Teaching English In Japan Requirements

To teach English in Japan, there are several requirements you need to meet. First and foremost, having a bachelor's degree is essential. Most schools and language institutions in Japan require their English teachers to have a bachelor's degree in any field. This is a non-negotiable requirement and is strictly enforced to obtain a work visa. Additionally, obtaining a work visa is a crucial step in teaching English in Japan. To apply for a work visa, you need to secure a job offer from a school or language institution in Japan. The employer will then sponsor your visa application, which will allow you to legally work in the country as an English teacher. Another important requirement is having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. While not always mandatory, having a...  [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]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification opens up a world of opportunities, particularly in East Asia where there is a high demand for English teachers. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam have thriving ESL markets and are popular destinations for TEFL certified teachers. Each country has its own unique requirements and preferences for English teachers, so it's essential to do thorough research before making a decision. In China, for example, major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are popular choices for TEFL teachers due to the high demand for English education. Public schools, private language academies, and international schools are common work settings for English teachers in China. Additionally, online teaching platforms offer...  [Read more]

Yes, you can teach English abroad even if you have a different educational background. While having a degree in English, education, or a related field can be beneficial, it is not always a requirement. Many countries and language schools only require that you have a bachelor's degree in any subject to be eligible to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). Additionally, obtaining a TEFL certification can also enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive in the job market. Having a different educational background can even be an advantage in some cases. For example, if you have a degree in business, science, or technology, you may be able to find opportunities to teach English for specific purposes (ESP) in industries related to your field of study. Your unique background...  [Read more]

TEFL International’s center in Tokyo represents your best opportunity to experience all that Japan’s dynamic and exciting capital city has to offer. Once the course is finished, you’ll be a certified ESL teacher and we’ll help you take advantage of the wonderful employment opportunities in Japan, Asia or indeed, the rest of the world. Thoughts of Japan conjure up images of beautiful geisha ladies, huge sumo wrestlers, colorful fresh sushi, as well as polite and welcoming locals. Japan is where temples, mountains and other natural beauty jut up against one of the most modern urban metropolises in the entire world. The large islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku combine to offer you one of the most culturally and geographically unique experiences of your life. The job...  [Read more]

TEFL teachers can work in public schools in many countries around the world. In some countries, such as South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, there are programs specifically designed for hiring foreign English teachers to work in public schools. These programs often have specific requirements for qualifications and may require teachers to commit to a minimum length of contract. In South Korea, for example, the EPIK (English Program in Korea) and GEPIK (Gyeonggi English Program in Korea) programs place foreign English teachers in public schools throughout the country. These programs typically require applicants to have a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification, although specific requirements may vary. In Japan, the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program is a popular option...  [Read more]

To find TEFL teaching jobs in countries with complex education systems, such as South Korea or Japan, there are several key steps you can take. Firstly, it is essential to research the specific requirements and regulations for teaching English in the country you are interested in. This may include obtaining the necessary visas, certifications, or qualifications. Secondly, networking can be a valuable tool in finding TEFL teaching opportunities. Attend job fairs, join online forums and social media groups, and connect with other teachers who have experience in the country. They may be able to provide insights and recommendations for job openings. Additionally, reaching out to recruitment agencies that specialize in placing TEFL teachers in countries with complex education systems can be...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) and enjoying city life, there are several countries that offer great opportunities for teachers. These countries not only have a high demand for English teachers but also provide a vibrant urban experience. Here are some of the best countries for TEFL teachers who enjoy city life: One of the top choices for TEFL teachers who prefer city living is Japan. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto offer a unique blend of traditional culture and modern amenities. The demand for English teachers in Japan is high, and the salary and benefits are usually very competitive. Additionally, Japan is known for its safety, cleanliness, and efficient public transportation system, making it a popular choice for many expats. Another popular...  [Read more]

Yes, obtaining a TEFL certification is often required when teaching English in private language schools, especially in countries where English is not the native language. While it is possible to find teaching opportunities without a TEFL certification, having one can significantly increase your chances of securing a job and may lead to better employment prospects. Private language schools typically look for teachers who have received proper training in teaching English as a foreign language, and a TEFL certification demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Additionally, many schools prefer to hire teachers with a TEFL certification as it is a mark of professionalism and dedication to the field of English language...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a popular choice for many individuals looking to live and work abroad. Asia is a region with a high demand for English teachers, making it an attractive destination for TEFL certificate holders. There are several countries in Asia where you can teach English with a TEFL certificate, each offering unique opportunities and experiences. One of the most popular destinations for teaching English in Asia is China. With a large population and a growing economy, there is a high demand for English teachers in both public schools and private language institutes. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer competitive salaries and benefits for TEFL teachers, as well as a vibrant expat community. Another popular destination in Asia for TEFL...  [Read more]

