In Japan, there aren’t many English speakers. Foreigners are encouraged to brush up on their Japanese before visiting the country because many fundamental interactions involve the local language.
However, as the number of foreign residents and tourists to Japan increases annually, the country is trying to improve its English language proficiency. This means there are now more opportunities in Japan for those who can teach English at various levels.
Are you interested in teaching English to the local Japanese people? And how can you find English teaching jobs in Japan? Read this article to find out more!
What are the Requirements?
If you’ll be moving to Japan to teach English, you’ll need a visa. When applying for a work visa, you’ll typically need a Bachelor’s degree. However, some instances allow people to get English teaching jobs in Japan with Visa sponsorship. Some other Japan travel programs may permit you to work with as little as a high school diploma. One such program is the Global Work and Travel program.
The qualifications you will need can vary depending on the specific teaching job. A TEFL certification, for example, can be helpful for you, but it is not always required. If you are looking for university jobs teaching English in Japan, you will need a Master’s degree or PhD. You will also need some published research papers if you are looking for a university role.
Before you can teach English in Japan’s international schools, you must have a teaching license and classroom experience. However, if you are just looking for Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) or Eikaiwa jobs, you can get English teaching jobs in Japan, no experience needed.
Salary Expectations
The salary you can earn from English teacher jobs in Japan depends on the type of Job and how much experience you have. If you get an entry-level ALT or Eikaiwa job, the salary is usually between 220,000 and 280,000 yen monthly.
If you work for an accredited international school, you can expect a monthly salary of up to 400,000 yen. Individuals with jobs at universities get paid even more. For university English teacher jobs in Japan, the salary ranges around 600,000 yen per month.
Do You Need To Be A Native English Speaker?
Can you get English teaching jobs in Tokyo, Japan, as a non-native speaker? This depends on a couple of things, but primarily the employer. Some employers may request proof that most of your education was in English. Some may even ask for your TOEFL/TOEIC test scores to verify.
Getting English teaching jobs in Japan for foreigners might be tricky. However, if you’re from a country where English is not the primary language, some employers are flexible and consider applicants based on proficiency rather than nationality. That means there is still a chance to get English teaching jobs for non-native speakers in Japan.
Types of English Teaching Jobs You Can Get in Japan
There are several types of English teaching jobs you can explore in Japan. Each of these jobs has its own work environment and roles. The main types of English teaching jobs you can get in Japan include:
Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) Jobs
English teaching assistant jobs in Japan involve working in public schools through dispatch companies or the Board of Education. The job usually requires you to assist the native Japanese teacher in taking English classes.
English Conversation Schools (Eikaiwa)
These are private companies that help adults and children improve their English conversational skills.
Corporate Training
This English teaching job requires you to teach English to professionals to improve workplace communication.
Childcare English Teaching Staff
Individuals who wish to apply for this job must be able to relate well to children. Some schools may also require you to assist in childcare.
International Schools
In Japan, international schools can be accredited or unaccredited. Accredited schools usually have stricter staff requirements.
University Jobs
University teaching jobs are some of the best English teaching jobs in Japan. They usually offer better salaries and you require at least a Master’s degree.
How to Find English Teaching Jobs
Looking for English teaching jobs in Japan, online or offline, can be very competitive. However, you can still find many opportunities if you know the proper application time and way. Most times, the hiring process for English teachers occurs before a new academic year starts. This is the best time to apply.
If you are applying from overseas, you can use the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program to look for an entry-level ALT job. You can also use Interac or HEART. If you stay in Japan, you can apply directly to the school.
Best Places to Find English Teaching Jobs in Japan (Job Boards)
There are some platforms you can utilize to help you find English teaching jobs in Japan. They include:
- Ohayo Sensei
- GaijinPot
- TeachAway Japan
- Search Associates
- Schrole
- JALT job board
- J-RECIN and JACET
Reddit and other public forums, such as Facebook groups, can also be great places to find English-language jobs in Japan.
Tips for Getting an English Teaching Job Interview in Japan
Here are some tips you can use to make a great first impression:
- Tailor your resume to highlight your teaching experience
- TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certifications can give you a nice advantage
- Be ready for the interview questions
- Make sure you look professional
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In Summary
Japan has so many English-related jobs to offer. Whether you are looking for English teaching jobs in Japan without a degree or with the appropriate certifications, there is something for everyone.
You can find the best English teaching jobs for foreigners in Japan with the proper requirements –From ALT jobs to international schools and universities,
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