Teaching English in Ginowan Shi, Okinawa, Japan
Report submitted on 15 May, 2015 by Joanna.
Teaching English in Okinawa, Japan:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Okinawa, Japan?
Online or through the local community international papers.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities, teaching at companies, teaching at community centers, etc., private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.)
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
BA Degree is the top requirement usually. Also being a “native speaker” is the next draw. Sometimes you can get a job by experience – but you usually have to be living in the country already.
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
TOEIC or TOEFL classes online, a BA Degree.
What are the levels of payment?
Anywhere from US$15-US$100 per hour. Depends on where & who you teach.
How many teaching days a week is normal?
4-6 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
15-40 hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Japanese holidays off.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Okinawa, Japan to teach English?
Many opportunities. Speak loud & slower than usual, enjoy the time.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Okinawa, Japan?
New culture, new atmosphere, fun with young children.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Okinawa, Japan?
Shy kids, sometimes not a good curriculum given, long time to get decisions made.
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
School administrators don’t understand a natural way to teach English. Parents don’t see the importance in their children learning this international language at an early age.
Living in Okinawa, Japan:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Japan?
Yes, you must have a teaching visa in order to live & teach here.
What is the cost of living like in Japan?
High cost of living … comparable to living in Hawaii, USA.
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
If the host school offers it, they usually have a “teachers” apt. or they assist the teacher in finding a comparable living accommodation.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Okinawa, Japan?
Clean, safe country, fun learning and seeing a different outlook in life.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Okinawa, Japan?
A lot of the cities do not have help for foreigners – or it may be hard to find help for your children.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Okinawa, Japan?
If you are young & single – do it!
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Small things, but they aren’t too important. It always goes back to the people we leave behind.
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Japan?
The friends we have made here, the beach, the laid back atmosphere, clean air.
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
American cookbook, measuring cups & spoons, a small crock pot.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Joanna
Nationality: American
Students I’ve taught in Japan: Babies (0-2 years), toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), university, adults, business.
Where I teach: Integrity English School, Ginowan Shi, Okinawa. Teaching here for 10 years.
My school facilities: Good – most of our classes are going to preschools to teach classes.
Do you teach English in Japan?
Tell us about your experiences – click here to submit your report about teaching English in Japan.