To teach English abroad all you truly need is a strong desire to embark on a new adventure and a teaching qualification that demonstrates to potential employers that you have received some level of teacher training. In this context, the internationally recognized qualification is a TEFL certificate, and these courses typically have minimal entry requirements. Having a strong level of English comprehension is the most fundamental requirement for enrolling in a TEFL certification course. Non-native English speakers are just as welcome as native speakers, provided they possess a solid understanding of written and spoken English. The demand for EFL teachers worldwide is immense, and there is frequently a shortage of qualified teachers in numerous regions. Thanks to this robust...  [Read more]

It is important to appreciate that higher salaries are made available to attract the best teaching candidates. What each country considers best does depend on the country, but there are some common factors regarding qualifications and experience when it comes to securing the top paying jobs. In general you need to be a native English speaker, have a degree, usually in education or a related field, and a minimum of a TEFL certificate (though often higher, such as a Diploma in TESOL). You will often see that a minimum of two years teaching experience is also needed. If you have all the above, you have a good chance of gaining employment in the first five of our top ten below. With some of them, you may be able to gain employment in the other five. Figures taken from a range of teaching...  [Read more]

Securing a TEFL teaching position in a popular destination can vary in timing depending on several factors. The process typically involves finding a job, applying, interviewing, and obtaining the necessary work permits and visas. The timeline can range from a few weeks to several months. Firstly, it's essential to research the demand for English teachers in your desired location. Popular destinations such as Japan, South Korea, or Spain may have more competition and stricter requirements, which could lengthen the process. On the other hand, countries in Southeast Asia or Latin America may have a quicker turnaround time due to a higher demand for English teachers. Once you have identified potential job opportunities, the application process can begin. This involves submitting your resume,...  [Read more]

If you have a TEFL certificate and are looking to teach English in the Asia-Pacific region, you have a wide range of options available to you. The demand for English teachers in this region is high, and there are opportunities in both public and private schools, language institutes, and even online teaching platforms. Here are some popular countries where you can teach English with a TEFL certificate in the Asia-Pacific region: 1. **China**: China has a high demand for English teachers, and there are opportunities in both urban and rural areas. Many schools and language institutes in China require teachers to have a TEFL certificate, making it a popular destination for TEFL-certified teachers. 2. **South Korea**: South Korea is another popular destination for English teachers, with a...  [Read more]

If you are looking for the widest choice of English language teaching jobs, look no further than Asia. Across the continent you will find countless opportunities in a wide range of fascinating countries, although the requirements do vary from one to the next. Some countries are only open to native English speakers and others will require a university degree, however, there are still plenty of jobs out there for anyone with a TEFL certification. Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this...  [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. EPIK stands for the English Program in Korea, a scheme run by the South Korean government that places foreign teachers into schools across the country to work as English language instructors. EPIK is one of the largest and most popular schemes of its kind as it offers a competitive salary, a good range of extra benefits, and the chance to experience living and working in a unique cultural environment. If you meet the specified criteria then you...  [Read more]

Acronyms are widely used within the English language teaching world and EFL is one of the most common. English as a Foreign Language is typically used to describe any scenario where English is being taught or learned in a country where English is not the main language. In this situation most students are learning English as part of their school studies, in order to travel overseas, or as a hobby, and they rarely get to use it outside of their lessons. An example of EFL would be an American teaching English to Italians in Rome. While EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, ESL stands for English as a Second Language. In practice these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably when talking about English teaching, however, there is a genuine difference between the two that you...  [Read more]

For each of five countries in each region we will consider factors such as a general statement of opportunity in the region, monthly salary in US$ equivalent and finally a typical current job posting from the region. It is important to view salaries in the context of a typical citizen’s average income. What may appear to be a low salary may in fact put you in a high income bracket (and vice-versa!) All figures were correct at the time of writing but are subject to change. There is a vast range of opportunity from high income first world countries like Japan and South Korea, to less-developed countries throughout the region. Salaries and conditions therefore vary due to those constraints. 11 schools available across Thailand (kindergarten, primary and high school level) You will teach...  [Read more]

If you want to have a job in place and all the paperwork sorted out before you leave your home country, a TEFL placement program is certainly worth considering. Several countries across Europe and Asia have government run schemes that recruit foreign teachers to work in their public school system. The following options are long established and respected programs that offer a great opportunity to live and work in some of the most popular teaching destinations. The TAPIF Program, short for Teaching Assistant Program in France, is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. The program provides a great opportunity to live and work in a country where long-stay visas can be difficult to secure for non-EU citizens. For those who...  [Read more]

Finding a TEFL teaching job in a preferred country can vary greatly depending on several factors. These factors include the demand for English teachers in that specific country, your qualifications and experience, the time of year you are applying, and your flexibility in terms of location and job preferences. In countries where there is a high demand for English teachers, such as China, South Korea, and some Middle Eastern countries, you may be able to secure a job relatively quickly, sometimes within a few weeks or even days of applying. On the other hand, in countries with a lower demand for English teachers or stricter visa requirements, such as Japan or certain European countries, the job search process may take longer. Your qualifications and experience also play a significant role...  [Read more]

