How To Become An English Teacher In Japan
If you are looking for a new career, one that is challenging, rewarding and fun then becoming an English teacher might be for you. There are many jobs available for those who want to teach English as a second language in countries like Japan, China and Korea.
The first step to getting started is to find out if teaching abroad is right for you. Some people may not be cut out for it because they don’t like dealing with other cultures or being away from home for long periods of time. If this sounds like something that would suit your personality then keep reading!
What Is An English Teacher?
An English teacher is someone who works at an educational institute such as a college or high school teaching students how to speak English fluently while they are still learning their native language. It’s important that these teachers have a good grasp on both languages as well as cultural knowledge so they can help their students learn more effectively.
How To Become An English Teacher In Japan
ITTT offers an outstanding training course for people who want to gain TEFL certification in Japan. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will receive one of the most respected TEFL certifications in the world. With your certificate in hand, we will then help you find employment throughout the country, elsewhere in Asia, or almost anywhere else in the world for that matter.
Our course is located in the capital city of Tokyo. Situated on the edge of Asia and the Far East, the city is the last major population centre before the vast Pacific Ocean begins. Tokyo is a place of fascinating contrasts that combines areas of tranquillity and peacefulness with areas of near-frantic pace and high-end lifestyles. Culturally speaking, you might not find a more fascinating city anywhere in the world.
Look beyond the borders of Tokyo and you will discover a world of calm, where temples, shrines, wooden houses and bonsai trees represent Japan’s lesser known world of tradition, charm and beauty. Taking your TEFL course in Japan will provide you with an unforgettable cultural experience while also gaining you a world leading TEFL qualification in a country where there are many opportunities for teaching EFL.
TEFL Japan
For many years, TEFL and Japan were synonymous with high salaries and limitless opportunities for qualified, hard working EFL teachers. While high salaries and opportunities for teaching English have levelled off somewhat in recent years, Japan remains a prime location to earn your TEFL certificate and to go on to gain that valuable first teaching position.
Our job support services will provide you with lists of potential employers, unadvertised job postings, consultations on resumes and interviews and even support for any mock lessons you may need to teach in order to land the job.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become an English Teacher in Japan?
There is a high demand for English teachers in Japan, and high competition. To teach English in Japan, you will need a TEFL certification and a 4-year college degree. You must be a native English speaker without a criminal record. You can expect an average salary of about $2,500 – $3,000 USD per month.
Qualifications to teach English in Japan
Now let’s look at the following requirements to teach English in Japan in detail:
- Hold citizenship from a recognized English-speaking country
- Have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
- Possess a clean criminal background check
- Pass a health exam & drug test
- Meet the age requirement
- Pay basic start-up costs
- Hold a TEFL certification (typically required)
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1. Hold Citizenship from a Recognized English-Speaking Nation
Citizens from the ‘Big 7’ (U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) are highly desired. However, highly qualified candidates from English-speaking countries in the Caribbean may also get hired in some cases.
Citizens from other countries may also be eligible for a work visa if they meet the following condition: they must possess documented 12+ years of education in an English-speaking school or hold 3 years of experience teaching ESL. However, bear in mind that many schools still prefer to hire exclusively from the Big 7.
2. Have a University Degree
Another requirement for how to be an English teacher in Japan is having a university degree. A Bachelor’s degree/diploma from an accredited college or university (4 years in the U.S./3 years in the U.K.) is required to teach English in Japan. This degree does not need to be in Education.
3. Possess a Clean Background Check
By clean background check, we mean an original national-level criminal record check (from the FBI for those of you in the U.S.) that is free of any charges or convictions. A criminal background check is not technically required to receive a work visa to teach English in Japan. However, many schools will require it. If something shows up on your record, it will be up to the school to decide if they want to extend an offer or not based on the offense.
For the JET Program specifically, an FBI background check is required. Furthermore, if you have ever been arrested, charged and/or convicted of any offense other than minor traffic violations, including any juvenile offense, you will not be eligible for the program.
Read more: How Do I Get a Criminal Background Check for Teaching English Abroad? [U.S. citizens]
