Question 1

How much do ESL teachers earn in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Salaries vary by role. Dispatch ALT positions (Interac, Altia, Borderlink) pay JPY 210,000–260,000 per month. Direct-hire Board of Education ALTs earn JPY 240,000–300,000. Eikaiwa teachers at chains such as AEON, NOVA, and ECC earn JPY 220,000–310,000. International school teachers with a teaching licence earn JPY 300,000–500,000+. Most positions include a commuting allowance and national health insurance.

Question 2

What work visa do ESL teachers need in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Most ESL teachers use the Instructor visa (for public school ALTs under JET or BOE contracts) or the Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa (for eikaiwa, private schools, and corporate training). Your employer applies for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) on your behalf — processing takes 1–3 months. You then collect the visa at a Japanese embassy in your home country before departure.

Question 3

What is the JET Programme and when should I apply?

Accepted Answer

The JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme is a government initiative placing native English speakers as ALTs in Japanese public schools. Applications open each October–November for positions beginning the following July. The selection process spans 6–8 months. JET is highly competitive — approximately 4,000–5,000 placements from tens of thousands of applicants annually. A bachelor's degree and citizenship of an eligible country are required.

Question 4

What is the difference between dispatch ALT and direct-hire ALT in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Dispatch ALTs are employed by private companies (Interac, Altia Central, Borderlink) and assigned to schools under contract — the most common entry point, with training provided and no Japanese required. Direct-hire ALTs are contracted directly by a Board of Education and generally receive higher pay (JPY 240,000–300,000+), greater school integration, and better job security. Direct-hire positions are competitive but significantly more rewarding.

Question 5

Which cities in Japan have the most ESL teaching jobs?

Accepted Answer

Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya have the highest concentration of eikaiwa and international school positions. Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Sapporo also have strong demand. Rural prefectures — Akita, Shimane, Tottori — often have the most ALT openings through JET and dispatch companies, typically with housing subsidies included.

Question 6

Do Japanese schools hire non-native English speakers?

Accepted Answer

The JET Programme and most public school ALT positions require applicants to be citizens of eligible countries, which heavily favours native English-speaking nations. However, some eikaiwa schools, private language centres, and international schools hire qualified non-native speakers — particularly those with a degree in English, Linguistics, or Education and demonstrably native-level proficiency. Each ESLGorilla listing shows a speaker eligibility tag so you can filter accordingly.

Question 7

Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Japan?

Accepted Answer

A TEFL or CELTA certificate is not legally required but significantly strengthens applications for eikaiwa and private school positions. JET does not require TEFL certification. Most visa-sponsored positions require a bachelor's degree as the primary qualification. Eikaiwa chains such as AEON, ECC, and Berlitz provide their own structured training programmes.

Question 8

Is Japan suitable for first-time ESL teachers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Japan is consistently rated among the safest and most structured countries for new teachers. The JET Programme and major eikaiwa chains provide orientation, classroom support, and a well-established expat community. Students are typically respectful and motivated. The main adjustment is adapting to Japanese workplace culture and the initial period before routines are established.

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