TEACH ENGLISH IN JAPAN

Overview of Teaching English in Japan

To teach English in Japan, you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree in any field. You must be a native English speaker as well. The average salary for an English teacher in Japan is about $1,500 - $2,500 USD per month.

From Shinto shrines & Shogun castles to onsen hot springs, Japan offers a cultural experience like no other. It has also long been one of the top job markets for teaching English in Asia.

The Asian markets are some of the largest in the world for English teachers, and Japan has one of the longest traditions of employing English instructors. The Japanese have mandated that English be taught in all of their public schools beginning at age 5 and lasting through the completion of high school. This broad base of child learners has opened a large market for English teaching jobs in Japan. Adults are taking English language classes in the millions as well, and it often seems that language schools are on every corner of a city block. In November 2023, Japan ranked 87th on the EF English Proficiency Index, a decline from years past, so building up English education is now more important than ever.  

Those looking to teach English in Japan can find jobs year-round, and in-person interviews are conducted 3 to 6 months in advance throughout the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Instructors are usually responsible for airfare and housing costs, although schools do assist in finding housing and sometimes provide accommodations.

How to Teach English in Japan: Requirements

TEFL Certification Japan

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Japan. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. For a complete overview, check out our selection of online and in-person TEFL courses offered in 20+ locations worldwide.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

To teach English in Japan, you must be a native English speaker. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is highly preferred.

There are instances, however, where non-natives can obtain teaching employment if they have at least 12-years of schooling in English. If this route is taken, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs.

Degree Requirements for Japan

English teachers need a bachelor's degree to teach English in Japan. Please note, your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

Background & Health Check

Although not a visa requirement, if you are planning on applying for the JET Program, please note that you will need a clean FBI background check. If you have ever been arrested, charged and/or convicted of any offense other than minor traffic violations, including any juvenile offenses, you will not be eligible for the JET Program. Private school employers may also sometimes require a background check. 

Japan is very intolerant of drug offenses as a whole, so anything drug-related will likely bar you from most schools in Japan. Many schools will also conduct drug tests for their teachers.

Please note that while a mental and physical health check is not required for a work visa, some companies and schools in Japan may require it. For the JET Program, you'll need to include a Statement of Physician signed by your primary doctor once approved. 

How to Get a Job Teaching English in Japan

1. Research English Teaching Jobs in Japan

The most common ESL (English as a Second Language) jobs in Japan consist of:

• Teaching children in public grade schools and high schools as an assistant language teacher through the JET Program or Interac.
• Teaching children at private schools ( known as Eikawas).
• Teach Business English to adults in a corporate environment.

Use the following resources to learn more about teaching English in Japan:

• What Are the Requirements for Teaching English in Japan?
• What is the Jet Programme for Teaching English in Japan?
• Read ITA's comprehensive Japan blog articles & watch Teaching English in Japan Videos

2. Get Your TEFL Certification

You do not need prior teaching experience or a degree to teach English in Japan; however, earning an internationally accredited TEFL certification will provide you with the skills you need to teach ESL in Japan and a recognized qualification that employers seek.

Recommended TEFL courses for teaching English in Japan:

• 4-week TEFL Course in Nagoya, Japan
• 11-week 170-Hour Online TEFL Course
• Guaranteed Job Placement Program for Teaching English in Japan

3. Finding TEFL jobs in Japan: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Japan can expect to find ESL jobs year-round, except when applying for government-sponsored JET Programme, which has one application  The process can usually take 3-6 months. Interviews for teaching jobs are done in advance from your home country in two forms:

1. Either via phone or video call (i.e. Zoom).
2. Many recruiters hold face-to-face interviews in the US, Canada, or the UK at least 3-6 months in advance.

You will process your Japanese work visa in your home country before departure; however, it can be processed in any country that has a Japanese Embassy. Please be mindful that you will be without a passport as your visa is processed.

If you want to eliminate the hassle of searching for jobs in Japan, ITA offers Guaranteed Job Placement in the country for those who are interested and qualify for this service. 

Read More: How Do I Get a Visa for Teaching English in Japan?

Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

For an English teacher in Japan, start-up costs will range from $2,500 - $3,000 USD (approx. 390,0512 – 468,615 JPY). These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Japan until you receive your first paycheck. It may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

TEFL Japan Salary

A solid hourly wage enables English teachers in Japan to live a comfortable lifestyle. Teachers can expect to make $1,500 - $2,500 USD per month.

Some schools will provide teachers with housing or an added stipend, but this is not always the case. Flight reimbursements may also be provided, but there is no guarantee that all schools will do this.

Read More: What are Salaries for English Teachers in Japan?

Cost of Living & Savings for Japan

The cost of living for TEFL in Japan typically ranges between $800-$2,000 USD per month.

Japan can offer a good salary for teachers looking to save. However, there are three things to keep in mind:

• The best benefits and highest savings potential are often with the JET program because it does include housing and airfare. Participants in the JET program can save between $300 and $600 a month in their first year.
• If housing is not provided, expect higher start-up costs, including paying “key money”. This is typically the amount of one month’s rent that is given as a gift to your landlord, and it will not be returned once your lease is up. If you are renting your own apartment, this is an expense you should consider in planning for your start-up costs.
• The average monthly cost of living in Japan tends to be higher than in other Asian countries, and it can take longer to establish yourself and start saving money. Depending on where you are living, expect to break even for the first 4-6 months if you are working at a private language school.