| Okay, maybe not everything - after all, Japan is a | | | | have to determine what your monthly salary from |
| historically rich nation with deep and interesting | | | | teaching will be, as well as if you'll have any extra |
| cultures - but this will be plenty of basic information | | | | time to work another part-time job or teach private |
| to help you get started on your teaching abroad | | | | lessons. |
| experience. Below are answers to some of the | | | | Do I need a special degree or a teaching certificate |
| questions most frequently asked by students and | | | | to teach in Japan? |
| individuals preparing to teach English in Japan. | | | | You will need some sort of university degree, but by |
| Can I teach in Japan if I have very little or no | | | | no means does it have to be in the fields of |
| teaching experience? | | | | education or English. In order to obtain a work visa |
| You might be surprised to hear that yes, even if you | | | | (which you will need), the Japanese government |
| have zero teaching experience, there are still basic, | | | | requires a four-year university degree in any field OR |
| entry-level English instructor positions available for | | | | three years' experience in a relevant field. You'll also |
| you. Your teaching placement depends on your | | | | have to look into your program/the position you are |
| experience, so the more teaching experience you | | | | applying for to determine any further qualifications, |
| have, the more challenging courses you will probably | | | | such as a teaching or TESL certificate. |
| teach. If you have little or no experience, you might | | | | How do I get a visa? |
| be placed as an assistant English teacher to an | | | | There are different types of visas available |
| instructor with more experience. | | | | depending on your reasons for travelling. If you're |
| Where will I live? | | | | interested in working as a teacher in Japan, you will |
| There are many different housing options available, | | | | need a working visa. You need a four-year university |
| and it all depends on your program, placement, and | | | | degree in order to obtain a working visa in Japan. |
| what you can afford. Some programs might place | | | | You also need several documents, self-photos, and a |
| you with a host family, which is also probably the | | | | visa application form. For more information, visit the |
| cheapest option. There are also hostels, hotels, and | | | | Japanese Embassy website. Note that once you |
| apartments, although rates are always higher in the | | | | have submitted all of your materials, it will take at |
| larger cities. To figure out your housing situation, you'll | | | | least 1-3 months to process your application. |