriving

We’ll pick you up from the airport and introduce you to your support team in-country.

Logistics and Safety when arriving

•  Airport pickup (provided participants land before 6pm on the Sunday before the program start date. If participants arrive before Sunday, pick up is not included).
• We’ll introduce you to your 24/7 support team on the ground.
• Transfer from the airport to your arranged accommodation (included for in-class applicants only – if no actual pick-up at the airport is provided, then full guidance and support are given in order for you to make your way from the airport to your front door.
• We provide guidance you with your SIM card setup so that you can contact your loved ones back home and your new friends you’re about to make on your epic orientation!
• We provide guidace setting up a  local bank account so you can save money on international withdrawal fees. Your salary is paid into your local bank account.
• You’ll get to meet and greet fellow teacher travellers.

A toolkit for navigating your new country

The perfect foundation for adjusting to life in your new country and meeting your fellow teachers and in-country stafff members.

A toolkit for navigating your new country

Our 1 week cultural orientation on Japanese culture and language gives you the perfect foundation for adjusting to life in Japan as well as an opportunity to bond with your fellow teachers-in-training and in-country staff members.

Learn foundational Japanese language

We help you with foundational language to help you navigate:

• The bustling markets.
• Grabbing a taxi.
• Ordering a delicious meal.
• Garnering respect from locals.

(plus it’s pretty cool to impress your mates at home or add it to your resume!)

Cultural and History lessons

• Learn from local Japanese staff and ex-foreign teachers who have made their home in Japan.
• You’ll understand the cultural dynamics so that you don’t feel like a fish out of water.
• You won’t be making any faux pas or disrespecting the locals.
• How to address locals and your fellow teachers.
• You will know what you can and can’t do in Japanese classrooms.

Relevant Cultural Excursions – subject to change based on weather and availability.

Excursions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Visit the Tokugawa Art Museum.
• Head to the Local Market at the Osu Cannon Temple.
• Visit Shinto and Buddhist shrines and temples.
• Go on a guided tour of Nagoya Castle.
• Visit the Inuyama Castle.
• Visit the Atsuta Shrine.
• Take part in authentic Japanese cooking lessons.

A support network of fellow teacher travelers

In addition the personal assistance and 24/7 support we provide, you’ll also have a support network of fellow teachers.

Have some fun and embrace your new adventure!

Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL Certification

There are so many options when it comes to TEFL/TESOL courses that it can be quite overwhelming to understand what’s legitimate and what high quality schools require from teaching staff.

A quality TEFL/TESOL course helps teachers avoid the frustration and pitfalls of being unprepared in the classroom and provides all the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively teach English.

Educational Philosophy

Course Location

The TEFL/TESOL course in Japan is at our local school partner in Nagoya called Connect.

They are located at: Japan, 〒464-0075 Aichi, Nagoya, Chikusa Ward, Uchiyama, 3 Chome−10−18 ＰＰビル 4F

The course location is right in the heart of the city next to the Imaike metro station, and only two stops from Sakai station, which is the heart of Nagoya.

Nagoya
Nagoya is the largest city in the Chubu Region and the fourth largest in Japan.

It’s position on the water means that Nagoya has long been a busy port and an important hub for the vehicle production industry in Japan.

There are lots of things to see and do in the city, such as visiting Nagoya Castle, Toganji Temple, or ascending to the observation deck of the TV Tower to see stunning views of the city.

The city also has many bargain shopping options and is even home to the World Cosplay Summit!

In terms of food, Nagoya and the surrounding region is famous for miso production and you can find a lot of tasty dishes such as misokatsu that are unique to the area.

It is also known for uiro, a regional dessert similar to mochi, made of sweet, glutinous rice flour.

Nagoya is a large city and therefore home to everything you need to start your journey teaching in Japan.

Close by Nagoya, there are also many places to explore. Inuyama City is home to Meiji Mura, a theme park that aims to take you back to the Meiji era- you can even rent costumes to really get a feel for the period.

For nature lovers, there are many natural beauty spots in the area, including Aichikogen Kokutai Park, only a short drive from Nagoya.

Nagoya skyline.

Course Components

• Information and discussion about Japanese culture, history, politics, and society to provide exposure and help students navigate their new environment.
• Significant instruction in Japanese language (6 Hours).
• Strong grounding in the history and theory of teaching English as a foreign/second language. This is taught in a way that emphasizes application of theory to enhance success in the classroom.
• Significant practical training in teaching listening, reading, speaking and writing in the classroom, including extensive lesson planning, presentation, and feedback from peers and instructors.
• Tons of tips, tricks and examples of how to teach English to every age group.
• Advice and guidance for effective classroom management.
• Teaching practicum in a local language school.

