How Do Schools In Japan Work

How do I get a job teaching English in Japan? Japan has been a popular destination amongst English language teachers for many years due to its widespread job opportunities, good salaries and fascinating culture. Whilst there are other countries in the region where the cost of living may be lower and the wages a little higher, nowhere provides such an incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions as you will find in this extraordinary country. If you are looking for excitement and adventure, look no further than Japan. What are the requirements for teaching English in Japan? In order to work legally you will need to be eligible for a work visa. The good news is the criteria is not as tough as many other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The...  [Read more]

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 Etienne Van Rooyen TEFL Information Alumni Experiences The Three Main Types of High Schools in Japan There are three types of senior high schools in Japan. Each senior high school (grades 10, 11, and 12) has a different purpose and students attend it. Understanding this helps us learn how English language learning in Japan is differently yet similars each school. With this knowledge, as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) you can adapt your lessons plans, materials and style to fit your school/s. Table of Contents Overview of School Types Academic Schools Vocational Schools Correspondence Schools Academic High Schools Elite Academic High Schools General Acadmic High Schools How do elite and general academic schools approach English learning? Vocational Schools...  [Read more]

How do I get a job teaching English in Japan? 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. Table of Contents What are the requirements for teaching English in Japan? What kind...  [Read more]

What are the best countries to teach English in Asia? 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: Table of Contents South Korea Japan Taiwan Thailand Vietnam South Korea 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...  [Read more]

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 Linda Dunsmore Destinations TEFL Information Step-By-Step Guide to Legally Teaching English in Japan 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. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Step 1: Understanding...  [Read more]

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences How Discipline Affects Motivation In and Out of Japanese Classrooms 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...  [Read more]

Mon, 07 May 2018 Linda Dunsmore Destinations Alumni Experiences Teaching English in Japan - Alumni Report by Gabriella S. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF! What is your nationality? Hungarian Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 Asia Ridley TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Contributing to the Classroom as an ALT in Japan 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. Table of Contents Japanese Elementary...  [Read more]

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 Laura Payne Destinations TEFL Information The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program: All You Need to Know and How to Apply 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). Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

How to teach English in Asia? 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. Table of Contents How do I get a job teaching English in South Korea? What are the requirements for teaching English in South Korea? What Kind of school will I work in teaching English in South Korea? What is the best way to apply for jobs teaching English in South Korea? How do I get a job teaching English in...  [Read more]

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences An Australian Amongst American Textbooks in Japan: ✅ Teaching in a Country that Values American English Assistant Language Teachers in Japan come from different countries worldwide, bringing different kinds of English with them. In my experience, American English is often the most sought-after version of English. Some countries highly value Language Teachers from the USA, which often matches their American-style textbooks and resources. Sometimes people are even overlooked for job opportunities due to their Australian accent and British English background. Well, Japan is no different in this regard. Many Japanese schools hold American English in high regard, so what is it like being an Australian-English...  [Read more]

Mon, 25 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What are The Challenges for English Learners in Japan? I have taught in a Japanese high school for the past four years as an assistant language teacher, which gives me a particular insight into the problems and advantages of EFL in that area. This will naturally require some generalizations. Individuals have very different problems from one another, but broader shared issues do crop up. Table of Contents My experience Japanese average Gap between two languages Japanese culture can also make teaching difficult Another aspect of the culture that can make things difficult is the island mentality of Japan Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [Read more]

What are the best countries to teach English in Asia? Embark on an overseas teaching adventure, whether for a gap year or a fresh start in a new career, and Asia emerges as an undeniable contender. With its vast expanse, Asia attracts countless people seeking English teaching opportunities abroad, thanks to a plethora of job prospects and a rich tapestry of cultures to explore. While the requirements for teaching in Asia vary, a strong command of English and a TEFL certification from a reputable provider like ITTT are essential. Among the nearly 50 countries in Asia, we highlight the following as prime options for teaching English right now: South Korea With an exceptionally high demand for TEFL qualified teachers nationwide, South Korea has gained popularity as one of the world's top...  [Read more]

