What attracts visitors from all over the world to Japan? Perhaps it’s the country’s diverse landscape, or it might be the charme of ancient traditions and history. Some might be fascinated by Japan’s unique way to deal with everyday life, while others might want to see with their own eyes how incredible technological advances have become part of the locals’ experience.
There are several positive aspects to moving to Japan. This is a safe country to visit, as it has a low rate of pickpocketing and mugging incidents. However, it is always advisable to use your common sense and avoid walking in isolated areas on your own at night.
Other reasons why Japan is a great country to move to are its excellent healthcare system, with highly skilled medical staff and state-of-the-art hospitals with ultra-modern equipment, and its fast, efficient, and far-reaching public transportation network.
With so many advantages, as well as delicious and healthy food and mind blowing pop culture, it’s not surprising that many teachers of English as a foreign language (TEFL) decide to settle in Japan. Despite so many tempting pros, there are some requirements for teaching in Japan that you should consider before moving to Japan to teach English.
- Living in urban areas
Living in a big city might feel like an explosion of the senses – so many colours, people, and sounds! Urban areas are more cosmopolitan and have a more western feel than smaller towns and villages – if you worry about feeling like the ‘odd one out’, perhaps living in a city is a better option for you.
- Living in remote areas
If you relocate in a remote area or in a small village, you’re likely to be one of the few westerners, or even the only one! It’s highly unlikely that the locals can speak English, but they’re usually friendly and they’ll try to make conversation with foreign visitors. They are interested in learning about other cultures, so be prepared for some unusual questions!
- Cultural differences
Keeping an open mind is crucial when visiting other countries. This is particularly true when experiencing a very different culture from your own. Japanese people are very respectful of others; manners and etiquette are very important to them, so you should behave accordingly. Pay attention to your (and their) body language, as it might have different meanings. It is unlikely for Japanese people to say ‘no’, for fear of offending the other person. Instead, they might say something like ‘I’ll check with my boss’.
- Culture shock
With regards to cultural differences, don’t underestimate the effect culture shock might have on your personal and work life abroad. Try to reduce its impact by learning about Japan and its culture, traditions, and ways of life before you travel. Join online communities of expats so you can learn about (and from) their experience. They have been there before you, so they’re usually happy to answer your questions.
- Working in Japan
If your intention is to work as a TEFL teacher in Japan, you will need a visa. You can apply for a Working Visa as an ‘instructor’ if you have already found a job from your home country. Remember to attach the ‘letter of invitation’ from your new employer to the visa application.
If you intend to find a job once you arrive in Japan, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa, which will allow you to work part-time during your stay. However, this visa has some restrictions: you must be between the age of 18 and 30 from specific countries. Check the list of requirements carefully before applying.
If you want to keep your options open, you could apply for a Tourist Visa, which will give you 90 to 180 days to find and secure a job. When you do, you must change your visa, as you’re not allowed to work on a Tourist Visa.
- TEFL in Japan
There are thousands of English language schools across the country, with around 200 in Tokyo alone, and the demand for teachers of English as a foreign language (TEFL) is high. However, the TEFL industry in Japan is competitive and the English teaching jobs are highly sought-after. Life in Japan is very expensive, which is reflected in the high salaries. A teacher of English as a foreing language can earn anything between $1,300 and $4,100 USD, depending on location and institution.
- Where to teach in Japan
To work in a primary or secondary school, you would be employed as an Assistant language Teacher (ALT). Your role would be to assist local teachers during classroom hours and to share with staff and students information about your culture. In this instance, you’ll find that classes can be very large, with up to 40 students. You will benefit from up to 20 days of paid holiday as well as national holidays. You could apply for a teaching role directly to the school or through one of the programmes sponsored by the Japanese government like JET, for example.
Securing a teaching role at a Japanese university is difficult because it’s a very competitive environment, and you’ll need a master’s degree and considerable previous teaching experience. Should you succeed, however, you could benefit from up to three months of paid holiday a year, an inviting weekly schedule with just around 15 teaching hours, and among the highest teaching salaries in the country.
The easiest route to finding a TEFL job in Japan is through a private language school, known as eikaiwa, where you will be teaching for up to 8 hours, usually in the afternoon and evening. Class sizes there are quite small, with up to 15 students per class.
- Qualifications to teach in Japan
Holding at least a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) will give you a considerable advantage of securing a TEFL teaching post, as it is one of the requirements for your visa applications. However, there are ways around it. You could apply for a Working Holiday Visa and start as a freelance teacher, which might lead to a teaching role in a school.
Although most Japanese schools offer in-house training and professional development, having a 120-hour TEFL certificate to support your job application will give you the upper hand in such a competitive market.
- Other requirements
With the exception of university roles, you’re not required to have previous teaching experience, although it would be an advantage. You’re not expected to speak Japanese, but being able to say a few basic words, like ‘please’ (お願いします – onegaishimasu) or ‘thank you’ (ありがとうございました – arigatogozaimashita) will stand you in good stead with your colleagues and the locals in general.
In short
Japan is a fascinating and unique country that attracts many TEFL teachers from all over the world. Beginning a new life abroad is a big step that requires serious consideration with regards to areas such as location, bureaucracy and qualifications, cultural differences, and the type of institution you want to work for.