Detailed Course Overview

Week One – Orientation

The first week of the course is an amazing, interactive orientation on Japanese culture and language, as well as an opportunity to bond with other teachers-in-training and staff members.

The orientation course encompasses Japanese language, culture, and society. The course is taught by area experts and includes several exciting and informative cultural excursions.

Week Two

The second week of the course is a deeper exploration of theory in the discipline of English as a second language and how to teach grammar.

Students learn about the structure and key elements of a lesson plan. Every lesson requires a detailed lesson plan that lays out the procedures of the class, and encourages teachers to consider the challenges, technology resources, and other factors that can impact a successful lesson in the classroom. During week two, students will also learn how to teach speaking and grammar.

Grammar can be challenging to teach. One of the reasons for this is that it has been a long time since native English speakers have reviewed grammar rules, so XploreAsia provides students with a bit of a refresher. The major assignments for week two are to create a lesson plan for teaching grammar and to present a full lesson just as a teacher would in a classroom.

Week Three

The third week of the course focuses on how to teach reading and listening. The major assignments for this week are to create lesson plans for teaching reading and listening and present full lessons just as a teacher would in the classroom.

During this week participants will learn more about teaching young learners and practice planning lessons for kindergarten students. Additionally, our participants will learn about curriculum development for long term learning goals for their students.

Week Four

The final week the class is dedicated to classroom management and preparing for and conducting the English practicum.

While classroom management may be the final topic covered, it is in fact extremely important, especially in cross-cultural contexts. Classroom management is about setting ground rules, applying them consistently, getting to know your students, and earning and maintaining their respect and commitment. Students spend several days preparing their lessons for the English practicum. The practicum typically lasts 2 days.

During the final week there will also be an in-class final exam.

International Accreditation

Our internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL course is accepted by employers around the world and is accredited by Accreditat. Accreditat is registered under the UKRLP (UK Register of Learning Providers), Number 10065351. Registration on the UKRLP means they have been verified against a recognised legal source.

Graduates of our internationally accredited 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course have used their TEFL/TESOL certificate to successfully find employment in ESL teaching and education fields in nearly every Western, native-English speaking country, as well as across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the TEFL/TESOL Course

Your accommodation for your TEFL/TESOL course is all pre-booked and sorted for you before you arrive in Japan.

Accommodation is double occupancy, where you’ll be sharing a room with one of your fellow TEFL/TESOL students from the same gender.

We will provide an airport pickup/transfer at Nagoya International Airport as long as the participant arrives before 6pm on the Sunday before the program start date. If participants arrive before Sunday, pick up is not included.

We will have a staff member meet the participants there and travel with them by train into the accommodation in central Nagoya.

Japan Accommodation. Individual rooms are available at a higher price but may be in a separate building.

Accommodation after the TEFL/TESOL Course

Our in-country team will assist you in finding suitable accommodation when you head to your school placement. Some schools also have apartments for their teachers to live in.

You can typically expect to stay in a single occupancy studio apartment which can vary from $350 to $550 USD per month depending on where you’re placed in japan. Teachers are also usually asked to pay a 1-2 month rental deposit, similar to most countries in the West.

It is also sometimes possible to save on your rental expense by sharing an apartment with another teacher.

Water and electricity is typically not included in the rent. Internet is sometimes included but this can’t be guaranteed.

Accommodation for English teachers in Japan generally consists of a loft-styled double bed, TV, bathroom with shower, kitchen, desk, and some living space.

A typical bachelors apartment in Japan with bed accessible via the ladder, a small kitchen and living area.

Kitchen areas and fridges are generally much smaller than Western kitchens.

Another example of typical accommodation in Japan.

Most apartments have a bath with a shower which is separate from the toilet area.

How much will rent cost?

Rental costs will vary depending on where you are living. You can expect to pay between 300 to $650 depending on where you’re placed in Japan. Our in-country team will support and guide you through finding suitable accommodation at your placement.

Accommodation costs $650 for our 1-month TEFL/TESOL and Cultural Immersion course in Nagoya.

Will I be living with someone?

Living together with another teacher or a friend you make in Japan is possible. Otherwise you will typically be staying on your own, usually in a studio apartment. In the rare case that you’ll be sharing accommodation with a fellow teacher at your school, you’ll have your own private room in a shared apartment.

Dates

• One of the huge advantages of taking the TEFL/TESOL course in Japan is that the course itself prepares people thoroughly for teaching in Japanese schools and gives you first-hand experience in the classroom during the practical portion of the course.
• Placement-only candidates will be invited to join one of the cultural weekends designed specifically for placement only teachers.
• Online TEFL/TESOL courses start on the first Monday of each month.

Budgets

Fees

The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in Japan.