Are you interested in teaching English in Japan? If so, you’re in the right place! This guide covers everything related to ESL jobs in Japan and how this can be your first step on a life-changing journey!
Japan is a popular destination for those who wish to teach English abroad, especially in Asia.
It has many benefits.
You will save money, gain valuable experience, visit a stunning country, and experience its unique culture. And if that is not enough, you will have time and reasons to learn Japanese.
Unsurprisingly, people from far and wide have come to Japan.
You’ll find everything you need in this ultimate step-by-step guide to teaching English in Japan!
Let’s begin!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- The popularity of English in Japan
- Why choose Japan as an ESL teacher?
- How do you get English teaching jobs in Japan?
- How do you apply?
- Conclusion: Should you teach English in Japan?
The popularity of English in Japan
The world has seen rapid globalization and heavy amounts of information exchange between nations.
This has led to the need for widespread English language use. Today, most accept it as the universal language, i.e., the lingua franca.
Any kind of international transaction requires the English language—well, not always, but most of the time. Thus, many nations and people want to learn and develop their English skills.
Japan is no exception to globalization and the spread of Western culture. It also wants to expand its horizons, and thus, it welcomes English teachers.
Most universities and companies in and outside Japan want applicants to speak and write basic English. This makes the job of an English teacher highly demanded in the major cities of Japan.
Further, the job pay is pretty good in Japan compared to other Asian countries. Japan is also a friendly nation with high living standards at reasonable prices, making it a pleasant experience.
For example, English has been widely taught for many years in Japan. It is also mandatory from the age of eight or nine onwards. Despite that, English isn’t popular in Japan.
First, Japan is primarily a monolingual country. The vast majority of the population only speaks one language, Japanese.
The primary reason is the lack of teachers who can effectively use English. Most emphasis is on writing, and little to no focus on practical elements, like speaking.
Japan’s Ministry of Education acknowledges that the Japanese population needs English skills to compete in the modern economy. So, the government has deployed many resources to improve the Japanese population’s English skills.
Why choose Japan as an ESL teacher?
Teachers can earn much money and have comfortable working lives, so many benefits are linked. Still, teaching English in Japan comes with a few drawbacks, too.
Below are a few things you can expect once you’re ready to take the next step in your career.
5 Best Advantages
Are you interested in the Japanese language? Maybe you’d like to pursue a career in it, have unique experiences, visit lovely places, listen to J-pop, watch anime, sing karaoke, do sumo, or visit Zen temples.
Well, there is something for every English teacher in Japan.
Let’s begin with some clear incentives!
1. A lifetime opportunity to visit Japan
There are hundreds of stunning places to see in Japan, an island country.
Japan has countless tourist attractions, from Mount Fuji and Imperial Tokyo to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Historic Kyoto to the Island Shrine of Itsukushima and Osaka Castle.
Japan is a visitor’s paradise. But you cannot enjoy these stunning places within your limited budget and time.
It is impractical to see 30 different places on a seven-day trip. During the journey, you will focus on well-known and not less-told but still exciting locations. This leaves a lot to be desired.
The good news is you are in for a treat as an English teacher in Japan.
Besides weekends, you will have plenty of time to appreciate every location there.
South Korea, Russia, China (PRC), and Taiwan are neighboring countries worth visiting. Consider taking a trip during a long vacation, a local holiday, or an extended weekend.
The Japanese economy isn’t just about advanced technology and giant companies.
Enjoy the mouthwatering food, folklore customs, magnetic culture, lively festivals, and colorful seasons. The possibilities are endless.
Being an English trainer will be a delightful experience for you during your stay.
2. High demand for English teachers in Japan
Japan is following the international globalization trend and spreading Western culture. Thus, being able to speak English is a valuable skill in Japan.
English is a compulsory part of the curriculum in most Japanese public schools. Many students need a high English score to perform well in the exam for college admission in Japan. This holds high stakes for Japanese people.
Despite a considerable demand for English teachers, there is a shortage of high-quality English tutors in Japan.
Japanese people find it challenging to learn English independently. That is because the grammatical intricacies and pronunciations differ from those of their native tongues.
Various studies have shown that less than 30% of Japanese people can speak English at any level. If we take fluent speakers, the number would be as low as 2% to 5%. The TOEIC’s 2018 ranking confirms that Japan ranks 44th out of 48.
This means English teachers are in high demand in Japan’s major cities, but ESL teachers are often in short supply.
