Teaching English in Japan: At a Glance

Japan’s mix of ancient temples and futuristic cities, mist-shrouded mountains and flashy skyscrapers combines with a vigorous ESL market to make this country one of the most popular destinations for teaching English.

Monthly Salary*: 190,000 - 300,000 JPY Accommodations: Sometimes included or allowance may be given Airfare: Rarely included Health Care: Usually included Holidays: Paid Teaching Hours per Week: 20 - 30 Typical Contract Length: One year preferred; short-term may be available Typical Start Month(s): March/April, August/September, or year round Application Timeline: 4 - 6 months Private Tutoring per Hour: 2,000 - 4,500 JPY Income Tax††: 5 - 8% Cost of Living**: Cost of a Big Mac = 320 JPY Exchange Rate†: As of 05-22-2013 100 JPY = 0.98 USD 1.00 USD = 102 JPY Ability to Save: Very high Visa: Employer sponsors Minimum Requirements: Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate and Bachelor's Degree Additional Notes: Contract completion bonus typically included

Living and Teaching in Japan Japan: At a Glance Japan: Living in Japan Japan: Teaching ESL in Japan Japan: Financial Snapshot

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Other East Asia / Southeast Asia Countries:

Cambodia ~ China ~ Hong Kong ~ India ~ Indonesia ~ Japan ~ Korea ~ Kyrgyzstan ~ Laos ~ Malaysia ~ Nepal ~ Taiwan ~ Thailand ~ Vietnam

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From Tokyo to Tokushima, technology to tofu, Japan offers big bustling cities and quiet rural communities. The country is perfectly situated for trips to Bali, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, and other exotic locations as the strong yen makes traveling outside of Japan very inexpensive. Traveling within Japan however, a must for those who do not mind spending some of their hard earned money, can be quite expensive - but, the experience is well worth it! Make sure to go to Kyoto, a city renowned for its ancient temples and ruins as well as its Geisha culture. There are many ESL teaching opportunities in Japan, and the lucrative private tutoring options make it possible to save a substantial amount of money.

The combination of Oxford Seminars' internationally recognized TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification and the Graduate Placement Service included with the course makes teaching English abroad a reality.  Learn more about teaching English in Japan and other opportunities teaching English abroad by calling 1-800-779-1779, or by attending an upcoming free Information Session in your area.

* Wages vary depending on the economy of the country.
** The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of an American Big Mac at $4.07.
† Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
†† Income tax rate is based on the amount of yearly income. Most TESOL/TESL/TEFL instructors will be charged no more than the minimum percentage.

Oxford Seminars makes every effort to keep our information as up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, individual teaching positions and experiences may vary with job market conditions. Specific information listed cannot be guaranteed to be applicable when you are seeking employment teaching ESL in a specific country.

Note that certain positions require additional qualifications and credentials that are not negotiable due to specific country legislation.