Teaching English in Japan: JET vs. Alternatives

Japan tops the radar for teaching jobs abroad. Cushy salaries and an urgency to learn English from the business community gives you a lot of options. Now it’s time to figure out how to sort through them all, and figure out what kind of life you want to start in Japan.

JET: More Than Just Teaching English

It’s one of the most ambitious exchange programs in the world. The government-run Japanese Exchange Teaching Program (JET), brings thousands of foreigners to the country every year to teach throughout its public schools. Whether you end up in the suburbs of Tokyo or a fishing village with a population under 5,000, it’s important to know that this program goes far beyond the classroom.

Unlike other teaching stints abroad, the bigger picture here is strengthening international ties. That’s why most JETs are placed in rural areas as a way to put smaller communities in contact with foreigners. The Japanese government started the JET program back in 1987, as a way of “internationalizing” the country with the rest of the world. Since then, waves of foreigners have been pouring into the island-nation, shaping its society and influencing foreign relations. (There’s even a New York Times bestseller about the program.)

"The goal of the JET is to do grassroots cross-cultural exchange,” said Peter Weber, the JET Program Coordinator at the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco.

Applying to the JET Porgram

While the competition is fierce, it’s good to know that it’s not an “exclusive” program. Weber said his consulate alone accepted about 80 people last year—even those who had little background in Japanese culture.

“Every year we send people who have never studied Japanese before, if they will be a good cultural ambassador,” he said. The most important requirements are a 4-year degree and a strong interest in learning about Japan. You don’t even need prior teaching experience or a TEFL/TESOL certificate. The majority of people apply to be Assistant Language Teachers (ALTS), but you can also choose other jobs—such as a Sports Education Advisor (SEA), or a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR). JETS make ¥300,000 yen a month, which is enough to live comfortably. Housing is also arranged for you, as well.

If this sounds like a match, the first step is to check with your local Japanese consulate about when to apply. Deadlines vary slightly, but you usually need to send in your application by November, around a year before the program starts. If the Japanese Embassy likes you on paper, you’re called into an interview in your home country in February. You’ll hear back around May, and if accepted, you’re off to Japan in July!

If you’re still considering JET, think about your long-term goals. The program can be great way to get your foot in the door of an international career. Many government organizations employ JET alumni—whether it’s the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, or a Japanese organization in your hometown.

JET Interview: Tips & Hints

You’ve made it this far, and now it all boils down to these 20-25 minutes. You’ll be asked questions by a three-person panel: Someone from the Japanese consulate, a JET alum, and someone from the Japanese community, such as a teacher. Weber said it’s not meant to be a “high pressure” interview, but he said he can often tell if it’s someone’s first full-time job interview if they haven’t put thought into certain questions.

Here’s a little insight into what they’re looking for:

Private Company Alternatives

If you missed the JET deadline (or didn’t get in), or just want to go independently, your other option is a placement company. Unlike the JET, these private companies require a TEFL/TESOL certificate along with your university degree. Many teaching jobs in Japan recruit year-round online, but the peak hiring season runs from January through March.

Interac - If you want to teach in public schools (like in the JET program), Interac is your next best bet. Interac stands for English Language and Culture Training Network, and is Japan’s main provider of assistant language teachers. If you prefer to teach adults, you can choose to work with their corporate clients. Interac doesn’t provide housing, but they’ll help you find something. Their contracts run from nine months to a year, and pay is around ¥250,000 yen a month.

AEON - Another established chain school, AEON runs hundreds of conversation, or eikaiwa, schools throughout the country, catering mostly to adults. One of the main differences between working at eikaiwas versus public schools is your schedule. Be ready for a longer work week- meaning evenings and weekends, at an eikaiwa school, instead of the standard, 9 to 5, Monday through Friday at public schools. AEON hires year-round for one-year contracts. They provide housing, and offer a starting salary of ¥270,000 yen a month.

Working at an eikaiwa school might be a good choice if you prefer to:
• Live in a very urban area
• Teach business/corporate English
• Teach private lessons or small groups

Additional Resources

• Find programs and read peer-reviews to teach in Japan
• Related article by Turner Wright: Japan vs. Korea - Where Should You Teach?
• Read our Guide to TEFL Certification to learn more about teaching English abroad