Teach English in Japan

Why Teach English in Japan?

Travel Opportunities Teaching English in Japan

As a TravelBud English teacher in Japan you’ll have between 5 and 10 paid leave days each year to put your high salary to good use exploring all that Japan has to offer. From Sumo wrestling, the most authentic Japanese cuisine you’ve ever tasted, ancient castles and Pagodas, skiing in the mountainous north and beach hopping in the tropical south, ancient and bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Japan caters for every type of traveller. Japan is unlike any country you’ve ever been to with the most bizarre but fascinating experiences available throughout the country, and a scenery like no other. Your teacher’s salary will afford you the opportunity to explore so much during your year or more in Japan. These are just some of countless travel opportunities Japan has to offer you:

Full-service Placement Process

It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing.

We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.

That’s why we don’t just find you an oversees teaching placement, we support you throughout our entire teach abroad experience!

With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught or volunteered abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide and prepare you for your experience.

Do I Qualify To Teach English in Japan?

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

You do need:

How long is the teaching contract for?

What if I don’t have a TEFL/TESOL certificate?

We offer both in-class and online Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL courses to prepare you for your adventure abroad. Read about our TEFL/TESOL courses below to learn more.

If you’re unsure about any of your qualifications, chat to us! We’ll answer all your questions and do our best to accommodate you.

Teach English in Japan TEFL/TESOL Courses

Many TESOL courses are not accredited and do not provide adequate preparation for teaching English abroad.

That’s why we highly recommend completing our 120-hour in-class TEFL/TESOL in Japan. It will give you the best possible preparation and ensure that your students get the best education.

You’ll even get the opportunity to gain 20 hours of practical teaching experience at a local Japanese school during the course, after which you’ll receive invaluable feedback from your TEFL/TESOL instructor to ensure you head off to your placement as confident and prepared as possible for the life-changing experience ahead of you.

Located in the largest city in the Chubu region of Japan, Nagoya, this is the ideal place to call home for your first month in Japan while you get accustomed to Japanese culture and day-to-day life, and learn how to be the best English teacher your Japanese students need.

The TEFL/TESOL Course is a 4 week course and consists of a 1-week cultural orientation program followed by 3 weeks of TEFL/TESOL theory and practical learning.

TravelBud’s in-class TEFL/TESOL course in Japan is tailored specifically for those preparing to teach English in Japan. We find that too many TEFL/TESOL courses are generalised to every country and do not account for the significant differences that exist in terms of the cultural and professional environments that comes with teaching in different countries.

We also offer an online TEFL/TESOL course for those that are not able to make our in-class TEFL/TESOL start dates listed in the section below. Instead of completing your TEFL/TESOL training and cultural orientation in Japan, you will complete it over a 4-week period online several months before you head to Japan.

TravelBud’s online TEFL/TESOL course is tailored specifically to teaching English in Asia and includes the following:

Japanese Cultural Immersion Course

TravelBud’s in-depth week long cultural orientation is designed to acclimate you into Japanese culture through a combination of theoretical and practical learning in the form of educational lessons and cultural activities and excursions.

If you choose to do TravelBud’s in-class TEFL/TESOL course in Japan, your first week will include the following:

You’ll also get to meet fellow teachers and forge new life-long friendships from all over the globe while participating in exciting cultural activities and excursions. If you opt for TravelBud’s online TESOL course, your cultural lessons will also be completed online before you depart for Japan and you will have the opportunity to participate in some of the cultural excursions listed above within your first month of arriving in Japan.

Costs

What Will I Earn?

As an English teacher in Japan, you’ll earn $1570 to $1900 per month* (215,000 to 260,000 Yen). * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

This will comfortably cover your living expenses and also give you the opportunity to save money and explore Japan in your free time.

How much does it cost?

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

OPTION 1

In-class TEFL/TESOL Certification, Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)

The in-class TEFL/TESOL course is tailored specifically to teaching English in Japan and will give you valuable insight into Japanese culture and the specifics of teaching in a Japanese classroom.

OPTION 2

Online TEFL/TESOL Certification, Guaranteed Job Placement and Support

OPTION 3

Already have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate?

Take our Guaranteed Job Placement and Support option

What is included in the TravelBud enrollment fee?

Pre-departure Support

As soon as you pay your deposit, your pre-departure support kicks off. From that moment on, TravelBud will be on call to answer all your questions and provide all the support and guidance you need.

24/7 Dedicated Ongoing In-country Support

Lifetime of job placement opportunities

Teaching Resources and Support from local teachers

What is included in the TravelBud Program fee?

Once you’ve paid your enrollment fee, you’ll unlock all the benefits of your pre-departure support and placement process. The last thing you’ll need to pay is your final fee, this is the remainder of the cost for the program you’re signed up for. Here’s what’s included in that:

Budgets

What are the other costs involved prior to departing?

The above tables detail costs you’ll need to pay TravelBud in order to join the program.

You’ll also need to budget for various other expenses, not payable to TravelBud, which allow you to legally teach abroad plus the cost of travel to your destination and insurance for your trip.

Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it. The following is what you’ll need to budget for:

What do I need to budget for?

Bear in mind that you will be spending 1 to 2 months in Japan before you receive your first paycheck. You will therefore need to budget enough money to see you through this period.

Of course, the amount of money you need depends on your spending habits, but there will be some costs that come up which are unavoidable.

Budget for 1 month during the in-class TESOL course in Nagoya, Japan

Budget for first month teaching:

You will also need to take over enough spending money to cover living expenses during your Japan TESOL course and first month of teaching english in Japan.

Budget Totals

Chat to us if you have questions about budget and spending.

Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered, you’ll start to learn how to cut down on your monthly expenses (for example, eating out less and finding the most affordable grocery store in your placement town) and you will be able to enjoy your time teaching and traveling in Japan and save a good portion of your salary to fund your bucket-list travel adventures, pay of student loans, and return home with some savings to your name.

When can I start Teaching English in Japan?

In-Class TEFL/TESOL Course in Nagoya, Japan

TravelBud’s NEW in-class, in-country TEFL/TESOL course and cultural orientation which takes place over a month and provides the following benefits::

In-take Dates for online TEFL/TESOL course participants:

How long is the teaching contract for?

Arrival & Orientation

Pre-departure Support

As you prepare for your trip, TravelBud’s support managers will guide you through:

Arriving in Japan

When you arrive in Nagoya, you can count on:

Teaching Environment

Your teaching job placement is guaranteed with TravelBud from the moment our we confirm your acceptance onto the program.

How does TravelBud’s job placement work in Japan?

If you’re completing TravelBud’s in-class TEFL/TESOL course in Japan, your job placement will, in most cases, be arranged before you leave home with the final details being confirmed with our in-country placement team during the TEFL/TESOL course. You’ll head off to your new job shortly after your TEFL/TESOL course graduation ceremony.

If you are completing TravelBud’s online TEFL/TESOL course, your job placement will be arranged and finalised before you depart to Japan. Once our placement team have confirmed a placement for you and your visa and work permit is sorted, you’ll be jet-setting straight to your new teaching job in Japan.

How does TravelBud vet the schools it works with?

TravelBud’s placement team have years of experience placing teachers all over Asia and have strong long-lasting relationships with all the schools we work with. All the schools we work with undergo a strict vetting process to ensure they meet what we believe to be the essential working conditions for our teachers.

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?

We place teachers in:

You can teach:

Keep in mind that placements do depend on what jobs are available.

We will always to our best to accommodate your preferences.

Do schools provide lunches?

Most schools do not. We recommend bringing a packed lunch to school or finding an affordable spot to eat nearby your school.

Can I be placed with my friend or partner?

Yes, we can place you in the same town as your friend or partner. You might be teaching in the same school or in nearby schools, depending on the availability of jobs.

What type of school will I be placed at?

TravelBud works mostly with private schools and language centers throughout Japan. While public school placements are available, they are in limited supply.

What age group will I be teaching?

Most of our placements are for young learners aged anywhere from kindergarten to high school but you may be required to teach some adult classes too, depending on the school you’re placed at. TravelBud’s TEFL/TESOL course will prepare you for teaching all age groups in Japan.

What are the working hours?

Will my school provide any training or orientation before I start teaching?

Most schools will provide an additional 1-2 week orientation, in addition to the training you’ll receive during TravelBud’s TEFL/TESOL and cultural immersion course.

The orientation provided by your school will be focused on the teaching style and curriculum of the school, as all schools aren’t the same.

This orientation will take place before you start teaching and will in most cases be paid.

TravelBud’s TEFL/TESOL course will prepare you for how to combine your TESOL training and your school’s teaching style curriculum to deliver the best lessons and overall education to your students in Japan.

Are there sports or activities after school which I will need to attend?

No, you won’t typically be required to do anything at school after teaching hours.

What if I am unhappy with my job? Can I be placed somewhere else?

If you are unhappy and there are clear reasons why the job is not working out for you, TravelBud will place you in a different job.

We have strong relationships with our partner schools and our applicants are generally very happy with their placements.

Our team is also available 24/7 throughout your placement in Japan. They will check in with you regularly to make sure you’re doing well, especially in the initial months at your placement and they are also available 24 hours a day to contact if you need assistance with anything – be it big or small.

How long is the teaching contract?

Your placement duration is for a minimum of 12 months and can be extended if you want to stay in Japan for another year or even longer!

What is the dress code for teaching?

Professional smart clothing is required unless your school says otherwise. This means collared shirts and chinos/slacks for men and conservative clothing for women covering the shoulders and knees.

Living Environment

How does accommodation work?

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 $500 to $700 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.

Where do I stay if I do the In-Class TEFL/TESOL course in Nagoya, Japan?

Your accommodation for your 4-week internationally accredited 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.

The accommodation TravelBud uses for the TESOL course has been carefully vetted and costs $650 USD for the month.

How much will rent cost?

Rental costs will vary depending on where you are living. You can expect to pay between $500 to $70-0 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?

If you are placed with a friend or partner, you will be able to live together. 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.

During TravelBud’s in-class TEFL/TESOL course in Japan, you will share a room with someone from the same gender. You can opt for a private room but this will cost more.

Let us know what your needs are in terms of accommodation and we’ll assist with finding the best living environment for you –
we’re here to help you through the whole process!

Why Teach English in Japan with TravelBud?

It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing.

We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.

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.

Teach English in Japan FAQ

How much does it pay to teach English in Japan?

If you are in search of a 1 year vibrant experience teaching, traveling and earning great money abroad ($1575 – $1900 USD* -215,000 to 260,000 Yen) per month), this is the perfect program for you. You will be paid in the local currency – the Japanese Yen – and will earn between 215,000 and 260,000 Japanese Yen per month.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

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.

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. TravelBud’s online TEFL/TESOL course is perfect if you’re looking for an internationally accredited and interactive course which is tailored specifically to Japan.

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 TESOL course takes 4 weeks to complete.

You have 2 options for Japan in terms TESOL/TEFL certified. You can do TravelBud’s online TEFL/TESOL course or you can do our in-class TESOL which takes place over your first month in Japan in the city of Nagoya, which we highly recommend for the best experience.

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. When you arrive in Nagoya for our in-class TESOL course, you can count on airport pick-up and travel assistance to your accommodation.

If you complete your TESOL course online before heading to Japan, you’ll also be collected from the airport and driven straight to your placement.

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.

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 30 to 40 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!