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If you want to teach English abroad and are looking for a culturally diverse experience without sacrificing the creature comforts that life in America offers, then Japan might be a choice worth considering. The people are very friendly, there are sites of historical importance everywhere, and activities to suit almost any interest.
Among the benefits of pursuing an occupation in education here are that compensation adequately accommodates an acceptable standard of living, the combination of labor laws, school policies and national holidays conspire to create a significant amount of time off, and there is seemingly a shortage of teachers which provides unlimited opportunity. Additionally, the students are sufficiently motivated to learn and truly enjoyable to teach. I can honestly say that this is the best job that I have ever had and I have had more than a few!
You can expect to earn between 250,000 and 300,000 Japanese Yen per month if you are a first time teacher and TESOL qualified. Admittedly, it is not the kind of income that will afford fancy sports cars, a luxury mansion in a gated community and a yacht for celebrity parties, but good luck finding a job in education that does. It will, however, allow for a nice apartment and enough disposable income to pursue your personal interests.
I enjoy surfing and hiking and I find that I have plenty of time to do both of these on a monthly basis. I have a five-day workweek and there is at least one national or school holiday every month that allows for longer excursions. In May, August and December we have some extended holidays that last for ten days or more. During the most recent long holiday, I climbed Mt. Fuji and witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises that I have ever seen. I traveled and surfed a lot and had the funds to outlast the fun.
The most important thing to know about searching for teaching career in Japan is that you are a valuable commodity and your TESOL certificate definitely adds to your worth. Really research any companies that you plan to interview with, because some are better than others and most assuredly you want the best deal. Your teaching certification, in my case at Transworld Schools in San Francisco, will grant you that opportunity.
I was a little anxious for employment when I came to Japan, but luckily I interviewed with a great company straight away. I've met a few teachers, however, that weren't so lucky and suffered consequences such as poor pay, bad curriculum, unsatisfactory work conditions or a combination of the lot. So the more investigation that you do will ultimately net the best result. My TESOL course manual included things to look for and questions to ask potential employers, and that type of advice will greatly assist your endeavor.
The best thing about teaching in Japan is the students. My youngest student is four years old and my oldest is eighty-four. Typically, they are very attentive and engaging. These aspects of the Japanese student fit in perfectly with the teaching style I acquired at during my training and makes the lessons enjoyable for me as well as my students. And by keeping the lessons student focused, I find that I am learning a lot about Japan in addition to maintaining student interest. Also, Japanese people like to have a good time and it seems like more knowledge is retained when mixed with smiles and laughter. So it is mutually beneficial for all involved and a lot of fun to boot, really making this the most enjoyable occupation I’ve experienced so far.
Ganbatte Kudasai! |
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From 10 People
