Teach English Abroad In Japan

Requirements And Qualifications

• Degree

  Bachelor's Degree required.

• TEFL Certification

  A minimum 120 hours accredited TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification approved and internationally accredited. 

• Tattoos

  Absolutely no visible tattoos whatsoever. Tattoos are taboo in Japan.
  
  For this program, visible tattoos are considered "visible" if in the following locations:
  
  - Face
  - Neck
  - Behind the Ear
  - Within 10cm of the wristline

• Age Requirements

  Eligible age range is 21 to 40 years old 
  
  Those 41 - 59 years old with previous teaching experience and a degree in education/teaching can be screened and accepted on a case-by-case basis for public school ALT positions only. They need to be flexible and open to any location, age group and timeline.

• Medical and Mental Health Considerations

  Medical Test / Health Check required? 
  Only TB Test is required in some cases, and sometimes random drugs tests
  
  Medical and Mental Health Disqualifiers for Japan
  Speech impediment
  ADHD
  Epilepsy
  Dyslexia
  Any disorder that requires stimulant medication
  Autism
  Legal blind or deaf
  Physical disabilities affecting movement
  Anything severe and visible, or that may affect their day-to-day teaching ability (physical issues with standing, etc) 
  Speech impediments such as a stutter that are severe and affect clarity
  
  Conditions Require Discussion with Xplore before Approval
  Cancer
  Any immune disorder or genetic disorder (HIV/AIDS, Sickle Cell Anemia, Hemophilia, etc)
  Any disorder requiring treatment with injected/transfused biologics or monoclonal antibodies (severe cases of asthma, psoriasis, Crohn's Disease, IBS, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
  Any condition requiring injectable long-duration psychiatric drugs (typically resistant schizophrenia)
  Any condition with implanted medical devices (pacemakers, nerve stimulators, etc)
  Any condition with wearable medical devices (CGMs, insulin pumps, etc.)
  Any condition requiring injectable hormone therapy (hypogonadism, transgender, etc)
  Cardiac conditions where the person is on >3 concomitant medications of different categories, or where they are taking blood thinners
  Psychiatric conditions where the person is on >3 concomitant medications of different categories (usually indicating severe, complex mood disorders)
  
  Notes
  Epilepsy: 
  Private: alone in the classroom with young learners- safety risk if they have an episode
  Public: Non-driving
  
  ADHD: Struggle to get medications such as Ritalin etc as it is one of the most abused drugs in Japanese society
  
  Anxiety/Depression: Schools (especially private) are hesitant to hire teachers with these conditions. They need to be super flexible with placement
  
  **For those with medical conditions, especially those on prescription medications and mental health issues, placement options will be limited to 2 intakes per year with an public school as an ALT (March and August arrivals). These intakes close about 7 months prior to arrival, so the lead time from placement to arrival will likely be longer. 
  
  If taking any medication for mental health, must have doctor’s note. 

• Dependents and Pets Policy

  Dependents Japan
  No dependents (spouse/partner/children) can be accommodated on this program.
  
  Pets Japan
   No pets can be accommodated on this program

• Religious Attire and Garments

  Applicants with Religious garments (hijaabs) may be accepted on a case-by-case basis for one of two public school intakes per year (Spring or Fall). They have to be a driver and meet all pulic school eligibility requirements, and be open to being placed anywhere in Japan

• Criminal Background Check

  Clean background check is required. Any offences will be disqualifiers.
  
  Note: Minor offenses that are more than 10 years old may be considered and accepted on a case-by-case basis

• Language and Country of Citizenship

  This program is open citizens (passport holders) from the following 7 nationalities: 
  USA
  Canada
  UK
  Ireland
  Australia
  New Zealand
  South Africa
  
  Other Nationalities and Non-Native Speakers 
  
  All other nationalities can be screened and accepted on a case-by-case basis, except for the Philippines, for ALT Public school positions Only. They need to check the following 3 items to be eligible: 
  
  1. Proof of 12 years of English Schooling (medium of instruction)
  2. A valid driving license from a country that can get the correct International Driving Permit (IDP)
  3. Be a resident from a country currently on the list of accepted countries

• Contract Length

  12-Months (renewable)
  
  ** Those signing up for a Fall Public school ALT position will initiall be offered a 6-month contract, running to the end of the school year the following March, and then offered a renewal for the next school year (barring exceptional circumstances such as poor performance etc)

• School Types

  Public schools and private language schools (Eikaiwas)

• Teaching Placement Locations

  Positions are available countrywide
  
  Applicants should be fully open regarding location preferences. Teachers typically interview for a job with a school or language center that has branches across the country. Location is assigned shortly before or during their training week. Placements are often in smaller towns. Applicants SHOULD NOT expect to be placed in more touristy areas such as Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto. 
  
