Japanese Exchange Teaching

Laura Payne Destinations TEFL Information The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is not the only means to teach English in Japan, but it is one of the most popular programs out there both for aspiring teachers and those who wish to pursue other fields. I first joined this program a little over a year ago. In the short time since then, I've gained incredibly valuable experiences through my work as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT). The History of JET Duties of an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) How to Apply for the JET Program Remuneration and Living Rewards of JET Common Challenges for ALTs The JET Community Listen to this blog post What are you waiting for? Related Articles: Local prefectural governments and larger government bodies, including Japan's Ministry of Foreign...  [Read more]

Georgia Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences The unofficial motto of the JET Programme is 'every situation is different (ESID).' This is completely true, and every JET's day looks different depending on whether they work in a public or private school, whether they have co-JETs or are solo, their teaching partner's style, and the school's schedule. I teach in a private junior and senior high school in central Tokyo, where students are aged 12-18. The following is my own experience, but every ALT's (assistant language teacher) experience on the JET Programme is vastly different. Wake up, get ready for school and commute to school 6:30 - 7:50 Home room: 8:10 - 8:30 Periods 1-4 Lunch time 12:30 - 13:10 Periods 5-7 After school 16:00 - 16:30 Saturdays Are you ready to teach...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In the wake of the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Japan, there has been an increase in elementary school level English classes. As an assistant language teacher half into my fourth year, I have had the rare chance to work the entirety of my time in one elementary school where I have had many great memories. However, being present every day I began to notice that some students were struggling or in some cases, not even trying when it came to English class. Talking with my peers and colleagues from other elementary schools as well as my own, there are some common problems that many students seem to experience in an English class. These problems include learning in a counter-productive environment, inconsistent exposure to the language, and a lack of...  [Read more]

United Family Cultural Exchange deals with every aspect of the trip to ensure participants have a pleasant experience in the international program. People, taking part in a program, have vast job opportunities and appropriate salary, which can cover all their living and traveling needs. Nowadays China is a country of tourists and foreigners working there. So, during your free time, outside the work location, you have extensive opportunities to join a cultural group of foreigners who meet every week to communicate and have fun together.  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In Japan, elementary schools typically employ an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) to provide support to homeroom teachers during English classes. I have been working in such a capacity for the past two and a half years, first through an international program and currently as a direct-hire via my local city hall. Until recently, mandatory English classes at the elementary school level have been limited to the fifth and sixth grades, but new national requirements are being rolled out that will require mandatory English classes as early as third grade while doubling English classroom hours for the fifth and sixth grades. English Language Tests Designing Activities Team Building Group Lesson Planning Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL...  [Read more]

