Teaching English in Nagoya, Japan
Report submitted on 27 November, 2014 by Linda.
Teaching English in Nagoya, Japan:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Nagoya, Japan?
Through teaching websites such as Gaijinpot, Dave’s ESL cafe or just by coming here and looking for a job.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities, teaching at companies, private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.).
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
A degree and must be a native speaker. A TEFL qualification may be required but this is not always necessary and an on-line one is sufficient.
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
A degree is the most important but you can get one without a degree but getting the visa is difficult in this situation unless you can get a working holiday visa from your country.
What are the levels of payment?
250,000 Japanese yen (US$2,130) per month is the standard rate. Hourly rates are about 2,500 – 3,500 yen (US$21 – US$30) or 4,000 yen (US$34) if you teach business English.
How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
40+ hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
You get the standard Japanese holidays i.e. 2/3 weeks at Christmas, 1 week in April for Golden Week and 1 week in August for Obon. This is for private language centres.
Public schools get a lot longer but I work in a private language centre so I don’t what they get exactly but definitely a long summer break.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Nagoya, Japan to teach English?
If you are finding it difficult to get work in your own country just come here and look – there are plenty of jobs. Have at least $2,500 as you wont get paid for the first month.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Nagoya, Japan?
Lots of jobs available, students are mainly studious and respectful. Japanese people are very polite and nice to work with.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Nagoya, Japan?
Long hours as this is Japanese culture, can be difficult to meet people due to language and culture barrier but not impossible at all:-)
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Sometimes students don’t want to learn – they are just there because their parents make them. Can be difficult to deal with these type of students
Living in Nagoya, Japan:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Japan?
You must have a valid working visa but usually your school/company will organise this.
What is the cost of living like in Japan?
Rent is approx 50,000 – 60,000 yen (US$425 – US$510) per month (including utilities) and in a central location. I find I can save a bit so if you are not going out all the time you can live on 120,000 yen (US$1,000) per month.
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Foreigners cannot rent a lot of house as they need a guarantor but schools usually assist with accommodation and there are some places that provide accomodation especially for foreigners.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Nagoya, Japan?
Easy convenient living, possible to save and still live comfortably. Nice food and people.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Nagoya, Japan?
Culture barrier can be frustrating at times as difficult to meet people who will talk freely to you.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Nagoya, Japan to live?
Come and experience it but be prepared to work.
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Brown bread and good music.
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Good shoes, skincare products as lots of them have whitening in them here. Anything else you can get or order online.
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Nagoya, Japan?
Efficient transport and sushi.
Other comments:
Its a completely different culture to our Western culture but one I am very happy to be experiencing.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Linda
Nationality: Irish
Students I’ve taught in Japan: Toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), university, adults, business.
Where I teach: World Family English Language School in Nagoya. Working here for 1.1 years.
How I found my current jobs: Through Gaijinpot.
My school facilities: Excellent – Excellent resources, amazing staff who are extremely helpful and great working conditions and salary.
Teacher support at my school: Training / workshops, lesson observations, teacher evaluations, peer support / training.
Do you teach English in Japan?
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