Are you considering a career in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)? If so, you might be interested to know that Japan offers a wealth of opportunities for TEFL certified individuals. From bustling metropolises like Tokyo and Osaka to tranquil rural areas, there are countless places in Japan where you can put your TEFL certification to good use. But what exactly are the career prospects with a TEFL certification in Japan? Let’s delve into this topic and explore the various avenues available to you.
Teaching English in Public Schools
One of the most common career paths for TEFL certified individuals in Japan is teaching English in public schools. This can range from elementary schools to high schools. As a TEFL teacher in a public school, your role would typically involve assisting a Japanese teacher in delivering English lessons. You might also be tasked with designing lesson plans and organising English language events.
Teaching in public schools can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with students on a daily basis. Moreover, public schools in Japan often offer a stable income and benefits such as paid holidays and health insurance, making it an attractive option for many TEFL teachers.
Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) Positions
The Japanese government runs a programme known as the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme, which hires foreign nationals as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in public schools across the country. As an ALT, you would work alongside a Japanese teacher to deliver English lessons, providing a native speaker’s perspective and helping students improve their pronunciation and conversational skills.
The JET Programme is highly competitive, but it offers a number of benefits including a competitive salary, subsidised housing, and the opportunity to live and work in Japan for up to five years. If you’re interested in becoming an ALT, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any subject and a strong interest in Japanese culture and education.
Teaching English in Private Language Schools
Another popular option for TEFL certified individuals in Japan is teaching English in private language schools, also known as eikaiwa. These schools cater to a wide range of students, from young children to adults, and offer classes at various times throughout the day, including evenings and weekends.
Working in an eikaiwa can be a great way to gain teaching experience and develop your skills. You’ll have the opportunity to teach a variety of classes, from one-on-one lessons to group classes, and you’ll often have more autonomy in terms of lesson planning and delivery than you would in a public school.
Eikaiwa Teacher Positions
As an eikaiwa teacher, you’ll be responsible for teaching English to students of all ages and levels. This could involve teaching basic English to young children, helping high school students prepare for exams, or teaching business English to adults. The work can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, especially when you see your students making progress.
Most eikaiwa schools offer full-time positions, with a typical work week consisting of around 40 hours. The salary can vary depending on the school and your level of experience, but it’s generally competitive, and many schools also offer benefits such as paid holidays and health insurance.
Freelance Teaching
If you prefer more flexibility and independence, you might consider freelance teaching. As a freelance TEFL teacher in Japan, you could offer private lessons to individuals or small groups, either in person or online. This could involve teaching general English, exam preparation, or specialised courses such as business English.
Freelance teaching can be a great way to tailor your work to your interests and schedule. However, it also requires a certain level of entrepreneurship, as you’ll need to market your services and manage your own business. It’s also worth noting that as a freelancer, you’ll be responsible for your own taxes and health insurance.
Online Teaching
With the rise of digital technology, online teaching has become an increasingly popular option for TEFL certified individuals. This involves teaching English to students via video conferencing platforms, which allows you to work from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
Online teaching can offer a great deal of flexibility, as you can set your own hours and work from the comfort of your own home. It can also be a good way to gain teaching experience, especially if you’re new to the TEFL field. However, it’s worth noting that the pay for online teaching can be lower than for in-person teaching, and you’ll need to ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet, professional-looking workspace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a TEFL certification can open up a wide range of career opportunities in Japan. Whether you’re interested in teaching in public schools, private language schools, or as a freelancer, there’s likely to be a role that suits your interests and career goals. And with the ongoing demand for English language education in Japan, the prospects for TEFL certified individuals are promising.
So, if you’re passionate about teaching and interested in experiencing a new culture, why not consider a career in TEFL in Japan? It could be the start of an exciting and rewarding journey.
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