How Did I Get a Teaching Job in Japan?

Many Filipinos want to work abroad. One of the countries that most Filipinos consider to work for is Japan. But why Japan? There are tons of good reason why it is good to work in Japan yet I did not realize that until I work and live in Japan. Also, a lot of my friends were asking how I was able to come to Japan?

While Japan has been allowing teachers from the Philippines to teach English in Japan, It was a good timing when a big company which has 80 schools all over Japan has opened an opportunity for many Filipino aspiring teachers to work abroad. Accordingly, Japan has opened widely for non-native speakers due of the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and other factors.

Most Japanese people respect  teachers from the Philippines, and they always commend them for being patient and able to learn and speak English without going overseas. This motivates many Filipinos to work with Japanese and live in Japan. 

But before going to Japan, choose first which type of school you'd like to work for. There are two types of school in Japan that you can choose from - Private English School (Eikaiwa) and Public School. I used to work for Eikawa, and below are the details when applying for a teaching job in Eikaiwa.

How did I apply for Japan?

I used an agency (http://www.uniplanoverseas.com/) which I found on workabroad.com when I was searching for an opportunity.

What requirements  am I eligible to teach in Japan?

• Bachelor's Degree or Master’s Degree. Any major is okay but Education or Early Childhood is highly desirable for most schools.
• Teaching Experience. Although having a degree in education is not important, a teaching experience is usually preferable. If you do not have any classroom experience, look for an online teaching job or a part time tutorial job to Koreans or Japanese.
• TESOL/TEFL/CELTA Certificate. It is really good to have but not necessary - I didn’t even have one when I came to Japan. For more English Training Certification, there are a lot offered online as you browse, just be careful that it is accredited as there are many organizations provide training online or offline but not accredited. You just don’t want to waste your money.
• Proficient in English Language. Japanese Employers are very considerate but they can discontinue your contract if there are no students or parents of students who want your service anymore.

Also, you can be at any age but probably it is difficult for someone who is in 50’s since you'll be teaching young learners. I met some Filipinos in Japan who are still quite energetic and fun  although they age already. I heard some of them changed their career from skilled worker or housewife to teachers, yet they only earned TESOL certificate. But these people are already living in Japan, and it is easy to get hired if you are already in Japan with a valid resident or working visa.

Expenses before leaving for Japan?

• Placement Fee. I did not pay any placement fee to my agency. I am not exactly sure why, but I knew only that POEA prohibits a placement fee for most skilled worker bound to Japan. So it can be whatever job you may have working in Japan, then there’s nothing to worry about expenses such as placement fee. If the agency in the Philippines asked you to pay for a placement fee, do a research and check in POEA if the agency is registered. 
• Living Expenses. I brought my savings of  100k Philippine Peso. It is advisable to bring an enough but not so little amount to live you off for the first 2 (two) months. For example, if you start working on June 1st, then you will receive your first payment on August 25th.The payment day in Japan is always on  25th of the month and  the salary is given once a month only. In other words, it’s a monthly cut off! And be aware that the cost of living is really expensive. I usually spend 25-35k pesos in a month, for a single person living in a small apartment. Also, you'll invest in your first few months by giving a deposit money to your gas, paying your bills, and probably buying winter clothes and shoes.

Benefits working for a Japanese Company in Japan.

• Housing. I did not worry about my housing fee as my company was the one to pay it. It is one of the common benefits working with a Japanese company in Japan. 
• Transportation Allowance. The company also provided it.
• Paid Holidays. My employer was really considerate and was supportive to give my ten (10) paid holidays in a year whenever I asked for it.

What are other agencies to find an English teaching job in Japan?

• Go to: http://workabroad.com

 (They list positions and agencies in the Philippines with a lot of opportunities working in Japan, China, and the U.S)

• Visit: https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/

These are the online job agency in Japan. However, they require that you must live in Japan for your possibility to be hired.

• Join an FB Page Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/80850146985/

(There are recruiters or staff from Japan and China who are posting jobs to work directly to employers)

If you are interested to teach English in a Public School in Japan, then you should be applying for an ALT (Assistant Language Teaching) position.

The following sites to visit are:

• (Makati City) https://cheshamrecruitment.com.ph/
• (Offices in Japan) https://interacnetwork.com/

Requirements are also listed on the websites as you checked. 

How much did I earn from teaching English in Japan?

• For Eikawa or Private School, I received a net of 150-165k Japan Yen (70-80k Php). My gross was 210k Japan Yen (100k Php).
• For Public School,  It is 105k-125k Php for a monthly gross payment. (https://www.glassdoor.com/Monthly-Pay/Interac-ALT-Tokyo-Monthly-Pay-EJI_IE251903.0,7_KO8,11_IL.12,17_IM1071.htm.)

If you are aiming to work in Japan or anywhere abroad, I advise you to prepare not only your resources but also your mind and emotion. It is normal to have a culture shock and miss your home, family, and friends. Japan has a really low support system, so try to be prepared as possible. Moreover, never lose faith. Keep trusting the Lord and pray for His will be done to your life. When the door opens, it is okay to try to get in or out but it is better to trust the Lord’s will for you. If it’s for you, it’s for you. Again, keep praying and ask Him to send you wherever He wants you to serve.