Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 9: Meet the Basic Requirements
• Part 2 of 9: Do your research
• Part 3 of 9: Decide if this is really what you want
• Part 4 of 9: Apply for an Interview
• Part 5 of 9: Go for an interview
• Part 6 of 9: Get your first interview
• Part 7 of 9: Get your second interview
• Part 8 of 9: Get the Job and Prepare the Paperwork
• Part 9 of 9: Travel to Japan and Get Ready
• Tips
• Warnings

Whether you dream of living in Japan, being a teacher, considering a career change, or looking to work in an international environment, teaching English in Japan can be a rewarding experience.

Steps

Part 1 of 9: Meet the Basic Requirements

1. 1 Get your bachelor's degree. Having at least a bachelor's degree is a mandatory requirement. This is necessary, rather, not for the work itself, but for obtaining a work visa. Without a work visa (or a spouse visa if you are married to a Japanese citizen / citizen), you cannot legally work in Japan. This is the immigration law. If you do not have a bachelor's degree, Japan will not issue you a work visa. It is clearly not worth breaking the law: if you are caught working without a visa, you will be detained and deported. A bachelor's degree does not have to be in English or pedagogy, although such a degree may be more useful. A bachelor's degree in any specialty is suitable.
2. 2 Start saving money. If you want to work in Japan, you will need a significant amount of money. It is recommended that you bring a minimum of $ 2,000 with you to help you hold out until your first paycheck. Also, you will have to buy suits for work. Most schools will require you to wear a suit, but some will allow you to take off your jacket for class, especially in summer. You must have at least 3 good suits. You will also have to pay for plane tickets. Depending on where your interview is taking place, you may have to travel by plane (even within your own country). You will also have to pay for the flight to Japan.
3. 3 You need a clean past. In other words, no arrests. The government will not issue a visa to someone who has committed a crime. They can turn a blind eye to minor offenses committed several years ago, but if something like this happened within the last 5 years, you are almost guaranteed to be denied a visa.

Part 2 of 9: Do your research

1. 1 Look for a school where you will teach. There are hundreds of English schools in Japan. Most of them are private, usually called "Eikiva", which means "English conversation". Typically, these schools offer good working conditions and are easy to get employed. They also help you get started in Japan. The salary is also quite high (for the first job).
   • Use the internet and read about different types of schools. There are about 4 very famous schools with branches all over the country, as well as hundreds of smaller ones. Start by making a list of famous Japanese schools. If you want to go to a specific city, try searching for schools in that city.
   • Read about the experiences of former teachers online. Many teachers write about their experiences while working at school. This is a good way to appreciate the merits and demerits of each location.
   • Visit the school website. They provide a lot of information about salary, lesson types, accommodation, responsibilities, and so on.
   • Read student comments. If you are reading Japanese, it is a great idea to read student comments about the school they attended. This will give you a better idea of ​​the atmosphere in the school. Students 'comments are usually strikingly different from teachers' comments because they see the school from a different perspective. After reading both versions, you will be able to choose the school that suits you.
2. 2 Read about life in Japan. Your job is only part of life in Japan. You should read about Japanese culture and characteristics. Read stories from other people's personal experiences, not books. Books often contain stereotypes or outdated information. The experience of real people will give you a better understanding of life in Japan. Is this lifestyle right for you? Remember, you will be working with Japanese people (depending on the school) and probably all of your students will be Japanese, so it is important to understand their culture.
3. 3 Review frequently misspelled English grammatical terms and words. During the interview, you will probably be offered a short test of your English proficiency. It will contain questions on the conjugation of verbs in different tenses (for example, Past Perfect) and a section on spelling. It is highly recommended that you find a list of frequently misspelled words and practice your irregular verb conjugation, even if English is your first language.
4. 4 Start learning Japanese. You won't need it for work, but it is useful to know it in order to read student names and use the computer. You will most likely need it while living in Japan, especially in a small town.

