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| A Japanese Drama: Great Teacher Onizuka credits: https://www.youtube.com |
Side notes: I haven't written as regularly as I used to. I'm leaving Japan soon so I'm bit busy preparing things. I have tons of topics I want to write but I'm not sure when I will have the time. For now, I'll do a series of FAQ's about to address some questions I usually get from emails.
Let's start with the FAQ's about teaching English in Japan:
1. How can I teach English in Japan?
To be an English teacher in Japan, you'll need at least two things.
First, you'll need a Bachelor's Degree. For native speakers, any degree is accepted. For non-native speakers, you have to work on having an Education degree and ESL Certifications.
Second, you'll need to apply for English teaching jobs. Here's a post I've made about the Best Companies to Get Teaching Jobs in Japan.
2. I am from (insert a country not considered native English), can I get a teaching job in Japan?
I have no straight answer for this question.
Honestly, it is hard to get a teaching job if you're not a native English speaker. I know a few people from India, Pakistan and Indonesia who are teaching in private kindergarten schools. However, the benefits and workload are horrible.
I've had some Filipinos asking me if they can get a job here. Here's the answer: Yes, if you are qualified. Get some experience and get a TESL or CELTA certificate.
3. How much is the salary of English teachers in Japan?
Monthly salary ranges from 150,000 Yen to as high as 350,000 Yen. It depends on the nature of teaching, your nationality and the company you're working for.
To live comfortably in Japan, you would need at least 200,000 Yen. So, if you have job offers lower than 200,000, ask your employer to provide housing for you.
Here's a post on How Much Can You Save as an ALT in Japan?
4. Can I go to Japan as a tourist then find a job there?
No one's stopping you to do this but I wouldn't recommend it. You'll have a hard time finding an employer who would sponsor your working visa. Another possible scenario is you'll be taken advantage of by your employer. Worse, you can be deported for not having the right visa.
5. Do I need to learn Japanese to get a teaching job in Japan?
Not necessarily but knowing some Japanese can greatly help you in everyday living. It would also help you in your work.
6. Are Japanese students easy to teach?
When it comes to discipline, Japanese students are easy to manage. They are mostly well-behaved. In schools, the Japanese teachers will be the one responsible for classroom management.
The harder part is how you'll teach English in a way they'll understand. You will need tons of creativity so your students can understand you
7. What should I prepare before coming to Japan as a teacher?
Materially, you can find most of the things you'll need here. Don't bother bringing your whole closet with you.
Working in another country will always require you to be more open to another culture. You have to be ready for culture shock and homesickness.
Be physically fit too. You don't want to get sick in another country.
And oh, polish your grammar. Japanese students are highly-focused on grammar rules.
If you want to know more details on teaching in Japan, here's an e-book I've written two years ago:
Jumpin' to Japan .
If you have other questions, feel free to send me an email.
Good luck!