Alumni TEFL Chat with Maddy & Georgia - Two Aussie Sisters Teaching English in Japan 07/08/2021 all right hi hey everyone hi as you can see it's not only me this week welcome to our live stream we have guests today i'm super happy about it hi maddie hi georgia hello hey so yeah back here another for another week and i'm live on a different day i usually go live on fridays so today is very special and also because we have guests so i'm super happy about that and yeah if you are watching if you can see us if you can hear us please just leave a high in the comments that would be really cool and where you're watching from i'm always really curious about where people are watching from and um yeah i'm in south korea my name is linda from itt if you don't know me and i'm yeah about an hour...  [Read more]

Centre Internet TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Centre Internet TEFL and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts A.J. - Japan said: Problems for Learners in JapanEnglish is a compulsory subject in all japanese schools and is studied for a minimum of seven years if not longer. Very few of these students, however, will become proficient enough to be considered at an advanced and in many cases not even an intermediate level. Those few that do excel at English are students that are motivated from outside of the classroom and/or have spent time abroad in a country where English is commonly...  [Read more]

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Cultural and Institutional Obstacles that Japanese Students of English Need to Overcome Many challenges come with teaching English in Japan that is unique and not innately obvious to some people. In addition to the more universal challenges of learning a new language, there are inherent cultural obstacles that English learners must overcome in Japan as well as several problems with the current course of study that is being taught. However, English teachers should do their best to work within the limits of the system to foster an interest and passion for language that lives on outside the classroom and beyond the school years of learners. Table of Contents Vastly different language system The history of Japanese isolation...  [Read more]

TEFL in Japan - Kumano Date posted:2003-11-25 | Writer: KICC English School | Email: [email protected] Positions: Rural Japan ENTHUSIASTIC AND ENERGETIC TEACHERS WANTED KICC English School, located in the spectacular rural region of Kumano, is seeking to fill two full time positions. Starting date will be February 23, 2004 with a contract length of one year, renewable with the agreement of both parties. Though not a requirement, special consideration will be given to teachers who have an education background, especially those with experience teaching in Japan. Basic computer skills are required. We have furnished houses and provide sponsorship so that you can obtain a working visa or extend your existing working visa. Numerous teaching resources and materials are available....  [Read more]

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Issues Japanese Learners Face When Learning English Through my experience as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan, there have been numerous difficulties and challenges my students face in learning the English language. My students are primarily between the ages of 5 and 15. These challenges involve the pronunciation difficulties the students face coming from Japanese pronunciation, as well as the methodology of teaching English in Japan They may not apply to all of Japan but are definitely prominent issues within my area. Table of Contents Pronunciation The Problem of Making Mistakes Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate James W....  [Read more]

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 Laura Payne Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Differences in Teaching Monolingual and Multilingual EFL Groups I am currently working as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan. Before I began this job I assumed that because Japan has a largely homogeneous population, all of my classes would be monolingual. However, I was wrong in this assumption. In addition to my Japanese students, I have many students who are Brazilian or Filipino. These students largely do not use Japanese as their mother tongue and have to learn both English and Japanese as a second language. This diverse student population, in addition to my work experiences and studies, has taught me a lot about working with both monolingual and multilingual classes. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post:...  [Read more]

Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories The Three Main Types of High Schools in Japan Etienne Van Rooyen TEFL Information Alumni Experiences There are three types of senior high schools in Japan. Each senior high school (grades 10, 11, and 12) has a different purpose and students attend it. Understanding this helps us learn how English language learning in Japan is differently yet similars each school. With this knowledge, as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) you can adapt your lessons plans, materials and style to fit your school/s. Nightly Reading Homework: Best Practices in 6 Steps Ahmed Taha Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas This blog post explains what the teacher can do and what parents and other caregivers can do to ensure that this assignment is truly beneficial...  [Read more]

Mon, 11 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Moving Forward: My Personal Teaching Experience, Changing Careers I've always wanted to be a teacher. In high school, I was inspired by my English teachers and the way they were able to make material interesting and motivating. I remember telling myself that I would not be the person who changes the world, but perhaps as a teacher, I would be able to inspire the person who would. From the beginning, my motivation was to help others in a meaningful way. My goal was to improve the lives of others. When I entered university, I found myself studying philosophy to become a professor in the future. However, the reality of being a university professor was a lot of presenting and publishing, with very little teaching. Because teaching...  [Read more]