  Participants need to be open to being placed anywhere in Japan for their first year
  
  Preferences are requested but placement location is NOT Guaranteed 

• Working Hours

  40 working hours per week (25-35 hours of teaching)

• Class Size

  Private Schools (Eikaiwas): 5 to 15 students per class (solo teacher); 
  Public Schools: 25 to 30 students per class (co-teacher)

• What We Can And Cannot Do For You

  We try our best to match preferences. We ask for preferences at the beginning of the process but we cannot guarantee that preferences can be met. Teachers are encouraged to be flexible with location, age group & school type
  
  We CANNOT place couples or friends in the same location together. They must be open to teaching in different areas of Japan. The likelihood of being placed close to each other is as follows:
  
  Same region: We will try our best, and the candidates would know while they are accepted on whether they will be in the same region.
  Same prefecture: Possible but can't be guaranteed and wouldn't be known until much closer to arrival.
  Same are (city, etc. within the prefecture): Very unlikely and wouldn't be known until much closer to arrival.
  Able to live together: Not possible

• Hiring Seasons

  No Blackout dates for a position in Japan but must be open to both public and private schools
  
  Eikaiwas (Private Schools) in Japan hire throughout the year. December-January and July-August tend to be quieter hiring times but otherwise, eikaiwas hire year around.
  
  Public schools have two main hiring times: March and September. Hiring for public schools happens around 7~12 months in advance.
  
  

• Visa Support

  Work Visa 
  Public Schools (ALT): Instructor Visa or 
  Private Schools (Eikaiwas): Specialist in Humanities Visa
  
  Once teachers have been offered a position, they will send their required documents to their school. The school will then apply at immigration for a ‘Certificate of Eligibility’ (CoE). This process takes on average 4 – 6 weeks to complete but can take up to 10 weeks. The CoE will then be posted to the teacher’s home address or emailed if digitally processed once ready. 
  
  Once this is received, applicants will submit the Certificate of Eligibility, passport & an application form to their closest Japanese embassy/consulate, which will then issue the work visa.

• Start-up Costs

  Housing once at Placement - It's common for landlords to ask for 1-2 months of rent up front when the person signs the lease. Rent usually ranges from $350 to $550 per month, but can be higher in a metropolitan city (Central Tokyo)
  --------------------------------
  Placement Program Startup Costs - $3,500 to $4,000 to get teachers through to their first paycheck
  On-site TEFL + Placement Startup Costs - $4,500 to $6,000 to get teachers through to their first paycheck, and cover a visa trip if needed
  --------------------------------
  
  Health Insurance - Teachers should purchase travel insurance that covers them for the first six weeks of their time in Japan, until their health insurance with their school takes effect

• Other Important FAQs

  For the placement only option is an online or in-class TESOL/TEFL required
  Yes, for this program we require at least an online TESOL/TEFL to participate. It is important to us that teachers set themselves up well for success with a good foundation of ESL teaching prior to starting the program. This will make the transition smoother and ensure that they are having a positive impact on the students they teach.

  
  What is the current political situation in Japan?
  Japan is a very stable democracy and has been one for the past 70 years. It is one of the most stable democracies in the world with an exemplar good human rights record.

  
  How safe is Japan? 
  Japan is among the safest countries in the world with crime rates lower than any other industrialized countries.

  
  How are the authorities? 
  Kind and helpful.

  Should I get shots before leaving my home country?
  We recommend that participants consult their doctor about any vaccinations that they may recommend or Japan for up-to-date advice and information.

  
  How are the medical services?
  Japan has excellent medical services available throughout the country.

  
  Can I drink the water in Japan?
  Tap water in Japan is generally considered safe to drink. 

  
  What are the travelling costs like in Japan? 
  Inner-city travel and travel between cities is easily accessible. There are a range of options varying in price. Coaches tend to be the cheapest means of travel whereas the fastest would be via high-speed trains that can be taken from one city to the next in 1-2 hours if you are in the middle of the country. Train transport is very fast and efficient and reasonably priced. 

  
  What are the age groups you will be teaching? 
  All ages but mostly primary students. You may end up teaching anywhere from kindergarten students to adults. It depends on the placement school. When you take the TESOL/TEFL course you will be trained to teach people of all ages and skill levels. 

  
  Working hours? And days per week?
  The position is full time, ranging from 20 to 35 hours per week in the classroom, five days per week. It is important to note the work culture of Japan is “Live to Work”, and Japanese people tend to work longer hours so foreign teachers should be prepared for the same expectations when living in Japan. 

