How Many People Speak English In Japan

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Main Problems of ESL Learners From Japan Regardless of the Japanese government's efforts to increase the number of foreign tourists to be a tourism-oriented country and to have been retaining compulsory English education for decades, Japanese people still have a reputation of being bad at English. The average TOEIC and TOEFL scores for Japanese are one of the worst among advanced nations. South Korea was also one of the worst in the past, but they are getting better and better these days. However, there are still some obstacles for many Japanese English learners to get over. Table of Contents 1. First, there are very few teachers in Japan who can teach students how to speak and write English with confidence. 2. Secondly, the...  [Read more]

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences How Can English Influence a Student's Career English is my first language, however, I studied Spanish throughout high school growing up in the Midwest and eventually received a Master's degree in Spanish Literature. I learned to speak Spanish very well after becoming a high school Spanish teacher for eight years and then a principal for elementary and secondary schools for 26 more years speaking Spanish to new immigrant students and parents the whole time. Table of Contents Bilingualism Confidence Advantages and Perspectives Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rex P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the...  [Read more]

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why Japanese Students Struggle with Communicating in English 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. Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

Class For TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Class For 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 W.L. - Australia said: English as a global languageEnglish is currently the global language. It is the official language of United Nations and many International organizations such as The International Olympic Committee and FIFA. The main reason for this is the emergence of the British Empire. It was said the sun never set on the British empire. They owned colonies on every continent on earth. Thus they were able to spread the English language far and wide. The second reason why English...  [Read more]

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Global Rise of the English Language - How Far Will it Go? Whether you like English or despise it, the English language is here to stay. There is no stronger contender right now as a global language, other than English. But how did this happen, why is English now the dominant language in Education, Business and the Media. Table of Contents Personal Experience English in My Family Influence on Other Countries Modern Situation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Iain Hamilton-G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Personal Experience Well in this essay I am not going to...  [Read more]

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Can English Influence a Student’s Future Career? There are many advantages for any person to learn a second language. More important learning English can influence a student's future career. English is the most widely spoken language in the world. This means that there is a high probability of using this language in the future or encountering someone who speaks English. This will allow you to be able to communicate with other people when traveling outside of your country. An example of this is when I travel to Asia in the tourist area I have noticed that English is the common language that is used to communicate between people from different countries. I observed that there were many tourists from Russia, China, and Japan....  [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]

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 Laura Payne Destinations 5 Reasons Why You Should Teach English in Rural Japan Japan is full of vibrant, world-famous cities that many people dream of living and working in. However, when I first decided to become an English teacher in Japan, I never held such a dream. I am an introvert who prefers quiet spaces, and being close to nature is especially important for me. This is why when my goal of teaching English in Japan came true, I was ecstatic that I could find a place to work in the inaka (countryside). Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: 1. Smaller towns have cheaper rent 2. Fewer people, fewer crowds 3. The market for English is everywhere 4. Your presence can have a big impact 5. You may discover a hidden gem When are you heading to Japan? Related...  [Read more]

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary Destinations Teaching English in Japan - The Salary and Budget Guide 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. Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Cultural Sensitivity In Japan So, you've just finished a delicious meal of sushi at your favorite sushi restaurant in Tokyo. The waitress comes by and leaves the check at your table, you place your money inside, hand it back, and she shortly returns with the receipt. You proceed to place a generous tip on the table to thank her for her wonderful service, and you show yourself out of the restraint, back to the busy streets of Tokyo. Can you spot something that you shouldn't have done in this scenario? Table of Contents Foreign point of view Behavior Other Cultural Symbols Presents Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zachary B. Please note...  [Read more]

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Struggles for Japanese Students When Learning English I have been teaching in Japan for over 12 years in three different locations ranging from the southernmost part of Hokkaido to the southern island of Kyushu, where I presently reside. The youngest students I have had were children not even two years of age, whereas my older students were in their seventies. This is a very common situation for those who teach here in Japan; a country where the English boom occurred not too long after they rebuilt their nation following the Second World War. Table of Contents Interest Popular Culture Influence Pronunciation Difficulties Language Systems Confidence Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This...  [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]

Thu, 30 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Volunteer Teaching: Why I Decided to Become a Volunteer Teacher For the past several years I have been working for a non-profit company that provides high-quality daycare and preschool education for financially disadvantaged children. The population we serve is diverse, but the majority of families in our particular centers are Latino. Although I am not employed in a classroom teaching position, I have a great deal of contact with the children and with their parents. Part of my responsibility is to conduct an intake interview with the parents to explain the policies of the school, and to do a health history of the child before he enters. These meetings take about forty minutes when the parent speaks English, and an hour or more...  [Read more]

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why is it Important to Learn English Nowadays Now we're living in an unstable time. All the world facing a lot of problems, such as the problems of war and peace, ecology, economy, international cooperation. And all of them can't be solved without speaking the same language. Table of Contents Globalization Business Traveling Technology Education Career Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nikita B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Globalization The English language is now the first language of about 350 million people, the native language of 12 nations and the official...  [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]

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences 5 Benefits of Sharing a 17sq-meter Apartment in Tokyo on the JET Program In 2019, my sister and I received the exciting news that we had been accepted into the JET Program to live and teach English in Japan! If you have ever looked at teaching in Japan, or even Asia in general, you have probably come across the JET Program before. JET allows you to live and work in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) while earning one of the highest wages you can get as an ALT. Table of Contents 1. The freedom of choice 2. Everything becomes cheaper 3. What household chores? 4. A tiny apartment makes you leave said tiny apartment 5. A minimalist dream Are you ready to teach English in Japan? Related Articles:...  [Read more]

