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| Sunset at Lake Hamana, Shizuoka |
You can start your application for an English teaching post with the companies below. I did not include the JET Program because it's more competitive and the application process is "mendoksai" (such a bother). I'm only recommending these three companies because they're already established in Japan. They also have more job opportunities than other smaller companies. You'll have more chances landing a teaching job through these companies.Their recruitment process is discussed on their websites so you'll have a clear idea about what to do, what to prepare and what to expect.
1. Interac
You can find mixed reviews about Interac but so as with other companies. It just happened that Interac is one of the bigger companies in Japan so there are more fora and write-ups about it. I've been working for Interac for more than 2 years and I have no complaints with the company. As long as you're doing your job, you'll be fine. They provide training and staff support for daily living. Since Interac is a big company, you have more chance to be assigned in various places in Japan, even in the rural areas.
If you're a native English speaker of English, check Interac's website on Global Recruitment .
If you're from the Philippines, Interac has a partner agency, Chesham Recruitment. It's run by professional and really nice people. (I super respect the director of that agency, Mr. Ryan.)
Take note that Interac is not a language school. It's an agency that supplies Assistant Language Teachers to Japanese public school, mostly in elementary and junior high school. They also have some corporate classes.
2. Gaba
I don't have any first-hand information about Gaba. I only know a 2 people working for them. Both are okay with Gaba. Gaba is a big language school in Japan so you'll be directly working for them. They offer different classes- from kids to adults. Gaba has branches in Japan's major cities- Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. The schedule is flexible unlike with Interac. However, salary will depend on how many classes you teach.
If you're interested, check their application page. Gaba will also have an Information Seminar in Sydney and Melbourne this November.
3. Berlitz
Berlitz is a worldwide language company. So, if you want to teach not only in Japan, this is a great company to start with. They have branches in various cities in Japan. (They have a branch in Hamamatsu.) I know 2 people working in Berlitz and they seem to like it. Their only complaint is that they have to work late at nights and on the weekends, too. (Since Berlitz is a language school, their complaint is common with other companies.) Also, both of them were already in Japan when they joined Berlitz. I heard Berlitz highly prioritize applicants from Japan so it can be difficult if you're overseas. Salary also depends on how many classes you'll teach.
If you're interested applying for Berlitz Japan, check this link.
If you want to see other opportunities in other countries, check their Global page
To qualify for a teaching post in Japan, you must at least have a Bachelor's Degree. Native English speakers can find jobs more easily than non-Natives. But even if you're not a Native speaker, you can still find a job as long as you can prove that you've used English in school for at least 12 years, and that you have a clear accent.
The application process can be a bit overwhelming but it's not difficult. That's why if you want to start working in April next year, you better decide and start applying now.
Happy job-hunting!
For more information, check these sites:
How to Get a Job Teaching in Japan
Secrets to Getting Hired to Teach English in Japan
How to Get an English Teaching Job in Japan
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