There is always a demand for educators who have a good grasp of English and can teach it in a practically usable form to their students.
3. The chance to make and save good money
Traveling to Japan and experiencing its unique culture attracts many people. Still, despite this, most get motivated to teach English mainly because of money.
Besides a good paycheck, you can earn extra bonuses and perks.
Japan ranks as one of the highest average living costs in the world. However, living costs are still somewhat low in rural and small towns. Thus, you can live a comfortable life on your salary while still saving and traveling.
The cost of living is high in big cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo, but salaries are higher. With careful planning, you can save money no matter where you stay.
Japan is a great workplace, with generous benefits, compensation schemes, and various jobs.
Because of this, it is one of the top teaching destinations. Besides, it is a high-paying country for foreign teachers.
Yet, where you teach determines how much you’ll earn. This is true of both the organization and the city.
Monthly salaries in Japan range between 1,700 USD and 5,000 USD, or 200,000 and 600,000 Yen.
Your experience and qualifications matter the most. How you perform during a job interview will decide your position along that salary scale.
4. A unique personal and professional experience
Teaching in Japan, in particular, has many notable advantages. ESL teachers display initiative, flexibility, cultural awareness, and ambition in teaching English in a new culture.
The experience confirms to employers how comfortable you are teaching and living outside your comfort zone. It also highlights your cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
You’ll also meet many new friends teaching in a constantly changing and fascinating country.
The number of Japanese people interested in learning English makes it possible to offer many teaching options. Whether it’s an international school in a big city or a public school in a rural village, you can gain valuable experience anywhere.
Interacting with your students will give you a unique insight into modern Japanese society. And this is irrespective of where you choose to work.
It is a life-changing experience to live in a nation like Japan with a unique culture, language, and rituals. Your memories will last a lifetime.
During your stay, you will meet many experts and professionals from all over the world. You can use your experiences from these exchanges and meetups to advance your career as an ESL educator.
5. Learn the Japanese language through immersion
There are many career benefits of learning Japanese. First, your ESL job allows you to study and improve the Japanese language authentically and adequately.
Living in Japan without speaking Japanese is possible. Still, your experience would be different if you knew the local language.
By doing so, you will have a more enjoyable stay and be able to engage in more genuine conversations.
As has long been established, foreign languages are best studied through total immersion. We learn our mother tongue through the loci method, spaced repetition, and imitating.
Teaching in Japan is a great way to do that without spending more time or money. You will practice native speakers in natural settings.
You can also take a NAT or JLPT test to earn a certificate that proves your Japanese proficiency.
There are more testing centers and examination frequencies in Japan than anywhere else.
Two biggest disadvantages
Even though there are some known advantages, you should know some drawbacks before diving into them.
This article reflects their perspectives based on what I’ve heard and read from those who taught English in Japan.
Check out the shortcomings.
1. English alone cannot suffice for survival
Japan is like the US. In short, Japan is a monolithic society with a monolingual population.
English is prevalent in big cities, and you will not have a problem if you do not speak Japanese.
In rural areas, it’s challenging to find someone who speaks English. Many locals cannot speak English. So you are pretty much on your own.
Almost everything is in the local language. This includes signboards, menus, the internet, newspapers, and hoardings. Thus, surviving and staying comfortable without knowing the Japanese would be difficult.
You cannot immerse yourself in Japanese culture without genuine interactions with locals.
If you plan to work in Japan, learn Japanese. You need not be fluent, but a basic understanding will help.
2. You are at the mercy of school management
Most foreign teachers in Japan have temporary visas. The employee and the employer sign the typical employment contract, valid for a few months to one year.
What are your options if your supervisor has an autocratic style or if the work environment is undesirable?
If your manager makes illogical and unnecessary requests, it is difficult for you to disagree.
Embrace it and go with the flow. It would be best also to consider cultural differences and habits.
To summarize, always say Yes, Sir, and Yes, Madam.
As part of their contracts, they provide ESL teachers with complimentary housing. And they will revoke your privileges if you leave your job or are fired.
Finding a job and a place to live in that situation is challenging. To do so, you will need money and time. Things will get worse if you don’t speak Japanese or can’t find reliable references.
How do you get English teaching jobs in Japan?
The prospect of working as an ESL trainer intrigues teachers. Yet, you must learn many things and conduct thorough research before applying for teaching positions in Japan.
Let’s get started!
Available job opportunities
There are two main options for teaching English in Japan: public schools or private institutes.