We are RVF International, an international and educational exchange company. Our mission is to bridge the gap between travellers, teachers, adventurers, students, dreamers, explorers, and their destinations. We are proud creators of the #1 Teach Abroad program in Spain. We connect our program participants with schools all over Spain, so they can teach English and have the experience of a lifetime. We walk with our participants step-by-step, providing the best support from the very beginning: from applying to the program, through visa application support and guidance, and getting them as well prepared as possible for their arrival in Spain. We are passionate about travel, teaching and helping our participants gain new experiences and perspectives about life. If you want to get to Spain...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I work in two schools. I am an assistant language teacher at one commercial (low-level English) high school, and an integrated (high-level English) academic junior high and high school. I have had experiences with different kinds of students, Japanese-English teachers, and classroom atmospheres. In Japan, students take an entrance exam to get into high school. If they scored low on the entrance exam, then they are placed in the lowest ranking class. Each school has a certain number of classrooms for each grade. Both of my high schools have six classes total for each grade. There are usually around forty to forty-two students in each class as well. Teaching forty plus students in a crowded classroom is difficult. And unlike many stereotypes of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences During my stay in Japan, Japanese people often told me how they can't communicate in English despite studying the language for six or more years in school. In Japan, students in junior and senior high learn English grammar and vocabulary in compulsory formal English classes. English is also taught in elementary school as foreign language activities. Yet despite spending several hours in English classes, many Japanese people graduate high school with poor English communication skills. Education system Class culture Learning goals Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rachel M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Daisy C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Grammar Pronunciation Japanese schools Japanese culture Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: One problem facing many Japanese students learning English is differentiating between countable and uncountable nouns. In the Japanese language, the same word is often used for 'much' and 'many'. In English, 'much' is used to describe countable nouns, and 'many' is used to describe uncountable nouns. A problem facing many EFL learners, especially Japanese learners, is idioms. The English language has thousands of idioms, which are used in everyday life. These are...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this essay I will be discussing the problems for young Japanese learners of English, and what problems Japanese learners often encounter as well as explaining some of the reasons why teachers can run into problems while teaching in Japan. I will be referring to the book "The Smart Guide to Teaching English in Japan' by Charlie Moritz and Martin Bragalone, as well as drawing from my knowledge and experiences of studying and volunteering in Japan. Japan can be a challenging but rewarding country to work in, despite stereotypes of Japanese people being polite and studious so it is important to consider that reality can be different when teaching in Japan. Eikaiwa Juku ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) Kindergarten/International preschool Do you want...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences There are several pronunciation problems that students of English will face in Japan; however, I will focus on two. 1. Differences in the phonetic systems of two languages 2. Lack of exposure to authentic English resources Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brandie K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The first of these problems they face is the fact that Japanese doesn't have some of the same sounds in its' alphabet as English does. For example, Japanese does not have a hard R sound; instead, it has a sound that is a mix of R and L. So, when students from Japan go to say rice, for many...  [Read more]

Asia Ridley TEFL Information Alumni Experiences English education in Japan has been prominent for decades and starts in elementary schools. It is in high demand as the relationship between the U.S. and Japan as well as the abundant amount of tourism. Last year straight after graduating from university in the United States, I moved to Japan and began teaching English. I was fortunate to pass the interviews and become part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme {JET}. Being an assistant language teacher {ALT} in the Japanese education system versus a conversation school has its differences. Therefore I will be diving into how one can contribute to the classroom as an ALT. Japanese Elementary School Collaborating with your Homeroom Teacher Outside of the classroom Conclusion Are you...  [Read more]

Deciding on the best place to teach English in Japan depends on individual preferences. Tokyo, the bustling capital, offers the allure of city life and the most job opportunities. Osaka combines vibrant urban experiences with rich history, while Kobe is renowned for its international atmosphere. Beyond the main cities, there are countless towns that provide an authentic cultural immersion. Regardless of location, teachers can expect a competitive salary and a unique cultural experience. Tokyo Osaka Kobe Sapporo Fukuoka Unsurprisingly, Japan's most densely populated area, Tokyo, tops the list. It is a realm of its own, brimming with teaching opportunities thanks to its nine million-plus residents and offering the country's highest salaries. Although the cost of living is notably high,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences There are several challenges Japan faces when it comes to learning English as a second language. Japanese culture is a bubble. Everything, including their ad signs, TV, games, government, studies, work and even the internet is filled with one language; Japanese. In a world of globalization, where your goods and services can come from literally any part of the globe. Japan is one of the few remaining homogenous cultures where English is still seen as an optional language. As the global economy becomes more global, the English language will likely become less optional, but essential. In addition to the cultural issues, Japan's English curriculum in the school is largely unchanged from the '60s according to my Japanese cousins and uncles still living in...  [Read more]

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is a prestigious initiative, established by the Japanese government more than 30 years ago, aimed at enhancing English language proficiency among Japanese students. Annually, the program recruits approximately 5,000 international participants, placing them in schools across Japan. Beyond its educational goals, JET uniquely prioritizes fostering cultural ties between participants and the Japanese community. Given the competitive salary and array of additional benefits, securing a spot in the JET Program is highly sought-after, making the application process quite competitive. What are the requirements for the JET Program? What teaching positions are available through the JET Program? What are the benefits of the JET Program? The Japan...  [Read more]

