Teach English in Japan | GoAbroad.com

Before you begin your teaching journey in Japan, it can be a great idea to set clear, achievable goals to make the most out of your time abroad. Consider what you want to gain from this experience and how it fits into your long-term plans.

In Japan, you have a chance to gain international teaching experience that will enhance your resume and teaching style. What specific skills do you want to develop or learn while there?
How do you want to connect with the students, the general public, and Japan as a whole? Find a cultural element to connect with and explore while in the country.
Beyond the classroom, are there places you’d like to explore in Japan and nearby countries?

Understand the benefits

Teaching in Japan offers many advantages and perks that can shape your future. Here are a few major ones:

Cultural exchange. Teaching in Japan will expose you to all sorts of Japanese cultural and social elements, along with Eastern civilization expectations.
Career advancement. There’s no doubt that international experience will boost your resume.
Personal development. By traveling and teaching abroad, the process naturally enhances your adaptability and problem-solving skills. Along with it, a whole slew of other life-changing experiences.
Networking. Expand your professional connections with educators and locals.
Financial rewards. Competitive salaries and benefits are common for teachers in Japan.

Things to know

For teachers considering teaching in Japan, there’s plenty to know and research before you go, but here are a few major basics that may be helpful.

Visa requirements - Check with your program, embassy, or consulate for current visa requirements. You'll need a specific visa based on your country, so prepare necessary documents in advance.
Language skills - Basic Japanese or common phrases can be helpful but aren’t always required. Some schools may expect it, but speaking any Japanese is seen as respectful.
Cultural etiquette - Greetings are done with a nod or bow, with deeper bows being more formal. Wearing a mask when sick is common, and respectful, supportive relationships with students are important.
Housing - Explore housing options through your school or independently, as both options are available depending on the location and institution.
Health insurance - Teachers often have access to Japan’s health insurance system, typically determined by the duration of your stay and your salary package.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! English teachers are in demand in Japan as the need for English skills grows. Japan is one of the best destinations for those who want to teach English abroad.

Why Teach Abroad in Japan

To teach English in Japan, you'll need a TEFL certificate, a bachelor's degree, and citizenship in an approved English-speaking country. Additionally, you'll need to pass a criminal background check.

If you meet the qualifications to teach English in Japan, then it's time to apply for jobs! You can do so through foreign program providers or through government programs in Japan like JET. After, you'll be interviewed and take next steps to travel.

You can teach abroad in Japan as long as you want! Teaching contracts are typically granted in increments of 1, 3, and 5 years. Your work visa will be valid for the length of your contract.

Teaching English in Japan Salary: What to Expect

Latest Program Reviews

I'm having an amazing time!

September 02, 2024by: Lilah Cseh - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud

10

I am coming up on 6 months into my placement as an English teacher in Japan and could not be happier that I chose to work with TravelBud! TravelBud makes it extremely easy to begin the process of moving your life abroad, from facilitating a TESOL certification course, setting up interviews with prospective schools, and even connecting you with incredible people making up an in-country support team. Every staff member I have spoken with from this company has been incredibly kind, patient, and more than willing to answer any and all questions I had about teaching, living abroad, and the entire process of doing so. If you are thinking about teaching abroad, I cannot recommend TravelBud enough - they are a perfect resource to make the process of moving your entire life to another country as seamless as possible, whether it's your first or tenth time doing so!

A Life Changing Opportunity

May 07, 2024by: Derian Mesaros - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching in Japan & Lifetime Placement Guarantee

8

Sometimes you are faced with a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Paid Teaching in Japan and Lifetime Placement is one of those opportunities. At first, I was skeptical about the program. The website and overall atmosphere I got from the Job source seemed to me to resemble a scam. After the first interview, I realized I was completely wrong. The interviewer and all other employees were in fact very professional. And within 4 months of a relatively expensive and time-consuming effort, I made it to Japan. All the hard work immediately paid off. The course was fast and easy, although it was thorough. I felt well equipped to be a teacher in Japan after going through all of it. A special benefit to this course specifically was the exposure to real teaching opportunities where we were thrown into language schools or even International Schools and replaced teachers for a lesson. This led me to my placement. I had a couple options for my placement, but the one that sounded the best was a position near Osaka, Japan. The Job itself is fine, I have enjoyed it so far, but the location is amazing. Being on the outside of Osaka just fit me personally and I would have never chosen it before going through with this program. I haven't utilized the lifetime placement but maybe down the road I will and can review that another time. The pay for the jobs offered is very low, especially from a western background. but have no fear, as the cost of living is also significantly lower. I have been truly enjoying this experience and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to make a change in their life for the better.

I'm having an amazing time!

September 02, 2024by: Lilah Cseh - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud

10

I am coming up on 6 months into my placement as an English teacher in Japan and could not be happier that I chose to work with TravelBud! TravelBud makes it extremely easy to begin the process of moving your life abroad, from facilitating a TESOL certification course, setting up interviews with prospective schools, and even connecting you with incredible people making up an in-country support team. Every staff member I have spoken with from this company has been incredibly kind, patient, and more than willing to answer any and all questions I had about teaching, living abroad, and the entire process of doing so. If you are thinking about teaching abroad, I cannot recommend TravelBud enough - they are a perfect resource to make the process of moving your entire life to another country as seamless as possible, whether it's your first or tenth time doing so!

A Life Changing Opportunity

May 07, 2024by: Derian Mesaros - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching in Japan & Lifetime Placement Guarantee

8

Sometimes you are faced with a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Paid Teaching in Japan and Lifetime Placement is one of those opportunities. At first, I was skeptical about the program. The website and overall atmosphere I got from the Job source seemed to me to resemble a scam. After the first interview, I realized I was completely wrong. The interviewer and all other employees were in fact very professional. And within 4 months of a relatively expensive and time-consuming effort, I made it to Japan. All the hard work immediately paid off. The course was fast and easy, although it was thorough. I felt well equipped to be a teacher in Japan after going through all of it. A special benefit to this course specifically was the exposure to real teaching opportunities where we were thrown into language schools or even International Schools and replaced teachers for a lesson. This led me to my placement. I had a couple options for my placement, but the one that sounded the best was a position near Osaka, Japan. The Job itself is fine, I have enjoyed it so far, but the location is amazing. Being on the outside of Osaka just fit me personally and I would have never chosen it before going through with this program. I haven't utilized the lifetime placement but maybe down the road I will and can review that another time. The pay for the jobs offered is very low, especially from a western background. but have no fear, as the cost of living is also significantly lower. I have been truly enjoying this experience and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to make a change in their life for the better.