Teach English in Japan - What's Required

Teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in Japan is a popular option for many native English speakers. It provides an opportunity to live and work in Japan while also sharing the English language with Japanese students.

So what’s required to teach English in Japan?

The following are the most common requirements, regardless if you are teaching in an eikaiwa (language conversation school) or at a university level.

Native English Speaker: This should be pretty obvious. Teachers who can provide accurate pronunciation, grammar and idiomatic expressions models to their students.
Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in any field. This is the minimum required in order to obtain a work permit.
Teaching Certification: A teaching certification such as a TESOL, CELTA or TEFL is a plus, especially amongst the higher paying gigs.
Visa Eligibility: English teachers in Japan are required to have a valid work visa, and most companies will organize this for their teachers. You can arrive to Japan on a tourist visa and then your employer will apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which can then be used to obtain your work visa.
Japaneses Language Skills: This isn’t a requirement, but I’ve listed it here. A basic level of Japanese language proficiency can be helpful in navigating everyday life in Japan. It will make your stay a whole lot more enjoyable.
Experience: Previous teaching experience is a definite plus, and others may prefer candidates with experience working with young learners or in a specific teaching context.

Cover these basics, and you should find no troubles at all in securing a teaching position in Japan. We recommend using Dave’s ESL Cafe for new postings and insights to living and teaching abroad.

Best of luck!