Teaching English in Japan
Japan is an island country with modern cities, imperial palaces, national parks and a multitude of shrines and temples. A leading nation in scientific research, electronics and automotive innovations, Japan has a very strong economy. Education is especially important, and teachers are welcomed and respected. Let myTEFL help get you to the “Land of the Rising Sun”.
About life in Japan
Japan is a paradox of the old and the modern. The land of the Samurai warriors is also the forerunner in electronics, robotics, optics, and space exploration. Japan leads in fundamental scientific research, having produced twenty-two Nobel laureates in either physics, chemistry or medicine. And Japan is developing the world’s fastest super-computer! And yet it is also the land of Zen and serenity.
There are amazing things to see, do and enjoy in Japan. Watch awe-inspiring Sumo wrestlers, learn how to make delicate Ikebana arrangements, go to a magnificent Kabuki performance, attend a gracious tea ceremony! Or, if you feel adventurous, visit Mount Fuji or the Himeji Castle, or take a hike up the Inari mountain after visiting the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. And Japan is a veritable paradise for anime and Manga lovers.
For the meat lover, Kobe beef is the ultimate gourmet treat. If you feel slightly adventurous try some sashimi, or enjoy authentic sushi prepared with special vinegary rice combined with seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits.
The Japanese are a very refined, well-mannered, people, and go out of their way to welcome outsiders.
If Japan sounds like the place you’d like to be, myTEFL can help you get there!
EMPLOYMENT PACKAGES
Teaching jobs in Japan are available throughout the year and come with great perks. The average teaching packages start at between $1500 – $2500 USD per month for only 22 – 35 teaching hours per week. You can choose to teach more hours, or use all that free time to explore and learn about Japanese culture. In addition to the base remuneration, teachers who complete their contracts receive airfare reimbursement, a generous completion bonus, as well as a $180 – $270 USD Christmas bonus.
Japan Placement FAQs
TEFL job placements in Japan are mainly via private employers spread out across the country. They are all licensed, have decades of experience, professional, and will make for a safe and smooth transition into TEFLing in Japan.
TEFL teachers in Japan can expect starting salaries ranging from $1500 to $2500 USD per month. In addition to the monthly salary, there are several bonuses and reimbursements available:
Contract Completion Bonus: Teachers can receive a completion bonus between $2500 and $4000 USD at the end of their contract.
Flight Reimbursement: Up to $900 USD for flight expenses.
Christmas Bonus: A seasonal bonus ranging from $180 to $270 USD.
Public Transport Reimbursement: Costs for public transport to and from work are reimbursed.
While a bachelor's degree is preferred to Teach English in Japan, it is not necessary if you are from the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland and are under 30 years old. However, if you are from the United States, or any other country, a bachelor's degree is required to qualify for a TEFL position in Japan.
Yes, non-native speakers are eligible to teach English in Japan if they meet the following criteria: They must have a bachelor's degree from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland and demonstrate an English language proficiency of IELTS 7.5 or higher. Additionally, having some teaching experience is recommended.
Teaching experience is not required to TEFL in Japan. However it does help you stand out from other applicants.
Completing our 120 Hour or 140 Hour online TEFL course is a prerequisite for the teaching placement in Japan
A standard teaching English in Japan contract is 12 months long.
Full accommodation assistance is provided. Our employers have apartments ready for TEFL teachers coming in from abroad. The apartments are furnished, and rent ranges from $350 - $475 USD per month depending on location. Teachers do not need to worry about key deposits and all the other difficulties of renting a place in Japan.
A work permit is required to TEFL in Japan. Our employers will courier you the required supporting paperwork and fully support you at each step of the process.
Teachers are guaranteed a minimum of 22 teaching hours per week. Teaching more hours directly increases your salary payment. Classes tend to take place on weekends and evenings. Two days off per week is standard.
The majority of your classes in Japan will be with adult learners who are studying English for diverse reasons. This may include travel purposes, career enhancement, test prep and more. A portion of your classes may be with young learners.
All of our partner employers in Japan will provide comprehensive, hands-on initial training, in class observed training, and ongoing professional development.
The biggest challenges TEFL teachers in Japan face are language barriers, cultural adaptation, and homesickness. This tends to be true for expats as a whole. Studying a bit of the language and the culture before flying out can make the transition easier. It is a good idea to be socially open and start to build your network with other new TEFL teachers, old teachers, colleagues and staff. Most teachers tend to build up vibrant, exciting social lives that minimizes homesickness within a couple of months.
Yes, you will be enrolled in Japan's Employee Health Insurance (EHI) also known as Shakai Hoken. You may want to purchase travel insurance for the flight and first week in Japan for peace of mind.
The salary of a TEFL teacher in Japan will cover costs of living, and allow for a comfortable life. A city like Tokyo would be more expensive, while smaller towns would be cheaper, so that would play a role on how much value you get for your salary.
You can indicate your preferred locations, and we will strive to accommodate them. However, placement depends on demand and available vacancies.
Submit a cover letter, CV/resume, scan of your degree, your TEFL, your passport and a recent photo. You may apply if you are have completed at least 70% of your TEFL. In that case let us know how far you are in your TEFL course when submitting an application for Japan jobs.
The initial application, interview and acceptance takes approximately 2-3 weeks. The work visa application typically takes between 1 - 2 months. On average, you can start teaching in Japan about 3 months after initial application.
Certainly! If you renew your contract, you would be eligible for pay rate increases starting from your second year.
Yes, friends and couples are welcome to apply to TEFL in Japan together. Flexibility in location is key to ensuring a placement in the same school, or at least in the same area.
Our Japan TEFL placements do not have a passport requirement provided the other criteria are met.
We recommend having at least US $1,750 to bring with you to cover personal and setup costs before receiving your initial salary payment.
A medical report is required to be submitted to the Japanese Consulate when applying for the work permit.
Placements occur all over the country, including Nagoya, Tokyo, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Osaka and many more.
Applicants will need to submit a clean criminal record check to teach English in Japan.
Pets are strongly discouraged. The costs and logistics of bringing a pet are nearly prohibitive both monetarily, and time.
Knowing Japanese is not necessary, but learning a few phrases and words will make it much easier to transition smoothly into life in Japan. It will also earn you additional respect from locals.
Upon arrival in Japan, you will complete additional TEFL training covering lesson planning, teaching practice, observation and profesisonal feedback.
TEFL Schools in Japan hire throughout the year. Hiring slows down during summer months and New Year holidays.
