Can Non-Natives Teach English in Japan?

How to teach English in Japan as a non-native speaker? Do you want to teach English in Japan, but you are not a native speaker of English? If so, think about how to do it and what to expect. Teaching English in Japan can be a great way to experience a different culture, learn a new language, and earn money. However, it can also be challenging, especially if you are not a native speaker of English.

This article will answer some of the most common questions and concerns non-native English speakers have about teaching English in Japan. You will also find some helpful advice on how to find a job, prepare for your lessons, and succeed as an English teacher in Japan.

Can You Teach English in Japan as a Non-Native Speaker?

To answer your question, yes, you can teach English as a non-native speaker in Japan. However, the long answer is more complicated. Many factors affect your chances of getting hired, such as:

• Level of English proficiency
• Educational background and qualifications
• Teaching experience and skills
• Nationality and visa status
• Location and availability
• Personality and appearance

Generally speaking, the higher your level of English proficiency, the more opportunities you will have to teach English in Japan. You must have a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate or equivalent qualification. Some employers may also require or prefer some teaching experience or specific skills, such as Business English or TOEIC preparation.

However, more than having a high English proficiency and qualifications is required. You will also need to have a valid visa that allows you to work in Japan legally. The most common visa for English teachers in Japan is the Instructor Visa, issued by the Japanese government and sponsored by your employer. 

Apply for a Working Holiday Visa for young people (usually between 18 and 30 years old) from countries (such as Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Singapore). This visa allows you to work part-time in Japan for up to one year. However, this visa is not renewable and has limited quotas.

A third option is to get a Student Visa or a Dependent Visa if you are studying or married to someone who has a valid visa in Japan. These visas allow you to work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) with permission from the immigration office. 

Another factor that affects your chances of getting hired is your location and availability. Most English teaching jobs are in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or Fukuoka. You may have fewer options if you are willing to work in rural areas or smaller towns; you may also need help with transportation costs, cultural differences, or language barriers.

You will also need to be flexible with your schedule and working hours. Most English teaching jobs require you to work evenings and weekends when students are available. Some may also require you to travel between different locations or schools. You should be prepared for these conditions and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.

Finally, your personality and appearance can also influence your getting hired. Japanese students tend to be friendly, patient, enthusiastic, and professional. They may also have certain expectations or stereotypes about how an English teacher should look or sound. For example, some may prefer teachers with light skin or hair color or who speak with an American or British accent.

Of course, these preferences are not universal or fair. They are cultural norms or personal biases that may not reflect your abilities or qualities as an English teacher. However, there are still realities you may face when applying for jobs or teaching students.

Therefore, making a first impression is essential in any job or teaching situation. Your cover letter and resume are your calling cards, so make sure they highlight your strengths and achievements as an English teacher. In addition, you will need to have a professional-looking photo that shows your face clearly and smiling, and dress appropriately and neatly for your interviews and lessons. Also, you should speak clearly and confidently and show your passion and interest in teaching English.

How to Find a Job as a Non-Native English Speaker in Japan?

Finding a job as a non-native English speaker in Japan can be challenging but possible. There are many platforms and websites where you can look for jobs, such as:

• GaijinPot is one of the most popular and comprehensive websites for foreigners living or working in Japan. It has a job board that lists various jobs, including English teaching jobs. You can filter the jobs by location, category, salary, visa, or language. Make a profile and upload your resume and photo to apply online.
• JobsinJapan is another website that specializes in jobs for foreigners in Japan. It has a job board that lists various work, including English teaching jobs. You can filter the jobs by location, category, salary, visa, or language. When creating your profile, include your contact information, education, work experience, and skills.
• Ohayou Sensei is a newsletter that lists English teaching jobs in Japan. Moreover, it is updated twice a month and emailed to subscribers. You can browse the jobs by location, type, salary, or visa. Also, you can apply for jobs by contacting employers directly by email or phone.
• Dave’s ESL Cafe is a website that focuses on ESL teaching jobs worldwide. It has a job board that lists various types of ESL teaching jobs, including some in Japan. You can filter the jobs by location, category, salary, or visa. Furthermore, you can also apply for jobs by contacting employers directly by email or phone.

These are some of the most popular and reliable platforms and websites where you can find English teaching jobs in Japan as a non-native speaker. However, there are many other options that you can explore, such as:

• Social media. Utilize social media like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to network with other English teachers or potential employers in Japan. Join groups or pages related to English teaching in Japan and post your resume or availability. Also, follow or contact people who work or have worked in English teaching in Japan and ask them for advice or referrals.
• Word-of-mouth. Another is you can use word-of-mouth to find English teaching jobs in Japan. You can ask your friends, family, colleagues, classmates, or acquaintances in Japan if they know of any English teaching opportunities or employers. Moreover, ask your current or former students or employers if they have any recommendations or connections.
• Direct contact. You can search for English schools or companies that hire English teachers and contact them directly by email or phone. Besides, you can send them your resume and cover letter and express your interest and qualifications for teaching in their school.