Part 3 of 9: Decide if this is really what you want

1. 1 Keep this in mind when making your decision:
   • Most companies require a contract for at least 1 year. In other words, you must have lived in Japan and worked for the company for at least 1 year. You will have a Golden Week, Obon and New Year's Eve, which you can spend on a trip to visit your family in your hometown. Prepare to be separated from family and friends the rest of the time - for at least 1 year.
   • Don't break the contract. It is not easy for a company to find new teachers, paperwork and train them. There will be many challenges for the school between you leaving and the arrival of a new teacher. They will have to send a replacement or a temporary teacher, which is very expensive. If you break the contract, the company can hold you liable for these costs and bill you even if you return to your home country.
   • In addition, students need a teacher to be with them. If you suddenly leave, their motivation will go down and they don't deserve it. Are you ready to sign a contract for at least 1 year?

Part 4 of 9: Apply for an Interview

1. 1 Visit the website of the school you are interested in and see when and where they interview. Find the right place and time for your interview. Follow the school's instructions on the website and apply.
   • You may need to write an essay on why you want to work and live in Japan. Follow the rules set by the company. It is important to follow the rules not only in these schools, but in Japan in general. You should write about how you love Japan and how you teach. Tell us about your strengths in your essay.
     • These schools are looking for enthusiastic teachers, so you can use phrases like “deep interest,” “irresistible passion,” “intellectual challenge,” and the like. For example: “I have a deep interest in Japan and teaching since high school. In history lessons, we learned how to write our name in katakana, and this piqued my interest in culture. In addition, I have an irresistible passion for learning and teaching, and I look forward to following it in the future. " Using these words will allow the employer to learn more about your personality.
   • The essay should reveal your identity, but it should also reflect your level of English. You will likely need to teach students of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Using "advanced" speech patterns will set your essay apart from others. For example, instead of writing "I have always wanted to be a teacher," write "I have always pursued a teaching career."
   • Do not use slang, this can be regarded as unprofessional. Being a professional is very important, these schools are proud of themselves and the way they create. Show that you have a good education, that you are a determined, professional and competent person full of passion and energy.
2. 2 Write your resume. It’s very simple. If you don't know how to do this, there are some excellent resume writing articles on wikiHow.
3. 3 Subtract everything. The guaranteed way to get rejected is to submit an application full of spelling and grammatical errors. Proofread it several times and let someone else read it. If you're really not sure about the spelling of a word, read the grammar rules online.Most likely, you will still do this in a future job in relation to more complex grammar rules in order to be able to clearly explain them to students.
4. 4 Prepare a lesson plan. You must prepare a 50 minute lesson plan. If you are invited for an interview, you will need to select any 5 minutes from it and demonstrate to those who will be interviewing. Prepare an entry-level plan (perhaps a mid-level plan will work as well). Make it fun and interesting. The only lines you have to give are instructions. Prepare a plan so that students talk or do other work with each other. Remember, you are applying to teach English speaking practice, so have them practice speaking. Give them the thematic vocabulary, grammar and situation to work with.
5. 5 Submit everything and wait for an answer.

Part 5 of 9: Go for an interview

1. 1 If your application is approved, prepare for your interview. Most applications are accepted, but most of the candidates are eliminated in the interview. Your interview will most likely take place at a hotel, so book a room there. The interview can take place in two stages on different days. If you pass the first stage, then the next one will be in a few days. Book a room for a minimum of 2 nights.
2. 2 If you need to fly or travel by train, arrange your trip as early as possible. Just as there is no excuse for being late for work, there is no excuse for being late for an interview. Organize your trip accordingly.
3. 3 Dress appropriately.
   • Bring two suits, nice shoes, a nice pen, a notepad, and any materials you want to use during the lesson. If you have a handout, print it in color. If you use cards, laminate them. Make them as professional as possible. Demonstration of the lesson lasts only 5 minutes, but the amount of work done will impress the interviewer. Never start a demonstration lesson without pictures or visuals. Iron your suits and clean your shoes.
   • Do not take perfume, excess decorative cosmetics (foundation is enough), more than 1 pair of earrings, more than 1 ring and other shiny or bright accessories. Although people in Japan wear a lot of accessories, they don't wear them in the office. Eye-catching makeup such as eyeliner and eye shadow is frowned upon. Never paint your nails (clear coat is allowed). These things are unprofessional and are not even allowed in the school if they take you there.
   • If you are a woman, wear stockings and closed-toe heels. Don't wear ballet flats. Don't wear bright colors (pink, red, yellow, orange), but don't wear all black. Schools want to show a professional yet “vibrant” welcoming image. Think about this before going to your interview.
   • If you are a man, shave smoothly or keep a very short beard. It is relatively rare for men in Japan to grow beards, especially businessmen. If they have a beard, it is always trimmed neatly. This will be a requirement at school if you are hired.
   • Hide any tattoos. The school won't hire you if you show tattoos. Some schools are okay with having tattoos, but you must hide them and never tell your students that you have them. They may not care, but if they tell the school staff, you may be in trouble.

