English teaching jobs in Japan – Japan has hundreds and hundreds of teaching opportunities awaiting English speakers. Becoming an English language teacher is one of the best jobs in Japan if you donāt speak, donāt plan to speak or are currently learning Japanese.Ā For most of these listings you donāt need a TEFL, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, certificate, a teaching degree or really any specific teaching experience. The only thing you really need is the ability to speak English well.
Teaching English to Japanese also allows you to combine your studies with traveling. Since you can continue getting your degree remotely, nothing stops you from exploring this beautiful country. And if you think you will be too busy to keep up with your college assignments, you can easily findĀ someone write my essayĀ online and simply delegate your homework.
Whether your interested in teaching English for the visa sponsorship or need some extra cash while youāre living in Japan, finding that teaching job thatās right for you among hundreds and hundreds of listings can be a daunting task.Ā Donāt worry, weāve got you covered with a simplified guide on how to easily find English teaching jobs in Japan.
English teaching jobs in Japan – Picking the Right Fit
Before you dive into your search there are a few important things to know. Teaching opportunities in Japan are divided into a few categories; each option presents different hours, pay, locations and further amenities. Itās also important to note that to be given a work visa you must have a bachelor’s degree.
While you donāt need a teaching degree or specific certificate there are a few prerequisites to consider. Most companies and programs in Japan require that the teacher be a native English speaker willing to teach āAmerican Englishā, or sometimes referred to as āBusiness Englishā.
Not being a native English speakers limits your options but you still have plenty! You can be a private tutor or teach online classes.Ā Itās best to choose the type of job that best suits your needs and your skill set.
Types of Schools: English Conversation Schools and Business English Schools
English conversation and Business English schools in Japan are a billion dollar business. Conversation schools or eikaiwaās, usually accept applications on a rolling basis with a pretty straightforward application process.Ā Typically, you have to have a bachelorās degree and be a native English speaker. Some popular schools are:
Most of the schools requires teaching to all ages and following a lesson structure designed by the company.Ā Business English Schools are an exception where you will exclusively teach Business English to professionals.Ā Conversation schools offer a competitive starting salary. Japan is one of the top places in the world to earn money as an English language teacher ā conversation schools salaries play a large role in this title.
Many of the schools listed above will sponsor and pay for your visa, provide you with vacation days and breaks coinciding with popular vacation periods in Japan and some will even give a partial flight reimbursement. Some companies will allow you to request specific areas or climate for your placement.
Perhaps the best part is that many of the companies listed above will provide you with subsidized living in a single occupancy room. Which is an added bonus since Japan is somewhat notorious for not renting or making it extremely difficult to rent to foreigners.Ā The downside to these schools are the hours. Itās not uncommon to have long, often 9 hour days, to not end your shift until after 7pm and having to work at least one day of the weekend.
If youāre looking for a relatively easy way to get your first job in Japan and donāt mind long working hours then a Conversation or a Business English School could be the right fit for you!
Programs
If youāre willing to wait for the next application date or want to have a more normal work week and slightly higher pay then a teaching program might be right for you. JET or Japan Exchange and Teaching Program and Interac are two of the most popular and competitive programs in the country.Ā These positions are ALTās, assistant language teachers, in the public school classroom.
Responsibilities vary but youād be working exclusively with children from elementary school through high school. With teaching programs you are assigned a location in the country. Jet application opens early in October. Interac is currently accepting applications but they usually hire outside of Japan in the spring and the fall. Another thing to keep in mind, these programs do not provide or subsidize rent.
Thinking about moving to Japan? you might be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa in Japan.
Craigslist
If youāre already in Japan as a student, some other form of employment, or if youāre not a native English speaker, can supplement your living pretty simply by being an English Tutor. Head over to Craigslist for private tutoring opportunities.Ā As a private tutor you can set up your own hours, meet in coffee shops and get easy cash for a few hours of instruction.Ā This method, however, does provide a bit more research on your part. Youāll need to plan your own lessons and get your own resources and materials. Lessons materials are readily available online depending on the level of your student.
Teach Online Classes
If youāre not interested in meeting with students one-on-one you can teach online classes from the comfort of your very own home. For most online schools you must be a native speaker.Ā Some online teaching platforms provide lessons plans or guides. Some lessons are entirely free talk; all you have to do is monitor and provide ample error correction. Make money by just having a conversation! The most important thing youāll need is a great wifi connection. Cafe Talk andĀ EigoxĀ are popular online schools with classes starting at 25 minutes.
Tips on Applying and Your Resume
First step is to pick the right opportunity for you. Now, all thatās left is to apply!Ā Since most of these jobs are targeted to Westerners you donāt need a traditional Japanese resume. Your polished, professional resume will do, and be prepared to write out all work or relative experience in great detail on a separate document.Ā Donāt be afraid to go back to experiences from high school. After all, experience, even if old, is still experience! Make sure everything is completely free of typos and use your best grammar.
What to Expect from an Interview
If youāve made it to the interview portion then congratulations!Ā Itās a good idea to brush up on some commonly misspelled words (see yourdictionary) and to review some common grammar usage you might have forgotten. Itās not uncommon for a company or program to give a small grammar test during the application process.
Most job opportunities require at least one interview, potentially with a shortened mock lesson. For this trial lesson, you will be provided a skeletal structure of the lesson. Itās a smart idea to do some research and watch some videos before.Ā Make sure to have a well thought out answer to āWhy do you want to teach English in Japan?ā. Definitely mention your admiration for Japan and Japanese culture but donāt forget to answer why you want to teach!
One of the most important factors to keep in mind during the interview process is general demeanor. Itās important to remain professional at all times. This means dressing professionally, being well groomed and remembering to smile. If youāre on a video interview donāt be surprised if your interviewer asks you to stand ā so donāt forget to wear bottoms.Ā Now you have all the information you need to help you find an English teaching job in Japan. Whatever you chose, teaching English is a rewarding and fun opportunity that awaits you.
Helpful Sources – English teaching jobs in Japan
If youāre ready to start teaching but are having some trouble finding that right fit, check out Gaijin Pot. Gaijin means foreigner and Gaijin Pot is the best place to go for foreigners seeking employment.Ā A quick search for āenglish teachersā is a safe way to find an assortment of job listings.
Good Luck!
Thinking of coming to Japan to teach English on a Working Holiday Visa? Read our article aboutĀ Working Holiday Visa Japan – A Step-By-Step Guide To Get Your WHV.
Do you have other great tips on how to find an English teaching job in Japan? Share your tips on ourĀ Facebook group.Ā If you would like to know more about Japan, follow us onĀ Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Courtney Major
Originally, from the USA Iām a wanderer exploring Japan. When not reading, Iām drinking too much coffee, going on rambling walks, or wandering through an art museums.Ā