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| comic credits: Texan in Tokyo |
Someone emailed me to ask the different kinds of English teaching in Japan. Hence, I'm writing about it today.
There are three common types of teaching English in Japan. First is as an ALT or Assistant Language Teacher. Second is as an eikaiwa teacher or a language school teacher. Third is as a private teacher.
(There's actually another one- as a main English teacher in schools and universities. However, this is not a common teaching job for foreigners. Foreigners who are English teachers in schools and universities have higher education degrees and possess fluent Japanese skills.)
There are many differences among the three kinds of teaching. I'll just focus on 6 things that I think matter for job hunters:
I Teaching as an ALT
Application Process:
If you're coming from overseas, applying as an ALT is the easiest route to land a job in Japan. Applying through the JET Program and Interac are the most common entry point for most foreign teachers. Take note hoewever, that these route is only accessible for people from English-speaking countries. If you're from Indonesia, for example, you might not have a hard time working in Japan as an ALT.
It usually takes 6 months to a year to complete the application process. January and May are the best time to send your resumes. Once you impressed the people with your resume, you'll be asked for an interview and a demo lesson. If you passed them, you'll wait for your visa so you can come to Japan.
If you're already in Japan, you can apply directly to the Board of Education. A friend who moved from Interac to BOE said that the application process in the BOE was more tedious but the waiting time is shorter.
Place of Work:
ALT's mostly work in public schools- from kindergarten to high school. Some ALT's are assigned in various schools. So in a week, don't be surprised if you have to go to 2 to 4 different schools.
Work Schedule:
Usual time is from 8 am to 4 or 5 pm depending on the BOE's wishes. You'll rarely be asked to do overtime work. Saturdays and Sundays are free. There's a minimum 2-week vacation during summer break, winter break and spring break.
The annual schedule of an ALT is perfect for those who plan to go around Japan.
Compensation:
From 200,000 JPY to around 350,000 JPY monthly. Health insurance and pension depends on the employer. Work contract is renewed annually.
Best Points:
Lots of free time. Workload is not very difficult.
Not-so-Good Points:
No clear path for career growth.
II Teaching in an Eikaiwa/ Language School
Application and Hiring:
Big language schools entertain applications from overseas. However, most of the eikaiwa teachers I've met were already in Japan when they applied to their respective companies. They were former ALT's who moved to language schools. I'm assuming it's not easy to find a job in Japan through language schools. It's probably because there are already a lot of people they can hire within Japan.
I've worked for 3 language schools part-time and they have the same application process- submit resume, do interview and negotiate the ork contract. All done in a few days. That's that.
If you didn't come from an English-speaking country, applying in an eikaiwa personally is your best bet. Impress the managers with your English skills and you'll have high chances of landing a job.
Place of Work:
Some language schools will ask you to do in-house teaching. This means, you work in the language centers.
Some language schools will ask you to conduct classes in the field. This means you go to offices and community centers.
Work Schedule:
The work schedule in an eikaiwa is irregular. It depends on your students' time. Some eikaiwa teachers will have early morning classes, a long free time midday and have classes again from late afternoon to late at night. Saturdays are not guaranteed as rest days. Vacations are also shorter.
Compensation:
Most eikaiwas pay by the hour from 2000 Yen to 5000 Yen depending on the kinds of classes and the teacher's qualifications. Businesses classes pay the highest by the hour.
Best Points:
If you work in an eikaiwa, you'll have more control of your classes than as an ALT.
You can also earn more than an ALT.
Not-so-Good Points:
Work schedule is erratic. Monthly salary may depend on the number of classes you teach.
III Teaching as a Private Teacher
Application and Hiring:
Sorry to burst your bubbles but if you're applying from overseas, you can't come and work to Japan through private teaching. Private teaching is only meant to be done as a part-time job.
You can find private teaching jobs usually through referrals.
Place of Work:
Some students will ask you to do classes in their houses. Most students will meet you in cafes.
Work Schedule:
Depends on the common free time of the teacher and the student.
Compensation:
You can ask a minimum of 2500 JPY for an hour's lesson.
Best Points:
Most students looking for private teachers are highly-motivated.
Free coffee!
Not-so-Good Points:
Private teaching alone doesn't pay the bills.