Part 6 of 9: Get your first interview

1. 1 Come early. This is important for your future work and most events in Japan. Always arrive 10-15 minutes early.
2. 2 Don't speak Japanese to anyone. Japanese is usually not required for this job. In addition, at school, you may be prohibited from speaking Japanese with students or even in their presence.Speaking Japanese with an interviewer or during a demo lesson is a good way to fail an interview. Again, schools don't want you to speak Japanese at school.
3. 3 You will be told about the company. Take notes and listen carefully. Ask questions to show your interest and active listening.
4. 4 Prepare mentally for the demo lesson. You should already decide which 5 minute piece you want to show. There will be several interviewers and many interviewees. The other interviewees will be your students, and you will be their student when their turn comes. Your lesson will most likely be assessed by more than one interviewer. Get ready for this. Take deep breaths and drink some water.
5. 5 Give a demo lesson.
   • Smile a lot. This is a huge plus. Smile and let your students smile too. Happy students will want to keep learning and love to attend your lessons. So smile.
   • Give instructions clearly, slowly, and in simple terms. Only speak when necessary.
   • Use gestures. Go outside the box. Be funny. Schools need teachers who can explain things without words and keep students' attention. Using gestures and smiling can also help you forget about your nervousness. Have fun and your students will have fun as well as your interviewer.
   • Teach them something. Even if you are supposed to have a fluent conversation, teach your "students" more advanced phrases. For example, if the topic is “Talk about the trip you've been” and the student (another interviewee) says “it was great,” teach him the phrase “it was amazing” or “it was great.” Teach him something, but make sure he speaks more and practices what you taught him. You can even make it repeat once or twice.
   • Don't be discouraged by the students. Chances are that one of them (the other interviewee) will try to complicate your demo lesson by asking unrelated questions or not following the instructions. Do not worry. Just smile, answer if you can, and continue with the lesson. If you can't answer a question, don't worry! Just say, “This is a very good question for (student's name). Let's talk about this together after the lesson. Let's continue now. " In school, you will also encounter this. The ability to cope with such students and control the lesson is necessary for the teacher. Promise to help them, but later.
   • Don't talk too much. Don't give a lecture. You are teaching spoken English and you need your students to speak.
   • Don't overcomplicate the demo lessons for others. Be a good student. Do exactly what you are told. Interfering with someone else's demo lesson will look unprofessional.
6. 6 Wait for a letter from the interviewer. You may or may not be invited for a second interview.

Part 7 of 9: Get your second interview

1. 1 The second interview looks more like a real one. There will likely only be one interviewer and you. You will be asked standard questions. Be prepared to provide answers.
2. 2 Do a second demo lesson. You cannot prepare for the second demo lesson. You will lead it without any preparation. This will probably be a lesson for the children. The interviewer may show you the book, open the page and say, “You have 1 minute to get ready and then 3 minutes to teach me something from this page. And I'm also 5 years old. " The interviewer will leave the room and you will have a little time to look at the page and decide what and how you will teach. Let's pretend that there are animals from a zoo drawn on a page.
3. 3 Prepare mentally to step out of your comfort zone. The interviewer will return with the mindset of a five-year-old. He won't play, but sometimes he will act like he doesn't understand you. Do what it takes to teach him something and make it fun. Be funny if necessary.If you have zoo animals on your page, imitate the sounds they make and then say what they are called. Also use gestures. Show the trunk of the elephant with your hand. Say "together" and do it with the student, then repeat the name of the animal. It may sound strange to you, but for a five year old, it's fun. Plus, he is unlikely to forget the words you taught him! Sometimes you have to give lessons without preparation, so the ability to prepare in a short amount of time is essential.
4. 4 After the demo lesson, tell the interviewer where you want to work in Japan. Be specific. Big city, small town, village, ocean, mountains and so on. Also tell me if you want to educate children or adults. Say exactly what you want. If they want to hire you, they will find you a good job, even if it takes several months.
5. 5 Finish your interview and head home. Wait for a phone call.

