Blog Articles About Teaching English in Japan

⋯ By Thomas Chang ⋯ Japan is a very unique country and there’s no doubt that everybody that moves here faces at least one type of culture shock. Whether it’s the anime culture, the introverted society, or the politeness tradition, there’s always something to surprise everyone. As a Korean American, I am considered a foreigner here, but my appearance is similar to a Japanese native. This has put me in the shoes of both sides in various situations and has led to some interesting experiences. I hope that my stories can give some perspective into Japanese culture and what it’s like to live in Japan! Also, please keep in mind that everything is based off of my experience and is not to be used to generalized Japanese people or foreigners…

● Teaching Location: Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, and Kagawa Prefecture, Japan ● Type of Teaching Job: English conversation schools, international schools, kindergartens and public schools ● Student Age Group: All ages, from 0 through adults ● Monthly Salary: 250,000 yen (around $2,500 USD) ● Monthly Rent: 50,000 yen - 70,000 yen (around $500 - $700 USD) ● Living Arrangement: 2 bedroom apartment ● Monthly Savings: 10,000 yen ($100 USD) ● Contract Bonuses: Annual bonuses ⋯ By Ryan Weatherston ⋯ When I started living in Japan almost eight years ago, I did not want to become an English teacher. I considered it to be one of the lowest types of jobs, a couple of rungs below shoveling manure (which I have done before). I did everything I could to avoid teaching…

● Teaching Location: Yokohama, Japan ● Type of Teaching Job: English Conversation School (IB Japan) ● Student Age Group: Kids, Teens ● Monthly Salary: 250,000 yen (~$2,200 USD) ● Monthly Rent: 65,000 yen (~$570 USD) ● Living Arrangement: Single room apartment ● Monthly Savings: 60,000 yen (~$530 USD) ● Contract Bonuses: Transportation reimbursement ⋯ By Matt Laycock ⋯ I had always had an interest in Japan. I studied the language in high school and enjoyed Kaiju movies as a kid. Despite wanting to visit for a long time, but didn't go until I was teaching in South Korea and spent one of my vacations in Tokyo. It was after that visit that I knew I wanted to try living there. So, after finishing my contract in South Korea, I began looking…

● Teaching Location: Harima-cho, Japan ● Type of Teaching Job: Sister City- Public Junior High School ● Student Age Group: 12-15 years old ● Monthly Salary: 400,000+ yen (~$3,400+ USD) ● Monthly Rent: Zero ● Living Arrangement: Two bedroom, fully furnished apartment ● Monthly Savings: 300,000+ yen (2,600+ USD) ● Contract Bonuses: Free airfare, computer, and additional work ⋯ By Craig Hoffman ⋯ My early years teaching English in Japan were fantastic. It was a magical time for me. My first job was great. And, my various adventures in and around the country were even better. I created memories that will last a lifetime. In fact, while my job changed, I still live in Japan 12 years later. And, I am most happy that I do. Now, I do so with…

● Teaching Location: Fukui Prefecture, Japan ● Type of Teaching Job: ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) at elementary & junior high schools on the JET (Japan Exchange Teaching) Program ● Student Age Group: Kids (first grade through ninth grade) ● Monthly Salary: 300,000 yen (~$2,600 USD) ● Monthly Rent: This varies from place to place. I lived in a rural town and my school subsidized my rent so it was pretty cheap. ● Living Arrangement: Small one-room apartment (2 years), Large house (final year) ● Monthly Savings: Savings varied. I saved more during the 2nd and 3rd year. ● Contract Bonuses: Free flights to and from Japan, transportation to job placement location from Tokyo ⋯ By Matthew Ruddle ⋯ What I Loved About Teaching English in Japan Experiences and Culture Living in Japan…

● Teaching Location: Nagoya, Japan ● Type of Teaching Job: Company Teaching Job (ECC) ● Student Age Group: Every Age Group ● Monthly Salary: 250,000 yen (~$2,200 USD) ● Monthly Rent: 80,000 yen (~$700 USD) ● Living Arrangement: 2-bedroom apartment near Nagoya's main train station ● Monthly Savings: 50,000 yen (~$440 USD) ● Contract Bonuses:  Work commute reimbursement, contract completion bonus ⋯ By Dani Hadaway ⋯ When I moved to Japan, I was 22, tall, blonde, and ambitious. I stood out like a sore thumb compared to everyone around me, clad in black business suits, carrying briefcases with their eyes locked onto their iPhones. Upon arriving, I felt so accomplished as if I had finally done something unique in my life. I felt like I was finally beginning my life. In…