Japan, also known as the land of the rising sun, is one of the most popular destinations for teaching abroad. The country is always on the lookout for educators who can teach English in Japan. As a teacher in Japan, you have the option to teach English at public and private schools. Teaching jobs in Japan enjoy the culture and tradition this beautiful country offers. It is also one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, where residents enjoy a high quality of living.
1. Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
You can acquire a teaching job in the Japanese public school system (elementary and junior high school). The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program brings over recent graduates from 40 countries to work as ALTs. It starts in April and September, running through the end of March. Public school teachers in Japan manage a class of 35-40 students and are expected to work for 8 hours a day, with 4 lessons each day.
2. Teaching Jobs (Private Schools, Language Institutes)
You can get a teaching job in private schools and language institutes, or English conversion schools known as Eikawa. This is widely available across the country from language institutes to private schools. Some benefits include benefits and strong teacher training and support. English Teacher Jobs in Japan Job opportunities for English teachers are available year round. You can check the careers page teaching jobs in Japan for new job opportunities.
Teachers in Japan are fairly compensated. Public school teachers have 3 - 4 weeks vacation in August (60% paid), and 2 weeks vacation in December/January (75% paid), including all National Holidays and Bonus Personal Days. For private school teachers, on the other hand, all National Holidays and 10 working days of vacation are granted (full-time). The number of holidays varies for part-time contracts. Teachers in Japan have free airfare - teacher pays for flight and is reimbursed by the school on arrival. Accommodation and health insurance is not provided for free in public schools. However, the school can act as guarantor and assist in looking for teacher’s accommodation. Private schools provide health insurance for teachers. The average class size for public schools in Japan is 35-40 students, while there is an average of 1-15 students in private schools.
| Basic Benefits | Public School ALT Jobs in Japan | Private School Jobs in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | ¥250,000 (approx. $2,200 USD) | ¥250,000 - ¥300,000 (approx. $2,200 - $2,625 USD) for full-time English teaching positions ¥125,000 (approx. $1,500 USD) for part-time English teaching positions |
| Working Hours | 08:00 - 17:00 Monday - Friday | 5 days/week Monday - Saturday Hours vary and are agreed upon by the teacher and the school. **Must be flexible |
| Teaching Hours | 29.5 hrs/week | 26.6 hrs/week full-time 13.3 hrs/week part-time |
| Vacation | 3 - 4 weeks in August (60% paid) 2 weeks in December/January (75% paid) All National Holidays and Bonus Personal Days | All National Holidays 10 working days (full-time) Number of holidays varies for part-time contracts |
| Foreign Teachers | 1 (only 1 foreign teacher/school) | 2-15 teachers/school |
| Class Size | 35 - 40 students/class | 1-15 students/class |
| Accommodation Cost | Varies depending on location: ¥15,000 - ¥80,000/month Average: ¥50,000/month for a shared apartment Teacher pays for key money | ¥40,000 - 90,000/month (approx.) School can act as guarantor Assistance in finding accommodations provided |
| Airfare | Teacher pays for flight and is reimbursed by school on arrival Japanese immigration requires proof of return flight booking Teach Away can assist teachers with finding an affordable flight | Teacher pays for flight and is reimbursed by school on arrival Japanese immigration requires proof of return flight booking Teach Away can assist teachers with finding an affordable flight |
| Bonuses | Free Japanese online lessons Location preferences honored whenever possible | Health insurance provided Contract completion bonus |
| Locations | Towns & Rural Areas (easier to find a job teaching English in rural areas) | Tokyo (90%) Towns and Rural Areas (10%) |
| Start Dates | March/April August/September | Monthly |
At least a Bachelor’s degree and native English language proficiency are needed to be able to teach English in Japan. Moreover, you will also need TEFL certifications. Most private language institutes will require candidates to have a TEFL certificate.
Below is a comprehensive list of all teaching jobs in Japan, including vacancies for english teacher, math teacher, music teacher, arabic teacher, arts teacher, chemistry teacher, elementary teacher, french teacher, ICT teacher, KG teacher, lecturer, nursery teacher, PE teacher, physics teacher, primary teacher, science teacher, principal, professor, librarian.
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