How do I get a job teaching English in Japan?
Securing a teaching job in Japan is an exciting opportunity due to its thriving job market, competitive salaries, and rich cultural heritage. To start your journey, consider these steps:
- Qualifications: Ensure you meet the necessary qualifications, which typically include being a native English speaker, holding a bachelor's degree in any subject, and obtaining a TESOL certification.
- Research: Explore the various teaching programs, schools, and language institutes in Japan. Online job boards and recruitment agencies can be valuable resources.
- Applications: Prepare a professional resume/CV, a well-crafted cover letter, and any required documents, such as transcripts and certifications.
- Interviews: Be ready for interviews, which can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
- Visa: Ensure you have the necessary work visa to legally teach in Japan. Your employer will typically assist with this process.
- Travel: Once you have secured a job, make travel arrangements, and be prepared for an enriching experience teaching in Japan.
Table of Contents
What are the requirements for teaching English in Japan?
What kind of jobs are available teaching English in Japan?
What is the best way to apply for jobs teaching English in Japan?
Why should I teach English in Japan?
What are the requirements for teaching English in Japan?
To qualify for teaching English in Japan you typically require a bachelor's degree in any field. Additionally, fluency in English, a professional demeanor, and a genuine passion for teaching are essential qualities. While a TESOL certification is not officially mandated, it is highly recommended as it not only enhances your competitiveness in the job market but also equips you with valuable skills and knowledge for your teaching role.
What kind of jobs are available teaching English in Japan?
Teaching English in Japan offers two primary types of ESL positions: Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in public schools and conversational English teachers in private language academies.
- Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs): ALTs collaborate with Japanese teachers in public schools to assist in delivering English lessons to junior or senior high school students. These positions typically follow regular school hours from Monday to Friday, often with generous public holidays.
- Conversational English Teachers in Private Language Academies: Private language academies cater to school children and adults seeking language improvement beyond standard school or work hours. Teachers in private academies commonly work during evenings and weekends. Importantly, they have more autonomy over their classes and are not mere assistants as seen in public schools.
What is the best way to apply for jobs teaching English in Japan?
When it comes to applying for English teaching jobs in Japan, there are several effective avenues to explore:
- JET Program: The government-sponsored JET Program is a highly sought-after opportunity for ESL teaching. Annually, this program places numerous native English speakers in public schools to work as assistant language teachers alongside local educators. The application process typically commences in November for positions starting around August of the following year. Competition for JET Program spots is fierce, and placement locations are determined by the program.
- Recruitment Companies: Consider leveraging recruitment agencies specializing in ESL jobs, which can help you find positions in both public and private schools. These companies often have a wide range of job listings and can assist with the application process.
- In-Person Interviews: If you are already in Japan, you have a distinct advantage. Japanese employers generally value in-person interviews, so being in the country can enhance your job prospects.
Why should I teach English in Japan?
As well as plenty of jobs and good salaries, Japan attracts teachers from far and wide due to its unique cultural heritage and diverse environments. Whether you prefer the frenetic pace and high-tec life of Tokyo, or the peaceful charms of its rural heartlands, Japan is certainly a fascinating location for teaching English abroad.
