What degree do you need to teach English in Japan?

You typically need a bachelor’s degree to teach English in Japan. The specific major usually doesn't matter, but you might find it beneficial to focus on English, education, or a related field.

How much does an English teacher in Japan make per year?

According to TEFL, you can make around $1,600 per month as an assistant language teacher, which can be a good job for new English teachers in Japan with little experience. Your pay may vary based on your level of expertise and location, and it could be as high as $5,000 per month for full-time teachers.

How long does it take to become an English teacher in Japan?

It usually takes at least four years to become an English teacher in Japan, since you generally need to obtain a bachelor's degree. It can take longer to meet additional requirements, such as getting a TEFL certification and the proper work visa.

How to become an English teacher in Japan

If you possess a good command of the English language, have a bachelor's degree, and seek experience teaching in another country, being an educator in Japan may be a good career fit. Discover how you can become an English teacher in Japan.

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What does an English teacher do in Japan?

As an English instructor in Japan, you typically teach English as a second language to Japanese students. You'll usually spend time helping learners improve their conversational and grammatical skills and enhance their English capabilities through educational lessons and different activities.

English teachers generally work together with Japanese teachers to plan and provide instruction for children and adults in various environments, such as:

Public schools
Private institutions
International schools

Steps to become an English teacher in Japan

The process of becoming an English teacher in Japan includes earning a bachelor's degree, acquiring certification, and obtaining a work visa. Here's what you typically need to do to qualify to teach English in Japan.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree in education or any field

Earning a bachelor's degree is usually a basic requirement for becoming an English teacher in Japan. You can choose to focus on areas like education, English, or a related field that may be valuable in your teaching career, but a four-year bachelor's-level degree in any major will generally help you fulfill the requirements for teaching English in Japan.

Step 2: Obtain a TEFL certificate

The next step to working as an English teacher in Japan typically involves obtaining a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate. It shows that you have undergone the necessary professional training and met various international standards required to teach English to non-native speakers.

You usually need a TEFL certificate to qualify for a work visa to become an English teacher in Japan.

Step 3: Pass a background check

You will likely have to pass a background check to gain employment teaching English at a school or language institution in Japan. While you may not need this to get your work visa, the school hiring you usually conducts a background check to verify you have a clean record without serious criminal convictions.

Step 4: Get the necessary work visa

You typically need a work visa to become an English teacher in Japan. For teaching jobs at a public school, such as an elementary, junior, or high school, you will likely receive an Instructor Visa. If you teach at a private language school, you may require a Specialist in Humanities Visa.

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