Teaching English in Japan: A Guide for TEFL/TESOL Teachers
So you’re thinking about going to teach in Japan. You’ve heard what it’s like to live there, and you’ve already written your list of all the food you’re going to try, landmarks you're going to see and culture you’re going to experience, but what is it REALLY like to be a teacher in Japan?
In this article, we’ll explain what working life is like for a TEFL/TESOL in Japan.
It'll focus on the differences between public and private (eikaiwa) schools, typical duties, and the schedule for an academic year.
School Term Times in Japan
Japan’s academic calendar begins in April and consists of three terms:
- First Term: April to late July, followed by a summer break.
- Second Term: Early September to late December, followed by a winter break.
- Third Term: Early January to late March, followed by a spring break before the new academic year begins.
Japan has slightly more school holidays than other Asian countries and this extra downtime provides the perfect opportunity to see more of the country.
You may be required to attend meetings, training sessions, or preparation days during school breaks so be sure to check with your colleagues before booking trips in advance.
Public Schools: A Day in the Life of an ALT
In your placement, you’ll be working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT).
In public schools, ALTs work from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, though some variation might occur depending on school policies.
As an ALT, you collaborate with a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE), either supporting their lessons or leading them independently.
The specific responsibilities often depend on the school and your teaching style.
On a typical day, you’ll handle 4–6 lessons, with class sizes ranging from 20–40 students. Your duties may include:
- Preparing and conducting activities like songs, games, or role-playing exercises.
- Teaching vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational skills.
- Assisting with test preparation or grading assignments.
- Helping organise cultural and international exchange programs.
- Supervising or participating in extracurricular activities such as English clubs or sports events.
The curriculum in public schools generally emphasises grammar, reading, and listening skills to prepare students for standardized tests.
However, ALTs are expected to bring a conversational and cultural element to the classroom, making lessons more dynamic.
This could involve using your own creative materials or adapting those provided by the school.
Private (Eikaiwa) Schools: A Different Experience
Unlike public schools, eikaiwa (private conversation schools) typically operate outside standard school hours.
Teachers work from 12 PM to 8 or 9 PM, with shifts often including weekends and public holidays.
The schedule caters to the diverse needs of the students, which range from children to working professionals.
This is a great option for anyone who prefers working in hospitality or any other industry with shift patterns.
It also gives teachers the opportunity to spend more leisure time during daylight hours and enjoy tourist attractions without the big weekend crowds.
Class sizes and formats vary significantly, from one-on-one lessons to larger groups of up to 20 or more students.
These differences require teachers to adapt their teaching styles and materials to suit each demographic.
Eikaiwa schools often focus on spoken English and practical communication skills.
Classes usually combine structured textbooks with creative, interactive activities.
Schools provide some resources and teachers have access to the database of resources from Adventure Asia to help with lesson plans but teachers are given more creativity and autonomy in schools and are encouraged to design personalised lesson plans that align with their students’ interests and learning goals.
For younger students, especially kindergarten-aged children, lessons might resemble playtime, incorporating songs, games, and physical activities to teach basic vocabulary like colours, numbers, and the alphabet.
With older students, the focus shifts to textbook-based lessons, test preparation, and conversational practice.
Adults often seek to improve their professional English skills, making lessons more formal and goal-oriented.
Classroom Activities and Expectations
Teachers in both public and private settings are expected to bring energy and creativity to their classrooms. Here are some typical activities:
1. Songs and Rhymes: For younger students, engaging them through music and movement is key. Songs like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” help teach vocabulary in a fun way.
2. Role-Playing: Older students benefit from role-playing scenarios like ordering at a restaurant, introducing themselves, or navigating travel situations.
3. Games: From flashcards to team-based games, interactive play is a staple of English teaching in Japan. Popular choices include Bingo, Hangman, or even trivia competitions.
4. Storytelling and Reading: Reading short stories or books aloud encourages listening comprehension and pronunciation skills.
5. Cultural Lessons: Introducing Western holidays, traditions, or everyday life in English-speaking countries can spark curiosity and conversation.
Extracurricular Activities
ALTs and eikaiwa teachers often participate in or lead extracurricular activities, including:
- English Clubs: These may involve casual conversation practice, cultural exchanges, or even preparing for speech contests.
- Sports Days and Festivals: Joining students in these vibrant school events strengthens relationships and fosters community.
- Cultural Events: Sharing your own traditions and learning about Japanese ones during these events is a highlight for many teachers.
Tips for Success
1. Be Flexible: Every school has its own teaching style and expectations. Adapting quickly will make your experience smoother.
2. Engage with Students: Show genuine interest in your students' lives, hobbies, and progress—it builds trust and makes classes more enjoyable.
3. Learn Japanese: While not mandatory, understanding basic Japanese can make daily interactions easier and enrich your cultural experience.
4. Bring Creativity: Tailor your lessons to be interactive and fun, keeping students motivated and engaged.
5. Connect with Fellow Teachers: Networking with other English teachers in Japan can provide support, resources, and friendship.
Teaching English in Japan is a rewarding journey that combines professional growth with cultural exploration.
Whether you’re leading structured lessons in a public school or fostering conversational fluency in an eikaiwa, the experience will challenge and inspire you in equal measure.
With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll not only make a difference in your students’ lives but also create unforgettable memories of your own.
If you’d like to learn more about how we prepare you for your time teaching in Japan, read our post on the included TESOL certification you receive as part of the Adventure Asia programme.
