Japan

Tattoos: Tattoos must be covered at all times and never seen at or near the school. There is a very strong historical stigma against tattoos in Japan. Many gyms and saunas still display signs saying no tattoos.

Piercings: Standard ear piercings for females are ok but all facial piercings must be removed.

Hair: Schools may require teachers to cut their hair if the hairstyle does not fit with local norms. Long hair for men is unusual in Japan. Males with long hair must wear hair tied back at all times and be open to cutting it if requested. Facial hair must be trimmed very neatly. Schools prefer teachers to be clean-shaven.

Dress: Japan is very conservative and teachers will typically be expected to wear full business attire at all times (suits etc.)

Cannot guarantee placement close to each other

We cannot place couples or friends in the same location together. They must be open to teaching in different areas in Japan. The likelihood of being placed close to each other is as follows:

US$ 3500 savings

Applicants need to have sufficient funds to pay for the program fees and other associated costs of the program as well as to cover the cost of personal living expenses including entertainment. Startup costs are high to cover accommodation deposits.

No comprehensive health check

Epilepsy not accepted

There is no comprehensive health check needed and there are few conditions that would exclude someone from participating in the program. Unfortunately, epilepsy is a condition that is not accepted by most of the schools we work with as teachers are often along in the classroom with students. They are also required to drive to work in many cases.

Schools do often require teachers to take a TB test.

*Stimulant based medication is illegal in Japan

As long as special arrangements do not need to be made and the health issue does not affect the teacher’s ability to carry out the role they can proceed. Teachers are responsible for checking whether their medication is legal in Japan and whether they will be able to access medication needed there.

From a native English- speaking country (Note that list goes well beyond the traditional 7 countries)

Applicants must be native English speakers and hold a valid passport from a native English-speaking country. Schools are flexible on nationality as long as they are from a native English-speaking country.

Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, UK, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Liberia, St Christopher (Kitts) & St. Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Swaziland, The Bahamas, The Gambia, Trinidad & Tobago, Zambia

Applicants must be fully flexible

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.

We are not able to accommodate travelers wanting to bring pets. There are very limited accommodation options for teachers in Japan and most of them do not allow pets. Arranging accommodation independently can be challenging as participants typically wouldn't know their location until very close to the time of travel. Another major challenge is that the majority of accommodations require a guarantor in order to secure a lease so it is not something they'd easily be able to set up independently without assistance from the school. The schools take a very uniform approach to things in Japan and aren't very flexible with these sorts of things.

Bachelor’s Degree & TESOL

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a 120 hour TESOL course

Applicants must have a 120-hour TESOL/TEFL and also participate in the XploreAsia orientation program. Applicants are not required to take the TESOL/TEFL Through XploreAsia, but it is recommended as the course is designed to be relevant to the context they will be teaching in.

Not required but recommended to learn basics

Schools favor applicants that have some Japanese language ability so it is beneficial to start learning as early as possible!

Needed for public schools. Not needed for eikaiwas.

This is required for public schools. Not for language centres. Public schools prioritise applicants that can drive. In some locations (usually more rural) it is more practical to drive. If teachers are allocated a driving position the school will help them get set up with a car. This will be used to get to school but can also be used as a great way to get around and explore in their free time!