The number of foreigners studying and working in Japan has been increasing in recent decades. The demand for native language teachers, in particular, is still high. “Eikaiwa” or English Conversation schools are big business in Japan, offering Japanese people of all ages the opportunity to practice their English communication skills with native speakers in small classes or private lessons. Geos, Aeon and ECC are some of the leading conversation schools, each operating more than 200 schools across Japan. In addition, there are countless mid sized and small language schools.
Recently there has been a surge of café style conversation clubs in Tokyo. Teachers meet their student, or students, at a local café – usually along JR Rail’s Yaminote Line (one of Tokyo’s most convenient subway lines). At nearly every stop on the line, and on nearly any given day, you can find some kind of English tutorial going on.
Requirements : Sometimes a Bachelor Degree and The Canadian College of Linguistics’ TEFL/TESOL Certificate Typical Contract : Six months or one year Peak Hiring Season : Year round Teaching Hours/Week : 25 – 35 Monthly Salary* : 200,000 – 325,000 JPY Private Tutoring : 2,000 – 5,500 JPY/hr Cost of Living : Cost of a Big Mac = 320 JPY Income Tax : 5 – 30% Accommodations : Sometimes included Airfare : Seldom included Health Care : Sometimes included Holidays: Paid Visa : Employer assisted |