Visiting Japan Without Knowing Japanese

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]

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]

Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary Destinations Japan has been a popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years. This is mainly due to the country's vibrant culture, the great food and friendly locals. Japan has a lot to offer and it can be overwhelming to find the ideal city to move to. This post looks at the 10 best cities in Japan for teaching English abroad. All cities are listed in no particular order. 1. Tokyo 2. Yokohama 3. Kyoto 4. Osaka 5. Nagoya 6. Hiroshima 7. Fukuoka 8. Kobe 9. Sapporo 10. Takayama Are you ready for your teaching adventure in Japan? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Also check out our other related Japan content:* Step-By-Step Guide To Legally Teaching English in Japan* Teaching English In...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary Destinations The following guide will help you answer the question: How much can I earn (and save) while teaching English in Japan? You will also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when moving to Japan. Listen to this blog post: The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Japan Other Benefits to Expect When Teaching English in Japan How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Japan The Cost of Living in Japan Cost of Living in Japan: Food Cost of Living in Japan: Leisure Activities Cost of Living in Japan: Transportation Cost of Living in Japan: Travel in Japan and Beyond Sample Monthly Teacher Budget How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Japan Are you ready to teach English in Japan?...  [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]

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]

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]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations Teaching Ideas Japan is a country facing rapid change. Due to an aging population and a scarcity of workers, Japan is opening its borders to foreigners, many of whom speak English. This, along with the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, has led to an increase in demand for English teachers. I currently work in Japan, and have had the experience of teaching English to high school Japanese students for the past year. Over the course of this year, I've learned of many problems that students in Japan face when learning English. Of those, the top three problems for students in Japan are pronunciation, shyness, and large class sizes. Listen to this blog post: Differences in Phonology Students' Reluctance to Speak Class Size in Japanese Schools Are you ready to teach English...  [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]

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]

Mark Crocker Destinations The utterly unique character of Japan has fascinated people from all over the world throughout history and this is still very true today. Nowhere else quite captures the imagination like Japan, with its individual blend of East Asian culture and high-tech modernity. Its popularity among foreign teachers is also enhanced by the strong demand for TEFL qualified professionals in all of its major cities, as well as many smaller towns across the country. Although competition for the top jobs can sometimes be tough, the promise of living and working in one of the world's most fascinating countries continues to draw many thousands of teachers every year. If you would like to join them, take a look at our pick of the top 5 places to teach English in Japan. 1. Tokyo 2....  [Read more]

From Sumo wrestling, the most authentic Japanese cuisine you’ve ever tasted, ancient castles and Pagodas, skiing in the mountainous north and beach hopping in the tropical south, ancient and bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Japan caters for every type of traveller. Japan is unlike any country you’ve ever been to with the most bizarre but fascinating experiences available throughout the country, and a scenery like no other. A distinct balance between ancient and modern- Japan opens up a whole new world. Nagoya is an ideal destination for an in-class, immersive TESOL course experience in Japan. It is the fourth largest city in Japan, which means that as a TESOL student, you get the full experience of high paced life in Japan, but at a much lower cost than bigger cities like 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]

Laura Payne Destinations Tokyo is a dream city for many people who aspire to live abroad. It is modern yet traditional, and a vibrant culture of food, fashion, and popular media among other things ensures that it has something for everyone. For all its excitement, however, Tokyo is only one part of Japan as a whole. Each area of the island nation holds a distinct culture of its own, offering a myriad of experiences for travelers. Luckily, those who teach English in Japan have easy access to the country's major airports and extensive bullet train lines, meaning they can access almost anywhere else in Japan within a few hours. While living in Tokyo make the most of your experience abroad, and try checking out some of these must-see destinations. Soak in the hot springs at Hakone...  [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]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations TEFL Information Japan has been a popular destination for English teachers from all over the world for decades. Year after year, thousands of teachers come to Japan attracted by the country's fascinating culture and the lucrative salaries, as well as the government-funded JET program that places qualified teachers into public schools across the country. Teaching English in Japan is an exciting adventure and offers you the opportunity to experience a unique culture like a local. However, it is important to be aware of the local job market and regulations before heading off on your adventure of teaching English in Japan. Listen to this blog post: Step 1: Understanding the Visa Situation Step 2: Get Your TEFL Certification Step 5: Apply for Jobs Are you ready...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations Alumni Experiences Hungarian What is your nationality? What city and state are you from? How old are you? What is your education level and background? Have you traveled abroad in the past? If so, where have you been? Where did you study? What made you interested in going to teach English abroad? What were some of your concerns before teaching abroad? Why did you decide to get TEFL certified and choose ITTT? Which TEFL certification course did you take? How did you like the course? How has your TEFL training helped you in your current teaching position? Which city and country did you decide to teach English in and why? How long have you been in this country and how long do you plan to stay? How did you secure your English teaching job? What school, company, or...  [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]

