Being An English Teacher In Japan

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this essay I will be discussing the problems for young Japanese learners of English, and what problems Japanese learners often encounter as well as explaining some of the reasons why teachers can run into problems while teaching in Japan. I will be referring to the book “The Smart Guide to Teaching English in Japan’ by Charlie Moritz and Martin Bragalone, as well as drawing from my knowledge and experiences of studying and volunteering in Japan. Japan can be a challenging but rewarding country to work in, despite stereotypes of Japanese people being polite and studious so it is important to consider that reality can be different when teaching in Japan. When TEFL teachers aim to teach in Japan, the most...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I have been living in Japan for the past one and a half years. Needless to say, the experience has been enthralling. This country would have never been my first choice for a country to relocate to, from my home country, India. But if my stay has taught me anything, it is that never judge a book by its cover. When we think of Japan, the first thing that pops up is that it is a country of workaholics; it has zero English presence, and the people are highly prejudiced against foreigners and foreign culture. I was proven wrong. Japan is a beautiful country. It is culturally so rich, it makes me want to live here forever. The people, though tend to be a little distant initially, a warm-up to you eventually, and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This essay will be a comparison of my personal experience teaching English in Barbados, a country whose main language is English versus teaching English in a rural area in Japan, a country whose main language is Japanese (not English). Firstly, I will briefly discuss the definitions of teaching. Secondly, I will summarize English education for young learners in each country. Finally, I will compare and contrasts my personal experience in both countries and the valuable lessons I have learned. To protect the anonymity of the schools, the specific areas and any other identifying information will be excluded from this essay. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Desriel G. Please note that this...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. In high school, I was inspired by my English teachers and the way they were able to make material interesting and motivating. I remember telling myself that I would not be the person who changes the world, but perhaps as a teacher, I would be able to inspire the person who would. From the beginning, my motivation was to help others in a meaningful way. My goal was to improve the lives of others. When I entered university, I found myself studying philosophy to become a professor in the future. However, the reality of being a university professor was a lot of presenting and publishing, with very little teaching. Because teaching was my goal, I decided to leave my Ph.D....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Japan is an island nation and is a recognized homogenous society with a very small percentage of foreign permanent residence and more than half of the adult population lacks the necessary skills to speak English proficiently. Because of this, English as a Second Language is in high demand with young learners being a focus group in Japan. English is taught in the school environment during nearly all of a child’s primary education years, but this, unfortunately, doesn’t translate to a proficient English-speaking Japanese population. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Payton P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Children as young...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Japan is a nation that has tried to increase its citizens’ English ability, especially with the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games being held in their country. However, progress has been slow and not fruitful. There are various reasons for this slow stagnation of the nation’s English abilities such as the larger academic system and access to proper education in rural areas. However, I will focus on three main hurdles that Japanese learners of English must face that can impede their English education. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Michael H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. These are the differences in phonology between...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I first decided to take this TEFL course because I am currently teaching English in rural Japan. I plan and execute English lessons for Junior High School students, as well as serve as a cultural representative of my country and foster cultural exchange. Here's the catch though - I don't speak Japanese. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Gwendolen J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I've had to think a lot about how to get students to like me and the subject I teach without relying on verbal communication. I don't know enough Japanese to convey my outgoing personality, or to make jokes, or to ask questions about their interests....  [Read more]

  In this video, we explain the difference between the usage of "capital" and "capitol". These two terms are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. The word ?capital? is used to refer to a capital letter, a city that serves as a center of government and also wealth in the form of money or property. A good example sentence would be: In American schools, the capital letter "A" means your work was at least 90% correct. This sentence uses 'capital' to refer to a capitalized letter, 'A' in this case. Tokyo is the capital of Japan. In this example, capital refers to the capital city of Japan. The business did not have enough capital to buy the new building. Here, capital means money or wealth. "Capitol" spelled with an ?o? on the other hand refers to the actual...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have been teaching in Japan for over 12 years in three different locations ranging from the southernmost part of Hokkaido to the southern island of Kyushu, where I presently reside. The youngest students I have had were children not even two years of age, whereas my older students were in their seventies. This is a very common situation for those who teach here in Japan; a country where the English boom occurred not too long after they rebuilt their nation following the Second World War. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Andrew W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The Japanese are in love with western culture, especially that...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Our TEFL graduate explains the relationships between classroom management and workflow. Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom management is really important for ESL learning. Our TEFL graduate shares their ideas on it. Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This blog post was written by our TEFL graduate who shares their exciting classroom activities. Gökhan Yilmaz Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas We have a saying; who knows something very well, cannot teach very well. If you are not a native speaker but you are a...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Regardless of the Japanese government’s efforts to increase the number of foreign tourists to be a tourism-oriented country and to have been retaining compulsory English education for decades, Japanese people still have a reputation of being bad at English. The average TOEIC and TOEFL scores for Japanese are one of the worst among advanced nations. South Korea was also one of the worst in the past, but they are getting better and better these days. However, there are still some obstacles for many Japanese English learners to get over. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate FUTOSHI T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Since Japan...  [Read more]

Anastasiia Ovchinnikova Visa and Legal Budget and Salary Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences In the post-epidemic time, qualified TEFL teachers grow in real demand in China again. If you consider this TEFL destination, we suggest you read carefully the article written by our ITTT TEFL expert who shares their important experience of job hunting in this country. Anastasiia Ovchinnikova Visa and Legal Budget and Salary Destinations Alumni Experiences Are you considering China as a TEFL destination? Read our TEFL expert's story to find out where...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this article, our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on teacher's role on students' learning way. Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this blog post, our TEFL graduate contemplates upon English being a global language. Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this article, our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts and experience of working in Japan. You'll find out what are the common issues faced by the Japanese native speakers in English. Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this article, our TEFL graduate talks about their...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our TEFL expert shares several useful tips on creating the perfect introduction video for teaching English online platforms. ✅ Check it out and look for students online like a pro! Anastasiya Akpinar TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Zoom has become a staple for many teachers worldwide. If you are new to teaching with Zoom or want to learn a couple of tricks to make your Zoom lessons more engaging, this blog post is for you! Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL...  [Read more]

