| Many people have heard of lucrative English | | | | six-year degree is usually the minimum |
| teaching jobs in Japan. While there once was a | | | | requirement. |
| time when these jobs were plentiful and well | | | | Obtaining a work visa is a major hurtle. In the |
| paying, recent years have seen a decline in pay | | | | past, many schools would hire on a tourist visa |
| and opportunities. | | | | and provide sponsorship later. Since fewer schools |
| The heydays for teaching in Japan were during | | | | are willing to do that now, it is a good idea to |
| Japans "bubble" economy in the late 80's and early | | | | have a work visa before arriving in Japan. |
| 90's. During this time, Japan's economy seemed | | | | For those from countries with a working holiday |
| unstoppable and English lessons were one of the | | | | agreement with Japan (the US does not have |
| things Japanese were throwing their newfound | | | | one), a working holiday visa is a good way to get |
| wealth at. Since there were not enough teachers | | | | a work visa before coming. The JET program (run |
| to meet demand, almost any native speaker (and | | | | by the Japanese government) is another |
| some westerns that were not) could easily find | | | | possibility for those who qualify. Finally, some of |
| jobs in Japan, and many were making substantial | | | | the larger schools will hire outside of Japan. |
| sums for private lessons. | | | | Teaching methods and working conditions vary |
| These glory days for teaching in Japan have | | | | greatly with the school. Japanese language ability is |
| passed though. The bubble economy collapsed | | | | usually not required but helps-especially when |
| just as many more native English speakers came | | | | teaching children. Generally, schools have a text |
| to Japan to teach. With money scarcer, fewer | | | | and teaching method they want their teachers to |
| people were taking lessons and jobs became | | | | follow. A common complaint from teachers is that |
| harder to find. | | | | their jobs can be monotonous. Many are teaching |
| Even with reduced opportunities though, there still | | | | a number of classes every day while following |
| are jobs available. English study remains popular | | | | lesson plans that leave little room for creativity. |
| both as a necessity in an increasing integrated | | | | The typical teacher in Japan only stays for a |
| world and as a hobby. However, the salaries are | | | | couple of years or less. This produces continuous |
| lower and job requirements more stringent. | | | | openings for those willing to brave the tougher |
| A university degree is a must now. While a | | | | conditions than in the past. For those looking for |
| degree in teaching is ideal, but any four-year | | | | easier jobs and money teaching in Asia, Korea, |
| degree is usually sufficient. Schools want the | | | | Taiwan and China now offer better opportunities. |
| qualifications, and the Japanese government | | | | While jobs are still available, one should not |
| requires a degree for before a school can | | | | presently expect easy money and jobs teaching |
| sponsor a teacher for a work visa. For university | | | | in Japan. |
| jobs (which are generally considered the best), a | | | | |