How to Become an English Teacher in Japan

To become an English teacher in Japan, you need a bachelor’s degree in any field and native or near-native English proficiency. Most positions require no prior teaching experience or Japanese language skills, making it one of the most accessible ways for foreigners to live and work in Japan.

Basic Requirements

The minimum qualifications for teaching English in Japan are:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (in any subject)
• Native or fluent English speaker from an English-speaking country
• Clean criminal background check
• Valid passport from an eligible country (typically USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose Your Teaching Path

There are several routes to teaching English in Japan:

JET Programme (Japan Exchange and Teaching): A prestigious government-sponsored program that places teachers in public schools. Applications open once yearly (usually autumn) with positions starting in July/August. JET offers competitive salary (approximately ¥3.36 million annually), benefits, and strong support systems.

Private Language Schools (Eikaiwa): Companies like GABA, ECC, Berlitz, and AEON hire year-round. These positions typically involve teaching conversational English to students of all ages in private classrooms.

ALT Dispatch Companies: Organizations like Interac and Altia Central hire Assistant Language Teachers to work in public schools. These offer more flexibility than JET with multiple hiring periods throughout the year.

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International Schools: Require teaching credentials and experience but offer higher salaries and Western-style work environments.

Private Tutoring: Possible once you’re in Japan, though difficult to secure a visa through this route alone.

2. Obtain Necessary Qualifications

While a bachelor’s degree is mandatory, additional qualifications strengthen your application:

TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certification: Not required for most positions but highly recommended. A 120-hour certification course costs $200-$1,500 and significantly improves job prospects and teaching ability.

Teaching License: Required for international schools and some university positions. Not necessary for most entry-level positions.

Japanese Language Skills: Optional for most English teaching jobs, though even basic Japanese (JLPT N5-N4 level) helps with daily life and can make you a more competitive candidate.

3. Apply for Positions

Timeline: Start applying 3-6 months before your desired start date. JET Programme requires applications 8-10 months in advance.

Application Materials:

• Updated resume/CV
• Cover letter expressing motivation for teaching in Japan
• Copies of your degree certificate
• Professional reference letters (2-3)
• Passport copy
• Recent photograph

Where to Apply:

• GaijinPot Jobs (gaijinpot.com)
• Jobs in Japan (jobsinjapan.com)
• JET Programme official website (jetprogramme.org)
• Individual company websites (direct applications often preferred)

4. Complete the Interview Process

Most companies conduct video interviews for international candidates. Prepare for:

• Self-introduction and motivation questions
• Mock teaching demonstrations (usually 5-10 minutes)
• Questions about handling classroom challenges
• Availability and contract length discussions

Research common teaching scenarios and practice explaining grammar points simply.

5. Secure Your Visa

Once you receive a job offer, your employer will sponsor your work visa. You’ll need:

• Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) – Your employer applies for this in Japan
• Valid passport
• Visa application form
• Passport photo
• Supporting documents from your employer

The process typically takes 1-3 months. You cannot legally work in Japan without the proper visa.

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6. Prepare for Departure

Financial Preparation: Save $3,000-$5,000 for initial expenses. While most jobs provide housing support, you’ll need money for deposits (often 3-4 months’ rent), settling-in costs, and living expenses until your first paycheck.

What to Bring:

• Professional work clothing (business casual minimum)
• Teaching materials and resources
• Any prescription medications (with prescription)
• International driver’s license if planning to drive

Salary and Benefits Expectations

Entry-level English teachers in Japan typically earn:

• Monthly salary: ¥200,000-¥300,000 ($1,500-$2,200 USD)
• Annual salary: ¥2.4-¥3.6 million
• JET Programme: ¥3.36 million starting salary

Benefits often include:

• Subsidized or free housing
• Flight reimbursement (often after contract completion)
• Health insurance and pension enrollment
• Paid holidays (10-20 days annually)
• Contract completion bonuses

Contract Lengths

Most positions offer one-year contracts with renewal options:

• JET Programme: 1 year, renewable up to 5 years
• Eikaiwa schools: 1 year, often renewable
• Dispatch companies: 1 year contracts

Alternative Paths

If you don’t meet the bachelor’s degree requirement, consider:

• Completing your degree online while working toward this goal
• Teaching English online to gain experience
• Pursuing student visas to study Japanese while building qualifications

For those with teaching licenses or master’s degrees in education or TESOL, university positions offer higher salaries (¥3-6 million annually) and better working conditions.

Next Steps

1. Assess your qualifications against the basic requirements
2. Choose your preferred teaching path (JET, eikaiwa, or dispatch company)
3. Obtain a TEFL certification if you have time
4. Prepare your application materials
5. Begin applying to positions 3-6 months before your target start date
6. Stay active in online communities like Reddit’s r/teachinginjapan for current information and support

Teaching English in Japan offers an incredible opportunity to experience Japanese culture, develop professional skills, and build international connections. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, you can successfully navigate the application process and begin your teaching journey in Japan.

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