If you’re interested in such jobs, there are also more openings at a college or university. However, all academics have different hiring processes and procedures.
(i) ALT’s (Assistant Language Teacher)
Many types of jobs involve teaching English in Japan. The most common one is a schoolteacher in public schools for elementary, middle, or high school children.
The job role is called Assistant Language Teacher or Assistant English Teacher (abbreviated to ALT or AET).
These jobs do not require a Japanese teacher’s license as the role is limited to only English lessons. Still, the assistant language teacher would be linked to a teacher with a teaching license.
Besides the primary conditions for qualifying as an ESL teacher, becoming an assistant English teacher may require other things.
For instance, an instructor’s visa or other specific qualifications will vary from one institution to another.
An assistant English teacher can expect to work a 35–40-hour week, depending on the institution. However, teaching time can be an average of 3 or 4 lessons daily.
The opportunity would be one to experience many benefits.
Dealing with schoolchildren would be an excellent opportunity to interact with a newer group of people. You would gain a different perspective on Japanese culture and lifestyle.
It will also help you learn Japanese faster than usual as you interact with other teachers and children of all ages. Plus, it could be a chance to learn the latest usages and phrases and keep pace with social trends.
Schools have a unique atmosphere and often foster innocent, lifelong friendships. Working in such an atmosphere can be pretty rewarding.
Schools also offer vacations and sometimes even insurance. Most schools also have lunch systems that can be cheap, nourishing, and tasty as they cater to children.
It could be tough to adapt if you do not speak at least basic Japanese on the downside.
Work can be exhausting. Dealing with children takes a lot of energy, and they often must be reminded to behave and follow the rules. It could get boring for those who seek constant growth in their careers.
The Japanese government provides the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program (JET). It is an exchange program for ESL teachers to get placed in schools around Japan.
Multiple companies also privately hire ALTs and link them to schools they contract with. Salaries range from JPY 200,000 to an average of JPY 270,000.
(ii) Colleges and Universities
Teaching roles in universities are more demanding and require higher qualifications, such as a master’s degree in English or related fields.
It is also challenging to find jobs at major universities. It is only available at universities outside the city or in smaller towns.
Teaching English at a Japanese university would involve teaching the language to undergraduate or postgraduate students and communicating in English with them.
These differ from English lectures in universities internationally. It focuses more on communication and speaking than literature. The number of lessons and working hours varies from university to university.
Universities usually hire three to five English lecturers who are not native to Japan.
Some universities in big cities focus more on English and language-based courses. So, they hire many more English lecturers. This is because they do it to boost their department and make it their selling point.
Japanese universities typically conduct 90-minute classes for English, although this would differ depending on the university. The university has a student body of ten to one hundred.
General English lessons may see a higher footfall. However, many students also attend specialized English language courses.
(iii) Private schools
In Japan, English teaching positions are plentiful in private language institutes called Eikaiwa or conversational schools.
Students range from kindergarten to adulthood, with day and evening shifts available.
The institute runs a six-day week, with timings ranging from 10 in the morning to 9 at night. However, the expected working hours for an individual teacher would be around 25 hours per week.
However, different schools work differently in this aspect.
For example, larger or more corporate schools would mandate a dress code. This differs from smaller ones, where the surroundings are more relaxed.
It is also the case that larger corporate chains of such schools are more formal. They expect longer work hours and stricter etiquette than the smaller schools.
Qualifications also depend on the school. Yet, some offer extensive teacher training and support before and during your contract.
Because of performance incentives, teaching English in Japan’s private schools is exciting, encouraging, and enjoyable. Yet, it is easy for adults as it is much easier to prepare them with no school behavior issues.
It requires much less energy, and you can expect a lot more interest as it involves people willingly learning English as a language.
It is also an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and lifestyle from those attending. They are of various ages, thus giving a diverse perspective. Also, English teaching jobs are available all year.
But, the application process can take a long time.
Children’s Eikaiwas usually pay slightly more than adult Eikaiwas, with a monthly salary of roughly JPY240,000 to JPY270,000.
Depending on your employer, you may also be eligible for a completion incentive for each contract you finish.
Support in locating and arranging housing facilities is more beneficial than some companies will supply.
They may also cover Japan’s expensive move-in charges, frequently exceeding JPY200,000. The average pay at Eikaiwas is roughly JPY255,000, oriented toward adults or both adults and children.
Other perks could include contract completion bonuses of roughly JPY100,000, social insurance enrollment, and paid time off.