  
  Is it possible to have medical or accident insurance? 
  Most international insurance providers will cover you in Japan. You should contact and ask them specifically if their coverage extends to this country. Full time employees must have medical insurance, however, it may not kick in until approximately 1-2 months AFTER you arrive. We recommend that you obtain international travel insurance for at least two months from the date of arrival to cover you for the transition period until your school health insurance takes effect. The cost of insurance in total is $100 to 150 and is sometimes the responsibility of the teacher to pay in full. Some schools will provide a stipend towards the insurance that pays for a portion but it depends on the school.

  
  What is the phone and Internet connectivity like? 
  Cell phone and internet networks are extremely advanced. There is also internet connectivity in many public buildings such as train stations and even on the subway. 

  
  What if you are unhappy in a job? Can you get a new one? 
  It depends on the circumstances. If you perform poorly or are fired for poor behavior, then we are not responsible for finding you a new position. But if the issue is beyond your control, then we will help you find a new position.

  
  Dress code for teaching? 
  Professional dress unless otherwise advised by  the school.

  
  What is the level of English and behavior of students? 
  The level of English proficiency is generally beginner but some Japan people can speak English well enough to give you directions. Compared to the West, local children are much more respectful and disciplined. This is likely due to the conservative nature of Japan society and the strong respect for elders and family. 

  
  What sort of power adapter do I need?
  Japan uses the same plug as the United States. These can be purchased at most electronic or travel stores.

  
  How much is accommodation?
  Prices range from $350 to 500 per month, for simple and small single accommodation. This can be higher for larger apartments, or in larger cities. 

  
  What are the season like?
  There are four seasons in Japan with fairly warm summers and winters in which, depending on where on the island you live, you could see light to significant snow fall. Spring and fall are very beautiful times of year in Japan with spring bringing the cherry blossoms and fall in which the trees all change colors.

  
  We are wanting to know what the most ideal time is to go to Japan?
  Placements in Japan are available all year around but the best time to come as a teacher is probably April and October. This is the beginning of the school year and second term and demand for English teachers at public schools peaks at that time. Local language centers’ peak demand time is generally around the same time.  Having said that, our program has healthy demand for teachers all year around. 

  
  What types of schools are available?
  The placements available for teachers in Japan include language centers, private schools and public schools. These schools run all year around. Language schools are at their busiest on the weekends so teachers usually teach those days and evenings during the week, with two days off during the week. Classes for working adults usually occur in the afternoons and evenings. 

  
  What is the teaching environment like?
  The teaching environment varies with some classes having modern technology and others being a bit more basic. For the younger learner classes, there are sometimes teaching assistants in the classroom, but not in some cases.

   
  What is the typical time frame in which someone signs up for the program and can be in country teaching?
  The reasonable time frame from the time of first resume sent over to arriving in Japan is about 3 months. This is ideal and likely it would be closer to 3.5 to 4 months.  

  
  What is the medical requirement like for teaching in Japan?
  Japan is quite relaxed when it comes to medical requirements. Before coming over, some schools require teachers to get a letter from a physician in your home country attesting that you are fit to travel to and work in Japan. But that is only with some schools and even if it is required, it is very general so you do not need to disclose any illnesses. The only illness that you may be tested for in country is Tuberculosis. You can provide proof of that in the form of a letter or medical report from your home country as long as the test was conducted in the past 12 months. If you do not get one before you come over to Japan the school will take you the first week you are in country for a test. The test is approximately $30. Depending on the school you may need to do it before you come over.
  Preparation for lessons and what is that like?
  Low preparation lessons at many of the language schools

  
  What do the police take seriously
  In Japan they take DUI very seriously and you can be sent home for DUI.

  
  Which city should I fly into?
  It is best to await placement details and your specific start date before booking flights. Japan has several major airports. Often schools will require you to attend training in a specific location on a particular start date e.g. in Nagoya or Osaka before traveling on to your placement school. The cost of an onward ticket from Tokyo to Nagoya is from $70 to 140.

  
  What is a typical day of food types and expenses?
  Typical breakfast would be a banana, yogurt and coffee $ 5 (¥5,500 )
  A typical lunch is about $10 going out to eat. Could be sushi, curry or pasta (¥900)
  Typical dinner is about $20 (¥2,200)

  
  What exactly are the mental health requirements?
  There are very few mental health requirements to participate in the Teach Japan program. Some schools are stricter about it than others but there is no test for medication or disqualification for specific types of mental health conditions.

  
  What are the document and visa cost requirements?
  You will need to pay for:
  ●        A criminal record background check
  ●        Doctor’s note (In some cases)
  ●        Visa application fee 
  The cost for the visa varies but it will run from $100 to 200