ESL Job Prospect in Japan

Mastering basic, communicative English has become big business in Japan with schools adopting a systematic approach to recruiting teachers and students. Clear-cut visa and tax rules make it easy for foreigners to settle in Japan to teach English. Teachers will find that they would find it easier to get a work permit if they hold a bachelors degree.

The challenge involved in teaching English in Japan is training students to put words together in ordinary conversation so as to use their English in the working world. If you have never taught before, you can try finding jobs at an eikaiwa (conversation school) where you will get exposed to students of all ages. The big three eikaiwa are GEOS, AEON and ECC. Other jobs that TEFL certified teachers can get include assistant language teachers, business English trainers, or one-to-one English tutorials. In fact, private lessons are fine as an income booster but not as a main source of income, mainly because of the visa issue. There are also university positions, but these are hard to come by and generally need a master’s degree along with publications. Besides these job opportunities, teachers can also apply for part-time teaching programs. There is an abundance of smaller schools, junior and senior high schools, and businesses looking for English instructors. Part-time teachers can expect ¥2,500 to ¥3,000 yen per hour ($25) for part-time, freelance work and a bit less for full-time.

Most centers recruit year round, and almost all provide successful applicants with visa sponsorships, a subsidized apartment, and at least partially-paid national insurance. They even help teachers with administrative processes like setting up bank accounts and the like. Teachers are also given on-the-job training, frequent feedback sessions, and a set curriculum. Therefore, a TEFL certified teacher will have no problem putting a successful class together. Schools offer 25 to 30 hour weeks on average, although some set longer schedules. Teachers can expect to receive ¥250,000 to ¥300,000 ($2,000-$2,400) per month, depending on the school, its location, and the hours taught.