Do you have a university degree?
If yes, you can teach English in Japan!
Since 2000, Japan has accepted more than 300 teachers from Jamaica under the JET Programme. JET, the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, is designed to help the country meet its goals in foreign language education, mainly English.
Teachers from English speaking countries, including Jamaica, are placed in elementary/primary, junior high/middle, and high/secondary schools for a minimum one year contract, which can be renewed up to four times for a total of five years. Applications are accepted between September and November each year to start in April or July the following year. More details on the JET Programme and the application process for Jamaicans can be found at HERE.
If you miss the deadline for JET or got rejected don’t worry – there are several private companies that recruit university graduates from Jamaica to teach English in Japan. The most popular one is Interac which recruits year round for March or August start. You can apply HERE through their website. Another private company is The Peppy Kids Club. They also recruit teachers from Jamaica. Check out their details HERE.
Requirements:
- To get a work visa to teach English in Japan you MUST have a university degree in any subject. The immigration department WILL NOT grant you a working visa without this. However, teaching qualifications are not necessary.
- You should also have a clean police record and be able to pass a medical check. Various companies may have additional requirements so please check their respective websites.
How much will I earn as a teacher in Japan?
Salary varies depending on your employer. JET teachers can expect to earn ¥280,000 – ¥300,000 a month. Some private companies pay between ¥180,000 – ¥280,000. These figures represent wages before taxes and deductions and is usually able to cover all living expenses depending on whether you live in a big city or a rural area. However, some teachers with additional expenses like student loans or who live in an expensive city like Tokyo have had to supplement their income with part time jobs. People on the JET Programme work with an Instructor Visa and are NOT permitted to engage in additional work of any kind.
Pros and cons of teaching in Japan
Pros
- You get to work in a foreign country and experience a fascinating culture
- Language immersion if you want to learn Japanese
- You can save money if you live frugally
- It’s close to other Asian countries so it’s easy to explore the region
Cons
- Expensive especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka
- Disaster prone! Always be on alert for earthquakes and typhoons.
- The language barrier will pose a problem especially outside of big cities.
- There’s a (subtle?) aversion to foreigners and it’s entirely possible that you might be the only foreign/black person in your town.
If you’re thinking of teaching English in Japan be sure to do your research. There are plenty of Facebook discussions and YouTube videos on various topics from daily life to discrimination against foreigners. Do your research!!!