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 Georgia Payne Destinations Alumni Experiences Accommodation Options in Tokyo for English Teachers in Japan Moving to one of the largest cities in the world is quite a daunting task, particularly when you have to find your own accommodation using another language. Table of Contents What are Tokyo apartments like? Where to get an apartment A few things to note Accommodation Options Option #1: Apartment - using a rental company Option #2: Sharehouse Option #3: Airbnb/business hotel Final Piece of Advice The Gist Are you ready to teach English in Japan? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! On the JET Programme, ALTs (assistant language teachers) are, in every prefecture except Tokyo, provided with accommodation by the...  [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]

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]

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary Destinations The 10 Best Cities in Japan for Teaching English 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. Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 Mark Crocker Destinations The Top 5 Places to Teach English in Japan 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...  [Read more]

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences My English Teaching Experience in Japan About a year and a half ago, I began a part-time job teaching English in Japan. The school I taught at, Sunny Club, was a small cram school run in the first level of a two-story home. The physical space could accommodate only 20 students at a time, and it meant that there was very little room to breathe during lessons. While the small size was a hindrance at times, working for Sunny Club was one of the most fulfilling experiences that I have had. Table of Contents Classroom Setting Rapport Teaching Methods Mistakes Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate MARY T. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences From Taxi Driver to International Teacher - a Graduate’s Story Many people may think that the worst part of being an Uber driver are the belligerent midnight trips from downtown to the suburbs or the aggressive pre-coffee commuters or the fact that a five-minute drive can take thirty minutes because of gridlock. However, as an Uber driver of one year, I believe that the worst part about the job are trips to the airport. When I interacted with passengers going to the airport, I would think of all the new things they would get to try and the different cultures they would learn about. The problem with these trips was they were a constant reminder that the world is just waiting for us to explore it, but I was stuck leading a...  [Read more]

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Problems Japanese Learners of English Experience Japan is an island nation and is a recognized homogenous society with a very small percentage of foreign permanent residence and more than half of the adult population lacks the necessary skills to speak English proficiently. Because of this, English as a Second Language is in high demand with young learners being a focus group in Japan. English is taught in the school environment during nearly all of a child's primary education years, but this, unfortunately, doesn't translate to a proficient English-speaking Japanese population. Table of Contents Global Opportunities Differences in Language Structure Cultural Challenges Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!...  [Read more]

Can TEFL be a career? Anyone who is thinking about teaching English abroad has most likely received a response along the lines of "Oh, how fun, but what will you do when you get back?" Some people believe that teaching English as a foreign language is not a "real job" but rather something that people do to pay off student debt or simply for fun before settling down into a "normal" job and lifestyle. Many people decide to teach English abroad for these reasons, but there are also many who have made a successful and lucrative career out of it. Is it possible to make a long-term career out of teaching English as a foreign language? Yes, you can pursue a long-term career as an EFL teacher. For the vast majority of people who travel abroad to teach English, it all begins with a simple desire...  [Read more]

Etiquette Asia Working as an English teacher in a foreign country is an excellent opportunity not only to teach students how to speak English but also to teach them about the culture of your home country. It is equally important for English teachers to take the time to learn about the particular social customs of their host countries. Whether you are in a meeting with your colleagues or are invited to a social event, there will be things that will undoubtedly be done differently than back home, sometime in quite bewilderingly different ways. Learning the reasons behind the way these things are done will help you to understand why and as a result help you to have a more fulfilling experience in your host country and help you in the classroom. In many countries in Asia deference is...  [Read more]

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Several Common Challenges for French-Speaking ESL Students French are bad at speaking English, it's a fact, proven by many studies but also by the shameful spectacle of our politician trying to say things in Shakespeare's language. The Elite not having a decent level it is hard to blame the population for not trying very hard. International studies are all putting French students at the last position in Europe for mastering English skills. Even more alarming in 2008 the TOEFL results were putting France at the 69th rank on 109 countries. In 9th Grade, only 14% of the students have an "independent level" according to a 2011 study of the European Commission (we also note that only 9% of English 9 graders are "independent" in...  [Read more]

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 Elizaveta Pachina Destinations Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Alumna Experience: ✅ Challenges Faced by TEFL Students From China The development of information lined social life and the economy's globalization make English more and more crucial. As one of the essential information carriers, English has become the most widely used language in every field of human life. English ability has become a necessary skill for every learner. The benefit of gaining a foreign language is tremendous. It will help him/her open the door to another world of learning different or new knowledge and achieve the goal of multiple learning and self-actualization. According to the number of people from all over the world, English usage has more than any language. English is the...  [Read more]

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences 3 Reasons to Take a TEFL training Course "Why should I bother to complete a TEFL course?" is a question I personally had asked many times and a question I have heard many others inquire about. Table of Contents General stereotype How can you benefit from the course If you don't have a teaching qualification Still thinking on taking your TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Crystal N. General stereotype Since there are programs that allow individuals to teach English in a foreign country without TEFL or TESOL certifications, many see it as a waste of time. I will be honest and say that I was one of those people. I am current teaching in...  [Read more]

Agency Online TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Agency Online 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 T.R. - Japan said: English as a global languageIn November 2010, Mr. Hiroshi Mikitani, President of the japanese company Rakuten®, announced that by the year 2012, all operations at their headquarters in Tokyo will be done in English¹. To some, this news was a welcoming change, while to many others it spelled heartache. According to Mr. Mikitani, in order to survive in the global market place, English was ?essential?, as the company expands into more regions . This move by Mr....  [Read more]