How to teach English in Japan

Located right at the Eastern edge of the Asian continent, the island nation of Japan has long held a certain sense of mystique for foreigners across the globe. In fact, it feels as though more and more tourists than ever are fascinated by the combination of rich cultural heritage and cutting edge technological developments that comprise life in modern day Japan.

For expats (or expatriates, those who live in a country not of their upbringing), Japan presents an ideal opportunity to live and work in a comfortable and cosmopolitan society. In fact, one such job that is in huge demand right now is that of a TEFL (or Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher.

Of course, it goes without saying that English has been a global language of communication and business for many years, and Japan wants to maintain its position at the center of multinational trade and commerce. Additionally, there is a strong desire among Japanese people to ensure that their youth grow up with a global perspective on life, and that includes being able to see the world through the lens of the English language.

With that in mind, it makes perfect sense to consider becoming a TEFL instructor in Japan, to capture the moment when there is such a huge appetite for learning English. So, below is a simple step-by-step guide to get started as a TEFL instructor in Japan.

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Get qualify

As with any career, the most logical first step is to obtain a viable and genuine form of certification, to get the best possible start when arriving in Japan.  To teach English in Japan, browse 20+ programs & jobs all in one easy to use platform, or there is always the harder option of doing one’s own research too!

A TEFL program is the ideal way to start understanding the finer nuances of TEFL as an academic discipline, from subtle grammatical distinctions to improving vocabulary accuracy. Additionally, these courses are taught by distinguished educators who have the passion and drive to ensure that the next generation is fully equipped with the soft skills needed to make a positive difference in the classroom.

Additionally, these instructors are highly aware of the realities of teaching in a Japanese environment, which is likely to be unlike almost any other country in the world. For example, young Japanese learners often learn to write in up to 4 different languages in a standard day, from modern Japanese to traditional calligraphic characters, as well as English and another foreign language.

Knowing this information in advance is always an advantage and can help ensure that the classes being prepared are age-appropriate and understanding of the already high demands placed on students from an early age. Finally, courses are designed to be studied at a pace suitable for the prospective TEFL teacher, and helpful advice is always just a question away.

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find balance

Although there are stereotypes that the Japanese work too hard, the reality is that there is a good balance between work and free time there. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the two apart because many individuals tend to socialize with their co-workers, but that doesn't mean Japanese people don't have time to relax.

In fact, they are really in tune with the natural balance that is needed to function successfully, and they even have a term for it, known as ikigai. Simply put, ikigai is the way of thinking that allows Japanese people all over the world to place emphasis and priorities on different aspects of their life, to ensure harmony and well-being as much as humanly possible.

There are many benefits to delving deeply into the Japanese way of life and reaping the positives of looking at the planet from a different point of view. First of all, the “Land of the Rising Sun” has a population that tends to believe in the mantra of going to bed early, waking up early. This means they live well in sync with daylight, a circadian rhythm that helps stave off many of the signs of anxiety and depression.

Secondly, there is enormous importance given to the notion of rest and relaxation, and the leisure activities that are there to be enjoyed. In Japan, it's simple to stay connected to the latest in gadgets and devices, while the high-quality infrastructure also means it's not hard to get away from it all and find a quiet spot to meditate and contemplate the world.

A job for life?

Thirdly, there is the added bonus of a culture that stresses immense value on the possibility of a job for life. In these highly uncertain times, with inflation seemingly going through the roof and unemployment levels yo-yoing day by day, it is reassuring to know that the Japanese approach to employment is much stable and considered.

In many cities, the job decision is taken so seriously that multiple interviews are necessary, to ensure that the right candidate is chosen from every angle possible, be it professional qualifications, academic background, soft skills, soft skills such as problem solving. or flexibility. This rigorous methodology can seem slow and costly at first, but it typically ensures that the person who finally gets the job at the end of the day is the right fit for the company.

This mindset automatically extends to education, where the concept of keeping a teacher happy is high on the wish list for most, if not all, educational institutions. Because of this, there are a few ways for a TEFL teacher in Japan to thrive for several years to come. The first path is to teach a specific group of children from an early age and follow them as they grow and progress. Alternatively, the other option is to remain at the same age level, keeping core curriculum components virtually identical, with minor changes to reflect changing times as each academic year passes.

I say from my own experience, I met a Brazilian friend who lives in Japan and works teaching English, he is currently in Okinawa doing this fun and satisfying profession. English has also allowed him to work in the tourist industry.

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