Finding a job as a non-native English speaker in Japan may take time and effort, but it is not impossible. Take the initiative and reach out to potential employers. In addition, be prepared for rejection or disappointment along the way. However, if you keep trying and improving yourself, you will eventually find a job that suits you.

How to Prepare for Your Lessons as a Non-Native English Speaker in Japan?

Preparing for your lessons as a non-native English speaker in Japan is crucial for your success as an English teacher. Plan your lectures carefully and effectively to meet your student’s needs and expectations. Below are some tips on how to prepare for your class as a non-native English speaker:

1. Know your students. Before you start teaching your students, you need to know who they are, why they want to learn English, their goals and levels, interests and preferences, and strengths and weaknesses. You can use various methods to get to know your students, such as surveys, interviews, tests, observations, or feedback forms. Knowing your students will help you tailor your lessons to their needs and expectations.
2. Choose your materials. After you know your student’s needs and expectations, choose the materials you will use for your lessons. Depending on the type of job or employer you have, you may have more or less freedom to choose your materials. Some employers may provide a curriculum and materials you must follow closely. Others may allow you to use other resources. Regardless, you should select materials appropriate for your student’s skill levels, goals, interests, and preferences. Additionally, you need to choose materials that are easy to follow, factually correct, relevant to your students’ interests, stimulating, and offer a variety of learning activities.
3. Plan your activities. After choosing your materials, you need to plan the activities that you will use for your lessons. Depending on the type of job or employer you have, you may have more or less freedom to plan your activities. Some employers may provide you with a lesson plan that you strictly follow. Others may allow you to create your lesson plan according to your student’s needs. Plan activities suitable for your students’ levels, goals, interests, and preferences. Furthermore, plan activities that are easy to understand, well-organized, engaging, and enjoyable.

Some examples of activities that you can use for your lessons are:

• Warm-up is an activity you do at the beginning of your class to review previous knowledge, introduce new topics, activate prior knowledge, or motivate your students. It can be a game, a quiz, a discussion, a video, or a song.
• Presentation is when you present a new language or information to your students. It can be a lecture, a demonstration, a dialogue, a reading, or a listening.
• Practice is an activity that you do to help your students practice the new language or information that they learned. It can be a drill, an exercise, a role-play, a simulation, or a project.
• Production is a lesson where you help your students use the new language or information realistically or creatively. Also, it can be a conversation, a debate, a presentation, a story, or a game.
• Feedback is a reflective activity that you use to help students think about their learning and identify areas for improvement. Moreover, it can be a test, a quiz, a review, a summary, or an evaluation.
• Prepare yourself for your lessons. You need to review your materials and activities and understand them well. Practice your pronunciation and intonation, and speak clearly and confidently. Also, prepare any equipment or tools you will need for your lessons, such as your device, internet connection, webcam, microphone, headset, background, etc. Then, organize props or aids for your class, such as flashcards, pictures, charts, etc.

How to Succeed as a Non-Native English Speaker in Japan?

Succeeding as a non-native English speaker in Japan is not easy, but possible. Work hard and smart to overcome the challenges and difficulties that you may face. Below are some tips on how to succeed:

• Be professional at all times when teaching English in Japan. Respect your employer’s policies and rules and follow their instructions and feedback. Also, appreciate your students’ culture and customs and avoid misunderstandings or offenses. Dress appropriately and neatly for your lessons and show up on time and prepared.
• Be flexible to different situations and conditions during your lessons or job. Also, adjust your methods according to your student’s needs and preferences. Learn to cope with changes or challenges in your schedule or working hours.
• Be positive and be willing to help your students succeed. Also, have a positive relationship with your employer and colleagues and communicate with them effectively. Make a positive difference in your student’s lives and help them develop their English skills and confidence.
• Be passionate about teaching and learning English, and share that passion with your students.

Teaching English in Japan as a non-native speaker can be an enriching experience that can help you grow personally and professionally. However, it can also be challenging and demanding. You must meet some requirements and expectations from your employer and students. Additionally, you will need to find a job, prepare for your lessons, and succeed as an English teacher.

I hope this article has given you some information and guidance on teaching English as a non-native speaker in Japan. If you are ready to embark on a fantastic journey, check out some of the platforms and websites mentioned above and apply today!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the next one!