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Most Problematic Challenges for English Learning in Japan Japan is a Pacific Island nation whose history is marked by periods of nationalism and seclusion, as the Japanese government closed the borders to international trade. The lack of foreign influence in Japan has enabled a unique culture to flourish and the population to remain nearly 98% homogenous, meaning nearly everyone that lives in Japan is Japanese. Table of Contents English in Japan Speaking Difficulties Classroom Atmosphere International Programs Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Andrew C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs...  [Read more]

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching in Japan: Problems of Local Learners 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. Table of Contents Eikaiwa...  [Read more]

TEFL in Aichi, Japan Date posted:2004-11-05 | Writer: TD English Academy | Email: [email protected] Positions: Aichi Prefecture, Japan Small, foreign-owned English conversation school is looking for 4-year university graduates with a desire to embrace the Japanese culture. ONLY enthusiastic, flexible people who are responsible self-starters and are interested in teaching children from age 2 to adults need apply. LOCATION: Toyohashi, Toyokawa, or Gamagori, all small to medium-sized cities in Aichi Prefecture in Central Japan JOB DUTIES: 25-30 teaching hours per week within a 40-hour work week.(All lesson plans and materials provided) REQUIREMENTS : Available in February, 2005 or August, 2005 4-year university degree Overseas experience (travel/teaching) preferred Ability...  [Read more]

TEFL in Kumano, Japan Date posted:2004-04-29 | Writer: KICC English School | Email: [email protected] KICC English School, located in the spectacular rural region of Kumano, is seeking to fill a full time position. Starting date will be in July, 2004 with a contract length of one year, renewable with the agreement of both parties. Though not a requirement, special consideration will be given to teachers who have an education background, especially those with experience teaching in Japan. Basic computer skills are required. We have furnished houses and provide sponsorship so that you can obtain a working visa or extend your existing working visa. Numerous teaching resources and materials are available. There are weekly brain-storming meetings which can help you adjust to your new...  [Read more]

Which countries pay the best TEFL salaries? The highest TEFL salaries are offered in countries aiming to attract the most qualified teachers. While 'the best' can vary by country, high-paying TEFL jobs typically require advanced qualifications, such as a degree in education and a TEFL certification, as well as considerable teaching experience. Countries known for offering competitive TEFL salaries include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, and China. These nations often also provide additional benefits like housing, flights, and health insurance, which contribute to the overall financial package for English teachers. Table of Contents Top ten paying countries for EFL teachers Top ten paying countries for EFL teachers Figures taken from a range of teaching...  [Read more]

Mon, 04 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences An Overview of Common Challenges of ESL Students from Japan Japan is a nation that has tried to increase its citizens' English ability, especially with the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games being held in their country. However, progress has been slow and not fruitful. There are various reasons for this slow stagnation of the nation's English abilities such as the larger academic system and access to proper education in rural areas. However, I will focus on three main hurdles that Japanese learners of English must face that can impede their English education. Table of Contents Japanese vs. English Phonetics Alphabet Japanese English Class Style Problems Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This...  [Read more]

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Challenges of EFL Teaching in Barbados and Japan This essay will be a comparison of my personal experience teaching English in Barbados, a country whose main language is English versus teaching English in a rural area in Japan, a country whose main language is Japanese (not English). Firstly, I will briefly discuss the definitions of teaching. Secondly, I will summarize English education for young learners in each country. Finally, I will compare and contrasts my personal experience in both countries and the valuable lessons I have learned. To protect the anonymity of the schools, the specific areas and any other identifying information will be excluded from this essay. Table of Contents What is Teaching? My International...  [Read more]

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Typical Challenges for Japanese Native Speakers in ESL 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. Table of Contents Grammar Pronunciation Japanese schools Japanese culture Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Grammar 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,...  [Read more]

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Can Teachers Develop the Productive Skills of Japanese Junior High School Students Change is coming to the way that English is taught in Japanese public schools. The changes to the curriculum by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) increase the teaching of English at all levels of schooling. The goal of this change is, in the words of Ikuko Tsuboya-Newel, founder and chair of Tokyo International School, "The government has decided that beginning in 2020 all high school graduates must achieve a level of English equivalent to B1" ("Why do Japanese have trouble learning English?", The Japan Times, October 29, 2017). To achieve that goal, high school entrance exams are expected to include more...  [Read more]