Former ELT News editor Michael Chan wrote this comprehensive guide to teaching English in Japan. It covers just about any question you might have, from the kind of qualifications you need to the differences between the different kinds of schools.
This resource is aimed at those interested in pursuing a teaching career in Japan.
We welcome further additions and comments to this page. If there is information you cannot find in this guide - post your query on the Message Board or contact ELT News using our contact form
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Guide to Japan and Teaching in Japan
Where are the jobs?
Teaching in Japan
The saying goes "All roads lead to Rome", and this could easily apply to Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Of the 120 million Japanese, 30 million live in and around the Tokyo area. The capital is the political, corporate, geographical, transportation and academic center of Japan.
Most teaching vacancies are in the Tokyo metropolitan area. |
If you don't want to work in a big city, then applying for a position with one of the big chain schools would be a good idea. They have branch schools all over Japan and preferences can be made at the interview. The smaller cities and towns offer a more Japanese lifestyle though salaries can be lower. The Jet Program offers the opportunity to work outside the metropolitan areas with the added advantage that the salary is the same regardless of the teacher's location in Japan.
Further Reference
Map of Japan's
major regions and cities.
- Acronyms A-D
- Acronyms E-L
- Acronyms M-Z
- Japanese ELT-related Words
- A Guide to the JET Program - The Application Process
- A Guide to the JET Program - Metropolis or Rice Paddy?
- A Guide to the JET Program - Pre-departure: Gifts to give and things to leave behind
- A Guide to the JET Program - The First Class
- A Guide to the JET Program - Japanese Students: Maybe Not Quite What You Expected!
- Geography & Weather
