Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Budgets - Japan

From flights and insurance to rent, meals, and teaching supplies - this guide covers everything you need to budget for your TEFL/TESOL course and first month teaching in Japan.

Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it.

    Budget before you arrive

    Our support coordinators will assist you with:

    • Booking flights.
    • Explaining and finding the best insurance required.
    • Advising you on all the document costs involved.

    FLIGHTS

    Flight prices vary depending on where you travel from and when you book. Prices can occasionally exceed this range. We recommend booking 2-3 months in advance or more for the best rates. Some schools offer flight reimbursements at the end of one’s contract but this cannot be guaranteed.

    $350 - $1,500

    INSURANCE

    Travel insurance prices can vary depending on things like provider, age, country of origin and duration of your stay. This range is for TravelBud's recommended policies based on stays of 6 months or 1 year. Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all TravelBud programs.

    $200 - $710

    DOCUMENTATION

    This budget is assuming all of your current documentation is in English, you are in possession of your physical degree and that you hold a valid passport.

    $150 - $300
    TOTAL

    $700 - $2,510

     

     

    Budget for 1 month TEFL/TESOL course in Japan

    ACCOMMODATION

    Your accommodation pricing for the month will be $675 USD unless otherwise notified. This is based on shared occupancy accommodation for the month. You will be sharing with 2 - 3 people.

    You will need to pay a $100 USD room deposit. This will be returned to you at the end of the month with any damages deducted.

    $775

    STARTUP ITEMS

    This is for purchasing toiletries, your SIM card and any items you couldn’t fit in your luggage that you will need.

    In Japan, you can find all toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc. at many convenience stores but they can be expensive. Shampoos can cost as much as 880 Yen ($8 USD).

    Most accommodations in Japan do provide towels but they are very small and often the size of hand towels; therefore, we recommend people bring a towel with them from home.

    $70

    DAILY EXPENSES (FOOD,
    TRANSPORTATION AROUND NAGOYA AND TO THE TESOL COURSE)

    One of the best ways to budget your cash while living in Japan is eating at local Japanese restaurants. In Western restaurants, you’d spend about 1500 Yen ($13USD).

    You can also purchase proper sized meals at convenience stores that can be heated up for around 500 Yen ($5USD).

    $850

    ENGLISH SCHOOL CAMP SUPPLIES

    As you will learn on the course, having colorful, creative engaging materials for teaching enhances the experience for your students. During the teacher camp you will need to make flashcards, props and possibly some worksheets.

    Most teachers spend about 2000 yen ($20USD) on their camp supplies for flashcards, worksheets, activities, and games. You will be able to use these materials once you start teaching at your placement as well.

    You will have access to a printer and some materials at the school where we will be doing the course.

    $20

    OPTIONAL EXPENSES (NIGHTLIFE,
    WEEKEND TRIPS, SHOPPING)

    This is a conservative estimate.

    Some tips: buying alcohol in restaurants will be a lot more expensive than buying drinks at a bar or the convenience store.

    Please bring more money if you are interested in going on weekend day trips with fellow participants to travel around Nagoya for sightseeing.

    You can spend however much you like on these extra optional things, but please be mindful of your budget.

    $110
    TOTAL $1,825

     

     

    Budget for first month of teaching

    TRANSPORTATION TO YOUR PLACEMENT

    Your coordinator or school will inform you of the best way to get to your placement and which mode of transportation to take.

    $100

    ACCOMMODATION

    Teachers typically pay their own rent.

    Rent is generally between USD 500 and 800 per month, exclusive of electricity and water.

    Accommodation is single occupancy, fairly basic, and typically efficiency/studio apartments. In some instances, Internet is often provided in accommodation costs, however in some instances it must be purchased separately.

    Utilities in Japan including gas, water and electricity average at around $60 - $100 a month depending on your placement location.

    The amount stated here includes accommodation, utilities and a deposit.

    $1,350

    DAILY EXPENSES (FOOD,LAUNDRY,
    TRANSPORTATION AROUND TOWN)

    $1,050
    TOTAL  $2,500

     

     

     Budget Totals

    Month on TEFL/TESOL Course Total

    $1,825

    First Month Teaching Total

    $2,500

    Approximate Total

    		 $4,325

    We strongly suggest that you have access to $4500 USD when you arrive in Japan to buffer any unforeseen costs prior to your first pay check.

     

    We realize that moving abroad to teach English in Japan is expensive at first, but remember that with TravelBud your teaching job is guaranteed.

    • You can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle knowing your monthly income of $1300 – $1900 USD is secured.
    • Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered and you’ll start to learn how to cut down on your monthly expenses (for example, eating out less and finding the most affordable grocery store in your placement town).
    • You will be able to enjoy your time teaching travelling in Japan and save a good portion of your salary ($150 – $200+ USD per month) to fund your bucket-list travel adventures, pay of student loans, and return home with some savings to your name.