FAQs - Japan
Considering teaching English in Japan? This guide answers your most common questions - covering salary, safety, visa requirements, job demand, and everyday life so you can plan with confidence.
How much does it pay to teach English in Japan?
Earn $1,300 - $1,900 USD* (215,000 - 250,000 Japanese Yen) per month.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.
Safety
Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realize that safety can be a concern.
What do TravelBud staff and teachers say about safety in Japan?
Our teachers in Japan (both men and women) report feeling extremely safe in the country.
Levels of crime are very low, especially compared to big cities in the US and UK, and public services such as transport are very efficient, modern and safe.
In fact, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world with crime rates lower than any other industrialized country.
What are the authorities like in Japan?
The police in Japan are very kind and helpful. Provided you don’t find yourself on the wrong side of the law, they will treat you with respect and keep you safe.
Petty crimes involving brazen debaucherous behavior are not tolerated and can be dealt with severely. DUI (driving under the influence) are also not tolerated by the Japanese authorities and can result in you being sent home.
Is English spoken in Japan?
Yes, English is spoken in Japan. There are different levels of English proficiency though – English is more widely spoken in larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka, compared to smaller towns.
The proficiency of your students will most likely be beginner to a moderate level of English, hence why you’re there to help them advance their handle on the English language and in turn, obtain valuable employment opportunities and contribute actively to our global economy.
English proficiency has however been dropping rather drastically since 2011 which is why the country desperately needs more English language teachers from abroad.
Are teachers in high demand in Japan? If so, why?
Native English-speaking teachers are in very high demand in Japan as English proficiency has been dropping throughout the country since 2011 where it’s fallen from 11th place to 53rd place in 2019 on the English proficiency scale for second language countries.
The reason for this is that Japanese students did not receive a sufficient amount of English language education at public schools in the past (only 1-2 hours per week). The Japanese government is now working on improving this while the English language education provided by private language schools is becoming increasingly important.
This is where TravelBud’s program and you come in to actively work to improve the English proficiency of the Japanese population and contribute to growing the local economy and employment rate.
To work for large global companies in Japan (which is the goal of the majority of the local population), a strong English proficiency is essential.
Through an improved English proficiency of future generations throughout the country, locals will be empowered to replace foreign English teachers one day to continue the groundwork laid by you and fellow TravelBud teachers.
Do students have to learn English in Japan?
Yes, it is compulsory at their public schools. On top of their public schooling, many children attend private English language centers after school to improve their English. This is where most TravelBud teachers will be placed and where your impact will be made.
Do you need a degree to teach English in Japan?
Yes, for our main Teach English in Japan program you will need a Bachelor’s degree in any field.
However we have recently launched a Teach English in Japan program for non-degree holders. You can find out more here.
What is the big difference between language schools, private schools, government schools and varsity?
The basic structure of the school system differs between two main types of schools: private language centers and public schools.
Private language centers typically entail teaching at several different school branches in the same city or town on different days of the week, teaching young learners between 7 and 13 years old, and working hours being on weekends and afternoons and early evenings as they cater for students outside of public school hours. Class sizes are generally smaller than in public schools and with modern technologies available.
Public schools will generally have a less flexible curriculum to language centers, with larger class sizes and working hours being Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Students will Class sizes are generally bigger, and students will have varying English proficiencies.
Private language centers all provide 2 days off per week (usually during the week) whereas public schools have weekends off for students and teachers.
How much money can I save teaching English in Japan?
It is generally up to your lifestyle. Things like how much you eat out, where you do your shopping, how frequently you travel, and how often you go out with friends in your free time will have a big impact in how much you can save.
What you save all depends on what you’re looking to get out of this experience – be it, traveling as much as possible, living like a rockstar, or putting money away every month to pay off loans or debt back home or to return home with a nice amount of savings to your name.
On average, you can save about $2,500 to $5,000 USD over a year of teaching
And while it’s no guarantee, some schools also provide a contract completion bonus and/or a flight reimbursement at the end of your contract.
What are the expected tax deductions from your paycheck?
Tax deductions differ from school to school but a tax of 5% will typically apply to your salary.
Do schools pay TravelBud a fee or portion of my salary? If so, why?
No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of our teacher’s monthly salary.
Where most recruiters take a cut from your salary, in return for not charging a program fee, we do the opposite which allows our teachers to earn and save more at the end of the day.
Recruiters also have little interest in the quality of the placement you receive or matching you with the right school, as they serve the interests of the schools only.
TravelBud works to serve both you and the school to ensure the best experience for both you and your students.
Do schools in Japan accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates?
While some have a preference for TEFL/TESOL certificates completed in-class, most schools do accept TEFL/TESOL certificates completed online. Read more about our online TEFL/TESOL course options.
Having an in-class TESOL certificate will certainly strengthen your job application though, particularly with schools in our network as they tend to have high standards and more sought of working conditions for English teachers.
How long does it take to get a TEFL/TESOL certification in Japan?
TravelBud’s In-class TEFL/TESOL course takes 4 weeks to complete.
If you have already completed an in-class or online TESOL/TEFL course through another provider, we may be able to accept you onto our Placement Only program in Japan so long as it is internationally accredited, at least 120 hours in length and meets other important requirements from our schools.
What is the main religion in Japan?
Shinto and Buddhism are the most widely practiced religions in Japan.
Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion tracing back all the way to 1000BC, one of the oldest religions still practiced today. The Shinto religion cente4s around the belief in gods or spirits – or kami – that inhabit all things. Throughout the year, there are many seasonal and age-related Shinto festivals and rituals carried out in the country.
Buddhism is also widely practiced and has been a key religion in Japan since the 6th century.
Although only a small percentage of Japanese citizens identify as religious, Shinto and Buddhist practices are still practiced by many and often are both practiced by some, reflecting the common view in Japanese society that the practices of different
religions needn’t be exclusive.
Due to a rising level of immigration over the years, Japan is also home to a smaller percentage of Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and other religious groups.
Will I get picked up from the airport?
Yes. If you’re completing the In-Class TEFL course, you can count on airport pick-up and travel assistance to your accommodation.
For Online TEFL and Placement Only participants, we provide full airport assistance (info & guidance on which bus or train to take etc.)
Where will I be placed as an English teacher in Japan?
We place teachers in both big cities and small towns, with the majority of placements being in suburban towns outside of major cities.
TravelBud’s placements are available in all regions throughout Japan.
Refer to the Teaching Placements section for more information.
How many days off will I get as an English teacher in Japan?
You will get two days off per week at all school placements in Japan. Public school placements will have weekends off whereas placements at private language centers will have two days off during the week, as their busiest times are on weekends.
What are the working hours for English teachers in Japan?
Working hours differ from school to school but you can generally expect to work between 20 to 30 hours per week while teaching English in Japan.
What documents do I need before I depart to Japan to teach English?
Japanese schools fortunately do not require as much rigorous document collection as some of their neighboring countries. All you will need is your work permit and criminal background check, which our support team will guide you through.
What if I have visible tattoos?
Tattoos were used for many years to mark someone who’s committed a crime, and tattoos in modern-day Japan are highly associated with Japanese mafias (or Yakuzas). Read more information on why tattoos are stigmatized in Japan.
If tattoos aren’t visible to parents, students, and coworkers then you’ll be perfectly fine.