Shanique Hutchinson Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Throughout my scholastic journey, I have been exposed to various foreign languages such as: Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese. Apart from learning the lexical and grammatical structures of these languages, I was apprised of other cultural elements of the countries that spoke these languages through various materials as well as interacting with natives from these territories. This deep rooted love affair with other cultures, specifically languages, stirred my future aspirations to become a cultural ambassador. Listen to this blog post: Cultural exchange and classroom teaching Cultural exchange outside of the classroom versus inside of the classroom Points to consider as a culture ambassador Are you ready to be a...  [Read more]

  Leslie is a Canadian English teacher at a junior high school in the Japanese countryside. In this TESOL review, Leslie tells us she is looking to open her own English language day care centre at her home and with this in mind she took the 120-hour certificate course with ITTT as well as the 50-hour young learners course to bring her qualifications up to date. Hopefully for Leslie this will be the first step on a rewarding career as the owner of a successful English language school in Japan. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can...  [Read more]

  At ITTT we don't just sell you a TEFL training course; we also guide you right through the entire process from start to finish. Initially, we can help you decide which training course is the right one to suit your future plans and give you advice on how to approach your studies. Once your studies are underway we will be right by your side as every course comes with the option of an online tutor whose main focus is to ensure you successfully complete the course. No matter what hurdles life puts in front of you, with the help of your professional tutor there should be nothing stopping you reaching your study goals. As soon as you have completed your training and are officially TEFL certified, you will no doubt be looking to land that dream job somewhere around the world. Luckily,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As a young child, I was, for some reason, obsessed with the idea of learning French. I tried a couple of languages, including Finnish at some point, but kept going back to French. I have no idea why because I was never exposed to the culture or the language itself at that age. I doubt I even knew anything about the country itself. I think I assumed learning French would make me sound smarter but, the joke's on younger me, I have no skill in French and never have. I tend to struggle with romance languages in general. My Personal Second Language Experience My Choice Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nicole H. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Looking to embark on an adventure abroad while making a positive impact as an English teacher? Government-run TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) programs offer an incredible opportunity to do just that. These well-organized initiatives, often backed by various countries' governments, provide aspiring educators with a unique chance to teach English in foreign lands, all while gaining an unforgettable cross-cultural experience. 1. FEI/TAPIF — France: International/USA Applications and Eligibility 2. NET Scheme in Hong Kong How to Qualify for the HK NET Scheme Category One requires: 3. CETP Hungary Application Process 4. JET Japan Application process Eligibility Duties 6. North American Language and Culture Assistants Program...  [Read more]

Date posted:2020-01-15 | Writer: Spanglish Exchange | Email: [email protected] Spanglish Exchange, with events in Argentina, Spain and USA, has grown to a community of over 18,000 people since its inception in 2008. This is a unique opportunity to use your TEFL skills. A rare combination of nightlife and education; our events pair native Spanish speakers with native English speakers in a series of conversations. Spanglish Exchange participants are an eclectic group of students, professionals, expats, government employees and travelers. But most importantly, the relationships that begin at SE events continue on wherever individuals’ travels take them. If teaching English is specifically what you are looking for, and you are in Buenos Aires you can be part of our team helping...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences To finish the TEFL course, I would like to write on a topic that worries many EFL high school teachers in Spain: the lack of motivation, improvement, and participation of their students in the classroom. This is a topic that was widely discussed during my MA in Foreign Language Teaching. For this reason, I would like to take this opportunity to do some further research on this since I believe it's a topic of ultimate importance to all EFL teachers working in Spain. I will discuss how to solve this issue through the use of IT created to facilitate school exchanges. National Statistics Reasons of the Problem Student Exchange Program Need of New Teaching Methods Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post...  [Read more]

Date posted:2024-04-01 | Writer: B-cause Bangladesh., Ltd | Email: [email protected] B-cause, Inc. provides translation service from English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and other major languages into Japanese, as well as translation from Japanese into other foreign languages. B-cause features over 50,000 registered native speakers both in Japan and around the world.  B-cause also deals with foreign staff fluent in Japanese from around the world. We are an employment agency for highly specialised job-hunters with successful placement in industries and fields of every sort. Get in touch with our exclusive experienced advisors. The Role Teach English to preschool children Work location Utsunomiya Tochigi, Japan Working Hours 09:00 – 18:00 Working Condition 1 year contract,...  [Read more]