According to Japanese law, one thing to remember is that you must wait at least 6 months from your start date to take these vacation days.
Basic requirements for being an ESL
Anyone considering becoming an English teacher in Japan must have a bachelor’s degree, regardless of the subject. It does not have to be in education.
Besides a bachelor’s degree, the role requires a TEFL certificate.
TEFL certification is a qualification for teaching English. It stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is necessary for becoming an ESL, or English as a Second Language, teacher.
It is also unnecessary to be a native English speaker. As long as you are fluent in English and have a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification, you can do it as an English teacher in Japan.
To stay in Japan, you would also require a working visa. Usually, schools sponsor or help with availing such a visa. Plus, they often issue a certificate of eligibility that speeds up the visa process.
Do you need to speak Japanese?
This isn’t mandatory since you teach English as part of your job. Your work includes teaching students a native accent and conversational skills.
You need some Japanese knowledge as an ESL teacher if your students can’t speak English.
This is important for second-year students and recent graduates. Understanding the language allows students to take part more freely in class.
Knowing the Japanese language can ease communication. This is because most natives do not speak English outside of school.
Without formal courses, you can learn through immersion. This can give your resume more value.
Learning the language at a beginner’s level would be beneficial and won’t be that tough.
How do you apply?
One of the largest markets in the world for English teaching is Japan.
Job openings occur throughout the year, but you must schedule an early interview. Most employers conduct their interviews via Skype, Zoom, Cisco, or another online meeting platform.
These are some crucial points to keep in mind.
Application procedures
Most schools will upload or post the application form on their official website. They also allow you to apply through job board advertisements.
Thus, the time of year you apply for a teaching job in Japan is critical, considering the job role or position you want.
For people considering ALT as an option and the JET program interests them, they accepted applications starting in late November.
ALT firms hire during the spring and autumn semesters, from January to March and June to September.
Fortunately, with Eikaiwas, they hire all year as they do not have any semester system.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Japan is high, as are housing and utility bills. Both combined, they range from JPY 85000 to JPY 120000 per month.
The location also affects the rates. For example, bigger cities are more expensive than smaller ones. Also, Japanese legal procedures for housing can be a hassle.
Most schools help by acting as guarantors for apartments, paying the rent deposit, and providing furniture.
Since settling down involves high initial costs, the paycheck will start only after a while. So, ensure a special fund to sustain yourself for the first few months until things improve.
The travel system is very well established in Japan to offset these costs. Also, the extensive connected public transport ensures a minimum transportation cost.
While Japan has many high-end restaurants and stores, viable and cheap options are not uncommon. Many convenience stores and local eateries offer healthy and affordable food options.
Lifestyle and Culture
Japanese people are very polite and welcoming. Thus, teaching them would be easy, as they are respectful and curious about learning.
Japan’s work culture and environment are very formal, and etiquette and respect are prioritized. Thus, social customs are significant.
Reading up and adapting to them as soon as possible would help land a job and maintain a good impression at the workplace.
Cities to consider
Major cities have a lot of opportunities to offer. They can inspire growth and ambition through their dedicated and productive work culture.
Tokyo, Okinawa, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Osaka are some of the best cities to consider. These are major cities and have robust economies.
Tokyo has the most job openings for foreigners. However, it is densely populated and the most expensive city in Japan, with bustling businesses and an economy.
Okinawa has fewer opportunities than Tokyo but many openings for aspiring ALTs. Osaka has a warmer vibe than the other cities and almost as much job potential as Tokyo.
It also has a good number of foreign settlers. Sapporo is the most preferred way of living and feeling at home among foreign communities. It is a splendid opportunity.
Fukuoka is like Sapporo and is also a typical pick among foreigners in Japan.
Conclusion: Should you teach English in Japan?
Japan has a high demand for English language education. You can land a lucrative job there with your skills and adventurous spirit.
This is an incredible chance for you to travel to beautiful places. You would also like to eat delicious food, learn Japanese, meet new people, and understand Japanese culture.
You will also earn money and experience. So, it is a worthwhile venture.
That would be almost all the information one would need to decide about becoming an ESL in Japan.
Choosing a career as an English teacher in Japan requires an informed decision. I hope this guide will help you make one.
Are you considering a career as an ESL teacher? Does teaching English in Japan through different programs interest you? Share your thoughts in the comment below!
Hi. I am a career shifter in my late 30s. I wonder if I can still land an ESL teaching job in Japan even at age 40+. Thank you for this blog.
Yes