TEFL jobs in Japan
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Japan
Overview
Would you like to teach English in Japan? Japan is one of those TEFL destinations where ex-pats are often stumped. Many TEFL students expect jaw-dropping technology, futuristic experiences, and robots around every turn when they visit the Land of the Rising Sun. The truth is that much of Japan’s modern technology has become obsolete, and while you can surely locate a robot or two, it’s more of a tourist attraction than a day-to-day experience. The spectacular landscapes of natural beauty, the immaculate countryside and humble abodes of the inhabitants, and a country rich in history, tradition, and culture will leave you more amazed when you teach English in Japan, mainly once you leave the capital.
Japan’s incredible blend of old and new has a long-lasting attraction for both new and experienced TEFL teachers. Despite its busy modern cities, Japan is anything but cosmopolitan, and while English is now taught in schools, proficiency is not high. As a result, English teachers in Japan are in high demand, and you can find work all around the country. Jobs range from ‘English assistant’ positions, where you’ll feel like a human CD accompanying the textbook, to independent kindergartens and bilingual schools, where you’ll have the opportunity to pursue academic success.
Adult business English classes are in high demand, as are children’s classes. As a result, there are opportunities for everyone. So, no matter where you are on your TEFL journey, you can find a way to visit if Japan appeals to you.
Types of teaching jobs
The JET Programme
Since the late 1980s, the Japanese government has run the JET programme. JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) is an acronym for Japan Exchange and Teaching. In public schools in Japan, native English speakers are employed as Assistant Language Teachers. JETs typically work 35 hours a week, Monday through Friday. To be considered, you must have a bachelor’s degree; this is a requirement to teach English in Japan. The hiring schedule differs depending on the applicant’s home country.
Private Language Schools
Companies like AEON and ECC are always on the lookout for qualified teachers. Many of these jobs demand you to work long hours, and some of them will require you to work nights and weekends. You are more likely to be placed in a large city with these private companies than with JET. To teach English in Japan’s programs you must have a bachelor’s degree. The hiring calendar differs from firm to organisation.
Public Schools
Some public schools hire teachers privately or through companies like Interac. Workweeks of 30 to 35 hours are typical. The amount of time off you are entitled to depends on who hired you. Some public schools prefer teachers who have completed a CELTA/TEFL course and/or have prior teaching experience. You can apply for work at any time of year, although the busiest hiring season is from January to April.
Private Tutoring
Many foreign nationals teach individual classes, often one-on-one with students at cafes. There are no prerequisites for this position, so you can teach English in Japan without a degree this way. However, you must ensure that any job you conduct is compatible with your immigration status. Large cities provide more potential business, especially those wishing to pursue this as a full-time profession.
Living costs
Tokyo, in particular, has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, with housing costs especially high. Apartments in central areas are often small, and spacious homes are rare and very expensive. Many working couples and professionals rent compact one- or two-bedroom apartments, while shared accommodation is more common for students or short-term residents. Once you leave Tokyo and other major cities like Osaka, however, the cost of living drops dramatically. Some chain schools pay the same salary regardless of location, which means you can enjoy a much higher quality of life in smaller towns or rural areas on “Tokyo wages.”
Food shopping in Japan can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to look. Fresh produce, meat, and seafood are reasonably priced in local markets, and many supermarkets discount items after 8 p.m. Eating out can also be budget-friendly, especially at lunchtime when many restaurants offer set menus at half the price of dinner. Family restaurants and ramen shops are also great options for inexpensive meals.
Transportation costs can add up quickly if you commute daily, but the good news is that most employers cover the cost of your travel card. Local trains, buses, and trams are generally inexpensive, though costs rise if you frequently use the metro or bullet trains. Renting outside central Tokyo or in regional cities is far more affordable, with larger apartments available at much better rates.
The cost of living below is taken from Numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living comparison website.
Key facts
Language: Japanese
Population: 123.4 million
Currency: Japanese yen (¥)
Capital: Tokyo
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 3.8
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Yokohama, Nagasaki, Sapporo, and Sendai
The average salary for EFL teachers
The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of 220,000–280,000 Yen (€2,000–€2,450) per month. 250,000 Yen (€2,390) is a standard rate. International school jobs may pay as much as 600,000 Yen (€5,330) per month. Freelance or part-time hourly rates start at 2,000 Yen (€16) per hour, up to 6,000 Yen (€55) per hour.
TEFL qualification requirements
At least a 120-Hour TEFL Qualification
Education requirement
Bachelor’s Degree
Term times
In April, the Japanese school year begins. The first term lasts until roughly July 20th, when summer break begins. Early September marks the start of the second term, which lasts until around December 25. Early January marks the beginning of the final term, which will last until late March.
Previous teaching experience
Useful but not necessary for most jobs
Key Points
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
The specific requirements will vary depending on the school, but most programmes will require a Bachelor’s degree and a clean criminal record. As well as a minimum of 120 hours of TEFL qualification.
English teachers, particularly native speakers or those with native-level fluency, are in high demand in Japan.
To teach English in Japan, you don’t need any prior knowledge of the language. Many of the teaching programmes, in fact, provide free Japanese classes to teachers.
Depending on the type of school you work for, you may expect to earn anywhere from €1,500 to €5,000 per month as an English teacher in Japan.
When thinking about teaching English in Japan, think about where you’d like to work, what type of school you’d like to teach in, and what age group you’d like to work with. After that, you can start applying for employment on job boards, through recruitment agencies, or by contacting certain institutions directly. Check out our jobs board here!