Of all the questions we get asked as a provider of TEFL certification, this is probably the easiest to answer. The simple truth is that the demand for TEFL qualified teachers is generally very high in most parts of the world and in some areas you can even take your pick of a range of job options as there are not enough teachers to fill the available positions. Although for many TEFL course graduates the aim is to head overseas to experience living and working in a foreign culture, it is not the only option. Plenty of people use their teaching qualification within their home country as increasing levels of immigration have led to a rapid increase in demand for EFL teachers in English speaking countries, such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. While there are teaching...  [Read more]

Teaching English online is now firmly embedded in the TEFL world and many thousands of teachers find it a convenient way to earn a living without having to leave home or when traveling the world. However, despite not actually working in a physical classroom, online teachers still have to meet the same kind of criteria as those working in a traditional classroom environment. So, what do you need in order to take advantage of this rapidly growing sector of EFL teaching? The requirements for teaching online vary from one employer to the next, but there are a few common factors that many look for. Most online employers will expect you to have completed a TEFL course of at least 120 hours as this is the minimum level needed to cover all the most important areas of EFL teaching. If you also...  [Read more]

Demand for ESL teachers is high in all areas of the world and employers typically prefer those who have a TEFL qualification over non-qualified applicants. It is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL certification before applying for an ESL teaching position. Having some form of teaching experience will also increase your options for employment, though as with a degree, this is not always a requirement. With countries ranging from ancient to very modern, Europe offers a whole range of history, climate, and population density. There are many countries where a degree is not required and these include the ever popular, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic. If you are looking for something quieter, areas of Greece, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria may be...  [Read more]

It is definitely possible to teach English without a degree. There are plenty of language schools that will gladly hire you regardless of your educational background. Even though having a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there is no reason for not pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad if you don't possess a degree. The question of whether a degree is required to find a teaching job is arbitrary, as it is for many other occupations. There is no reason why a university-educated English teacher would be more effective than one who does not possess a degree. One might argue that certain characteristics, such as passion, commitment, and the ability to establish rapport with your students, are far more important than a college diploma in this career. These qualities should,...  [Read more]

If you have decided to pursue a career in teaching English abroad, it is now time to figure out what the requirements are to get you started! While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to teaching abroad, the most commonly required qualifications to become a TEFL teacher are: Although it may seem self-evident, fluency in English is a prerequisite for TEFL instructors. If you don't speak English well, we recommend looking for another job. Non-native English speakers with fluency in the language can find work in many areas, including South and Central America, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. In some regions of the world, though, being a native English speaker is almost a necessity. If English is not your first language, countries like China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are probably no...  [Read more]

To find TEFL teaching jobs in countries with limited educational resources, it's essential to conduct thorough research and utilize various strategies to secure a position. Here are some effective ways to find TEFL teaching opportunities in such countries: 1. **Online Job Boards and Websites:** Start by exploring online job boards and websites that specialize in international teaching positions. Websites like Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and TESOL.org often advertise openings in countries with limited educational resources. 2. **Government Programs:** Many governments, especially in developing countries, have programs in place to recruit native English speakers to teach English. Examples include the English Language Fellow Program by the U.S. Department of State and the Japan Exchange and...  [Read more]

Before you head to the airport to start your TEFL journey it is important that you are aware of the paperwork required by the country you are planning to work in. The specific type of visa you need to gain entry to your destination country and how you gain the right to work legally there can vary enormously from one place to the next. To ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible, you should visit the relevant embassy website and do a bit of online research well before you plan to leave. Typically, anyone traveling to a foreign country requires a passport that is valid for at least six months. In some situations your passport must be valid for a full year, so the best advice is to ensure your passport has two years or more remaining to allow for an extended teaching contract or...  [Read more]

If you are looking for TEFL jobs that allow remote work, you are in luck! With the increasing demand for online English language learning, there are plenty of opportunities for TEFL teachers to work remotely from anywhere in the world. Many online teaching platforms and language schools hire qualified TEFL teachers to conduct virtual classes for students of all ages. One of the most popular options for remote TEFL jobs is teaching English online to students in countries like China, South Korea, or Japan. These jobs typically involve teaching one-on-one or small group classes via video conferencing platforms. Some companies require a minimum number of hours per week, while others offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling. Another option for remote TEFL work is creating and selling your...  [Read more]

Many of the world's biggest and most lucrative markets for English language teachers are typically restricted to native English speakers only. Destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, are all great options for native speakers but not for thousands of other qualified teachers whose first language is not English. But don't despair; there are still plenty of exciting destinations all over the world where non-native English speakers can confidently apply for teaching positions. In countries where restrictions on nationalities are in place, the term 'native English speaker' generally refers to teachers from the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Other countries where English may be the first language, such as India or the...  [Read more]

Thailand has been a very popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years, and its' popularity is unlikely to fade in the foreseeable future. A large number of teaching positions can always be found in the bustling capital Bangkok, while other popular spots such as the northern city of Chiang Mai, the tropical island of Phuket, and the colorful resort of Pattaya also have a significant demand for foreign teachers. Whether you are a first time teacher looking for valuable classroom experience, or highly qualified and looking for a slower pace of life, Thailand could be the right choice for you. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in...  [Read more]