Japan Facts ; English Teaching Japan

There are a number of Japan Facts that support English Teaching in Japan. And there are a number of reasons why teaching in Japan can be quite an adventure and very rewarding at the same time. Many people from all over the world find themselves in Japan with the common goal of teaching in mind. And the most popular teacher in the education system that tends to be in high demand in Japan is the English teacher!

But why teach? And why Japan? First you would need to find out some Japan Facts and what Japan, and teaching in Japan, is like before you can make that decision.

Entering Japan is kind of like stepping out of a time machine that's been wrenched in two different directions at the same time. On the one hand, you might be dazzled by the glittering technological advancements that boost the convenience of the big cities. But on the other, you're likely to be amazed by how well the Japanese culture has been preserved up until this time. Whether you're interested in the fast-paced convenience or the authentic cultural intricacies, Japan has something wonderful to share with everyone who ventures onto its stretched island domain. And best of all, the Japanese people are extremely friendly and helpful, curious to learn about your country, culture, food, and hobbies. It's that same curiosity and friendliness that is going to inspire you to become a teacher in Japan. The English conversation schools are thriving with energy and traffic because there is such a high demand for English lessons from native speakers. But these lessons sometimes go far beyond the language to encompass the common need to share and understand different cultures.

Overall, teaching in Japan fulfills many needs and dreams. If you're looking to get teaching experience in ESL, this is the perfect opportunity. Or maybe you just aren't sure about your current career and want to expand your possibilities. And then again, perhaps you just want to throw in a bit of teaching with your extended vacation. Whatever your reasons, Japan may just have what you're looking for. And even if you don't speak the language, you're sure to feel quite welcome in Japan.

Before coming to Japan, you need to decide at what kind of school you want to teach and how long you wish to stay. This will influence the kind of educational background and documents that you need to have in order to teach in Japan.

Working Holiday Visa - This visa is perfect for someone who just wants to explore Japan short term while working to cover costs at the same time. You'll get to experience the culture from both a tourist's, as well as a teacher's, point of view. The length of stay depends on your country of origin but the most common is probably a six-month stay. Once again, depending on your country, you may be able to extend that visa further once you've arrived in Japan. You will need to visit the Japanese embassy in your country to acquire the proper forms and find out the necessary amount of cash or traveler's checks that you will need to bring with you in order to fund your visit (should you not immediately find work). Many English conversation schools (or eikaiwa(s)) will be more than happy to hire someone with a working holiday visa provided that your English skills are up to par. Many university students taking a break from school come to Japan to teach on this type of visa.

Work Visa - Whereas the Working Holiday Visa is intended for someone who is vacationing and working to pay for the expenses at the same time, the working visa is for someone whose primary goal is to work. In order to get a working visa, you first need to find a company that is willing to hire you and give you a contract. You can search for a school from your own country or from within Japan if you decide to take a look first. You will need to have a BA (in any field is acceptable), anything higher is a bonus for you. After you have found a company that will hire you, that company will sponsor your work visa and fill out the necessary forms. These will then be processed by immigration and you should be good to go.

For either visa, don't forget to keep in mind processing times. Apply at least 2 or 3 months ahead of your expected arrival date in Japan to avoid disappointment.

Once you've arrived in Japan to teach English, you might feel a bit overwhelmed and find it difficult to adjust at first. Well, no need to worry! There are a lot of support systems in Japan that will make it very easy and pleasant for you to get used to your new home. If it's information that you're looking for, the Internet is full of links, blogs, and forums that are popular hangouts for people like yourself. These online groups are loaded with information, questions and answers on just about any living in Japan topic you can imagine. There are Japan Facts galore and people sharing firsthand experience of their daily life in Japan. Some of these groups list in magazines and papers aimed at foreigners living in Japan and occasionally have group meetings and parties.

To further support the time you will spend in Japan, your local ward office can direct you to a school in the area that provides free Japanese lessons if you wish to learn the language. There are also many volunteers that give free tours or provide you with the basics you need to know in order to comfortably live in Japan. Useful things like where you can find services in English and how to use the train service. If you do decide to come to Japan to teach English, you can do so knowing that you'll be taken care of by your community, as well as by the school that has hired you.

Have fun teaching English in Japan!

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