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]

The TEFL jobs market in Japan is possibly the largest in the world. With tens of thousands of TEFL teachers required year after year. Teaching in Japan is often a pleasant experience. Expect to work hard and earn well. There are many online resources for finding TEFL jobs in Japan. If you run a quick search on Google, you’ll find hundreds of TEFL jobs in Japan at any one time. TEFL jobs are plentiful in every city and town. Choose your preferred location before hand and the chances are you will find a TEFL job there. Should you need to, seek direct school contacts from online language school directories. For further particulars, visit Teaching English in Japan. View job offers on the following pages to gain an insight into TEFL jobs in Japan.  English Native Teachers - Osaka...  [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]

Tokyo is a truly wonderful city in which to complete your TEFL training. This endlessly exciting city has welcoming and friendly people, world class bars and restaurants, a vibrant and varied nightlife and streets that constantly bustle with energy. You will also find the city has very little crime, a variety of public transport options that run like clockwork, convenience stores in the form of 24-hour shops and vending machines that cater to every imaginable need, as well as numerous cultural attractions such as museums, theatres and art galleries. On top of these attractions, you will also find plenty of post-TEFL course opportunities for teaching English right across Japan as the job market is very healthy year round. A wide variety of employers all seek the services of a qualified EFL...  [Read more]

When deciding where you would like to teach it is important to make sure that you are aware of the requirements for English teachers in your chosen destination. Asia is a large continent with many opportunities for English teachers both new and experienced. Each country has its own regulations regarding the types of visas, qualifications etc. that teachers are required to have and this guide aims to show these requirements. If you are looking to teach in Japan or South Korea, you will require a bachelor’s degree in any field. Other countries such as China and Cambodia do not have such strict requirements and it is possible to find work without a degree. In some other countries where a degree is officially required it can be possible to still find work without one but you would...  [Read more]

Capital city Tokyo Language Japanese Currency Yen Typical TEFL teacher salary 250,000 – 300,000 yen / month Major TEFL locations Tokyo Yokohama Osaka Sapporo Kyoto Sendai   Opportunities for teaching English in Japan are excellent for anyone who holds internationally accredited and recognized TEFL/TESOL certificates such as those offered by ITTT and TEFL International. In Tokyo and other cities, there are usually more English teaching positions than there are teachers, while all over Japan employment prospects remain favorable. With the help of our lifetime assistance finding jobs, the chances of getting hired as a TEFL teacher in Japan are terrific. Teachers are highly respected throughout Japanese society, and students are generally highly motivated and willing to learn....  [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]

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]

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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Japanese is certainly one of the most interesting languages in the world thanks to its three types of writing (hiragana, katakana and kanji). International Links Main Challenges: Phonetic System Main Challenges: Exposure to English Main Challenges: Grammar Main Challenges: Beginners Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Desiree I. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. After the outbreak of intercontinental travel (therefore with the appearance of commercialization and missionaries around the world) many terms of different languages, including English ones, also became part of the language of Japan....  [Read more]

Lydia Pincott Destinations Alumni Experiences "But...why are you here?" It's a phrase often uttered by Japanese, confused about what your reason could be for straying from the usual temples of Kyoto, shops of Shinjuku, and street-food of Osaka. Itoshima Peninsula, Fukuoka Sado Island, Niigata Kurashiki, Okayama Are you ready to explore Japan? Related Articles: The beaten path in Japan is pretty great and worth exploring thoroughly, but if you've done it, or feel like you've done it from seeing other people's pictures, these 3 destinations are for you. Take a 4-week in-class TEFL/TESOL course in Japan and get a headstart in your teaching career! Picture this: Sandy beaches with perfectly turquoise waters stretching out as far as the eye can see, cafes with fresh, flavorful food just...  [Read more]

For those aspiring to teach English abroad, Asia stands out as a premier destination with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand leading the way. To be considered for teaching positions across the continent, it is imperative to possess proficient English skills and a recognized TEFL certification. While Asia comprises a vast expanse of diverse nations, we highlight the following as prime options for teaching English right now: South Korea Japan Taiwan Thailand Vietnam With an exceptionally high demand for TEFL qualified teachers nationwide, South Korea has gained popularity as one of the world's top destinations. Not only do teachers enjoy attractive salaries, but they can also lead a comfortable lifestyle while saving a substantial portion of their income. Generous benefits...  [Read more]