To secure a position teaching English in Japan, a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification with at least 120 hours are essential for obtaining a work visa. However, in certain circumstances, such as having a working holiday visa, student visa, spouse visa, or specific Japanese visas, teaching opportunities may still be accessible even without a degree. Japan remains a prime choice for English educators, not only for its attractive salary packages but also for its unique blend of cutting-edge progress and rich historical traditions. If a blend of professional growth and cultural exploration is what you are after, Japan stands out as an ideal destination. What are the requirements for teaching English in Japan? What kind of jobs are available teaching English in Japan? What is the...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences For both non-native and native English speakers, continuous development of language skills remains invaluable. Let's explore practical approaches to enhance your English proficiency: Listening to real-life English Immersive Language Apps Virtual Language Exchanges Formal learning Summary Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! To refine your English skills, immerse yourself in engaging content available on platforms like YouTube, offering channels related to interests such as woodworking, gardening, or sports, providing genuine listening experiences. Additionally, explore classic US and UK TV series online for an immersive English exposure. For...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences It was the last day of Japanese class and my teacher's last day of teaching at our school. We were all standing up getting ready to bow him one last time. It was dead quiet but I could still hear sniffles around me and felt the sadness of the moment. I never thought I would care so much about a teacher leaving. To this day, the words and wisdom my Japanese teacher taught me still ring in my head. Flash forward to a few years ago, I went to Japan for the first time, after a hiatus of not studying Japanese, but amazingly I still had all the skills my teacher had taught me in high school. How did this person have such an impact on me? The answer I have come to realize is that because he truly cared about me becoming skillful in a foreign language. The most...  [Read more]

Although teaching jobs can be arranged in Asia once you arrive in your destination of choice, in many countries it is common for jobs to be arranged in advance from within your own country. One area where this is certainly true is if you join a government run placement program. The following are the most popular programs of their kind in Asia. What is the EPIK program for teaching English in South Korea? What are the requirements for the EPIK Program? What does the EPIK Program involve? Where will I be placed on the EPIK Program? What are the benefits of the EPIK Program? What is the TaLK Program for teaching English in South Korea? What are the requirements for the TaLK Program? What does the TaLK Program involve? Where will I be placed on the TaLK Program? What are the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences British English (BrE) and American English (AmE) are two of the main varieties of the English language. There are other different varieties of English that exist such as Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South Asian and African English. Language Structure 1. Vocabulary and Spelling 2. Grammar Historical Prerequisits Diplomatic Relationships Globalization Do you want to teach English in Japan? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: Although English was introduced to America through the colonization period by the British, the two varieties of English have evolved to be quite different from each other in certain areas. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shanique H. Please note that this blog post might...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations TEFL Information Teaching English abroad is now a popular career option for many people of all ages. While there is a strong demand for TEFL certified teachers in many different regions of the world, there are certain countries who have implemented government-funded programs to attract foreign English teachers. Through these programs, qualified English teachers are placed into schools around their countries where they are employed for a set period of time. Here is a list of the best government programs for teaching English abroad. Listen to this blog post: EPIK for Teaching English in South Korea Requirements and More Information About the Program: How to Apply TaLK for Teaching English in South Korea Requirements and More Information About the Program: How...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences In my experience, many teachers are not really sure about the difference between teaching ESL and teaching EFL in the classroom. In this post I will try to explain both situations and give some insight into each as they are actually quite distinct. The Basic Difference Potential Problems of Both Situations Typical Students of EFL and ESL The Importance of Speaking English in the Classroom Are you ready to teach English in an ESL or EFL classroom? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Amal S. ESL refers to teaching English as a Second Language in a English-speaking country where the student's native language is not English, while EFL refers to teaching English as a Foreign Language in a country...  [Read more]