Part 8 of 9: Get the Job and Prepare the Paperwork

1. 1 If they want to hire you, they will call you. If you have been an energetic and friendly teacher who puts a lot of effort into preparing a demo lesson and can give a fun impromptu lesson, you should get a job as an English teacher in Japan.
2. 2 Follow the recruiter's instructions to obtain a visa, a Japanese work permit certificate, and a start date. Ask questions if you have any.
   • You will be sent a contract. Please read it very carefully. Very carefully. Remember, this is a legal agreement. Don't tear it up or take it lightly.
3. 3 Get your passport if you don't have one.
4. 4 If you are taking medications, find out if you can find the same or similar ones in Japan. Some drugs are illegal in Japan.

Part 9 of 9: Travel to Japan and Get Ready

1. 1 Pack your essentials and board the plane. Take only the essentials. You can buy things in Japan after you arrive, or ask your relatives to send you things later. Your apartment will be small, as will the training center. Just bring suits, casual clothes and hygiene items. Perhaps another book for learning Japanese.
2. 2 Meet fellow interns at the airport. Take a trainer and a new group to the training center. You may be training for a while. Make friends with fellow interns.
   • You will have a few days of internship. Don't take it lightly. It may be funny, but it takes a long time. You will receive homework and take tests. You will be helped to learn how to do your job for the next year. Don't miss classes. Do everything carefully. You may be kicked out of the training phase and not sent to a branch of the school. Again, if you don't take training seriously, the company may send you home.
3. 3 After training, head to the branch school, meet colleagues and students, and enjoy your new life as an English teacher in Japan!

Tips

• Make your activities fun. Students who enjoy their lessons are motivated to keep learning.
• Be professional, friendly and follow the rules.
• Get your bachelor's degree. You cannot get a work visa without a diploma.
• Save up a lot of money. Getting an interview and starting a life in another country is expensive.
• Get ready to leave your comfort zone. You need to entertain the interviewer and the "students".
• Start learning Japanese. This is not necessary but will be helpful.
• Study everything carefully before signing a 1 year contract.
• Teaching English in private can also be very profitable, with or without a bachelor's degree. In particular, there are many beginner and intermediate adult learners who would like to take some extra English lessons to help them develop their careers.There are various companies and websites that can connect you with your students, however make an appointment with them in cafes or other public places.

Warnings

• Don't break the contract. Your employer will make you liable for any damage to the company, material or otherwise.
• Depending on the company, you may have to sell something to students. This is part of the job and you have to do it. Prepare yourself mentally for this.
• Do not commit crimes in your home country. You will not get a visa if you have a criminal record.
• Don't lie on your resume. For example, if you write that you speak Japanese well, you may be sent to a school with Japanese staff who do not speak English. Just tell the truth. Don't be ashamed of your abilities.
• Over the past few years, some English schools have gone bankrupt. It can happen to you too. But this does not cancel your work visa. You can still find another job in Japan, and actual residence in the country and having a work visa is a huge plus for employers.
• Never commit any crime in Japan or overstay your visa. You will be detained and deported. The school will suffer damage and make you accountable for it.
• It is a crime to do any work without a valid visa in Japan. Legally, you cannot work with a tourist visa. Get a work visa or spouse visa (marry a Japanese citizen / citizen) if you want to work. Remember, a work visa has restrictions on the type of work you can legally do. If you have an IT specialist work visa, you cannot legally teach English. Violation of these laws will result in imprisonment and subsequent deportation. Private teaching can also be beneficial, however laws must be followed.