Blog Articles About Teaching English in Japan Archives

07Jun 2023 by ESL Expat No Comments

Should You Teach English In South Korea or Japan?

Choosing the perfect destination for teaching English abroad can be an exciting yet challenging decision. Among the multitude of options, South Korea and Japan consistently rank as top choices for language enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestries of Asia. Both countries offer unique experiences and captivating opportunities, but it's crucial to consider various factors before embarking on this thrilling journey. In this article, we will delve into key aspects such as job opportunities, requirements, salary, cost of living, safety, quality of life, language, culture, food, travel opportunities, and nature, to help you make an informed decision between South Korea and Japan. Join us as we explore the enticing realms of these two nations, uncovering the aspects that set them apart and finding the perfect fit for…

20Sep 2022 by ESL Expat 1 Comment

The Most Popular Cities To Teach English in Asia Right Now

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Teaching English abroad is a life-changing experience for many! From living in a new country, experiencing a new culture, to changing the lives of so many young kids, what’s not to love about it? Some teachers are passionate about English language and education, while others love traveling, but at the end of the day, they are all making a difference. Teachers are typically from native English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and work in countries in South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Asia is probably the most popular continent to work because teachers can earn good salaries and have a good quality of life. English is not spoken natively in most Asian countries, besides Malaysia and Singapore, so there is a massive…

08Jul 2021 by ESL Expat 1 Comment

How To Teach English In Japan Without A Degree

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[caption id="attachment_29415" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Photo Source: Unsplash.com (credit IG: @clay.banks)[/caption] Teach English In Japan Without A Degree Japan is one of the most popular destinations for English teachers in Asia. With the high standard of living and unique and interesting culture, great infrastructure and delicious food, it makes sense that everyone and their dog wants to teach here. Unfortunately, being a very organized and rule-abiding society, there are strict requirements enforced by the Japanese government for foreign English teachers. In Japan, the two main ways to get a teaching job is to apply through the government program for public schools, known as the JET programme, or to apply to a job directly to a school or recruiting company such as Gaba or Interac. One of the main requirements for the…

01Dec 2019 by ESL Expat No Comments

Living in Japan as a Foreigner with a Japanese Face

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⋯ 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…

15Aug 2017 by ESL Expat 2 Comments

The Best Job Sites for Teaching English in Japan

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Are you looking for a new job teaching English in Japan? There are many sites online with job postings. Your search can span from page to page on Google. Fortunately, we have edited out the clutter and nailed down “the best of the best” websites for finding teaching jobs in Japan. Hopefully, it will make your search for finding the job you want a lot easier. Here is our revised and updated list of the top 6 job sites for teaching English in Japan. Updated: April 2019 1. Gaijin Pot Gaijin Pot is one of the bests sites for those seeking for teaching jobs in Japan. Many teachers still recognize it as the “go to” website for landing a job in The Land of the Rising Sun. The site provides…

10Jul 2017 by ESL Expat 6 Comments

A Reluctant English Teacher Living in Japan

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● 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…

11Jun 2017 by ESL Expat 2 Comments

My Time Teaching English in Japan

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● 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…

07Apr 2017 by ESL Expat 1 Comment

Once Upon a Time Japan Was a Dream Place to Be

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● 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…

10Mar 2017 by ESL Expat No Comments

Teaching English on the JET Program in Japan

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● 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…

25Feb 2017 by ESL Expat No Comments

When in Japan: Teaching English in Nagoya

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● 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…