  Mary is an assistant English language teacher in Tokyo, Japan, and she recently completed the 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course with ITTT. She enjoyed the course a lot and had fun completing all 20 units. In her TEFL review, she also says that she enjoyed the flexibility the course gave her to complete the course in her leisure time. She recommends the course to anyone interested in teaching English and finds the course to be great value for money. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this article, our TEFL alumna shares their reasons on taking a TEFL course. They tell about 4 things that are crucial for teachers thinking of getting TEFL certified. Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this blog post, our TEFL graduate considers the reasons of language acquisition. How does FLA differs from SLA? Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by our TEFL graduate who shares their experience of working on their professionalism. Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this blog post, our TEFL alumna...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this article, our TEFL alumna shares their reasons on taking a TEFL course. They tell about 4 things that are crucial for teachers thinking of getting TEFL certified. Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this blog post, our TEFL graduate considers the reasons of language acquisition. How does FLA differs from SLA? Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This blog post was written by our TEFL graduate who shares their experience of working on their professionalism. Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this blog post, our TEFL alumna...  [Read more]

Asia Ridley TEFL Information Alumni Experiences English education in Japan has been prominent for decades and starts in elementary schools. It is in high demand as the relationship between the U.S. and Japan as well as the abundant amount of tourism. Last year straight after graduating from university in the United States, I moved to Japan and began teaching English. I was fortunate to pass the interviews and become part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme {JET}. Being an assistant language teacher {ALT} in the Japanese education system versus a conversation school has its differences. Therefore I will be diving into how one can contribute to the classroom as an ALT. In Japanese elementary schools, all the students...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Many challenges come with teaching English in Japan that is unique and not innately obvious to some people. In addition to the more universal challenges of learning a new language, there are inherent cultural obstacles that English learners must overcome in Japan as well as several problems with the current course of study that is being taught. However, English teachers should do their best to work within the limits of the system to foster an interest and passion for language that lives on outside the classroom and beyond the school years of learners. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Issei E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Whether you like English or despise it, the English language is here to stay. There is no stronger contender right now as a global language, other than English. But how did this happen, why is English now the dominant language in Education, Business and the Media. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Iain Hamilton-G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Well in this essay I am not going to rewrite a history lesson about the global rise of the English language, many sources can provide a far more detailed explanation about it. However, what I intend to write here is from my own experiences and how I naturally became a crusader of...  [Read more]

  Our tefl training center in Tokyo represents the best opportunity to experience all that Japan’s dynamic and exciting capital city has to offer. Once the course is finished, graduates will become certified esl teachers and we’ll help each and every one of them take advantage of the wonderful employment opportunities in Japan, Asia or the rest of the world. Thoughts of Japan conjure up images of huge sumo wrestlers, beautiful geishas, colorful fresh sushi, as well as welcoming locals. This island nation is where temples, mountains and other natural wonders jut up against the most modern urban metropolis on the planet. The large islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku combine to offer you one of the most geographically and culturally unique experiences of one’s life....  [Read more]

Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Many Japanese schools hold American English in high regard, so what is it like being an Australian-English teacher in Japan? Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences If you're heading to Japan on the JET Program, be prepared for the fact that you could potentially be living in a very small space! But don't fear, there are so many benefits to living in a small space and honestly, you get used to it very quickly. It's just all part of living in the biggest city in the world! Gianluca Costa Destinations ...  [Read more]

Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Many Japanese schools hold American English in high regard, so what is it like being an Australian-English teacher in Japan? Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences If you're heading to Japan on the JET Program, be prepared for the fact that you could potentially be living in a very small space! But don't fear, there are so many benefits to living in a small space and honestly, you get used to it very quickly. It's just all part of living in the biggest city in the world! Gianluca Costa Destinations ...  [Read more]

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ [ {"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh0","name": " How much can I earn teaching English in Japan?","url": "https://www.tefl-certificate.net/faq/how-much-money-can-you-make-teaching-english-in-east-asia/#nameh0"},{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh1","name": " Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Japan?","url": "https://www.tefl-certificate.net/faq/how-much-money-can-you-make-teaching-english-in-east-asia/#nameh1"},{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh3","name": " Who else employs English language teachers in Japan?","url":...  [Read more]

Etienne Van Rooyen TEFL Information Alumni Experiences There are three types of senior high schools in Japan. Each senior high school (grades 10, 11, and 12) has a different purpose and students attend it. Understanding this helps us learn how English language learning in Japan is differently yet similars each school. With this knowledge, as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) you can adapt your lessons plans, materials and style to fit your school/s. There are three main types of high schools in Japan with sub-categories: Note: There are also Special Needs schools, which teach students with physical and mental disabilities. These schools will be covered in another blog post. Purpose: These schools focus on intense academic...  [Read more]

Gianluca Costa TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Many people have the dream to travel the world. However, it's hard to travel a lot unless you're rich or work for a big international company offering your business trips, right? What do you do about a visa, and what if you don't speak the local language? Fret not; it's actually easier than you think to find a job in an exciting foreign country. If you are a native English speaker or speak English fluently, why not consider a job teaching English abroad? English teachers are always in demand in countries where the English language is not the native language. Before you start your travel, you should consider getting TEFL qualified by completing a TEFL course, like the ones...  [Read more]

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ [ {"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh0","name": "1. Choosing a safe destination.","url": "https://www.tefl-certificate.net/faq/how-to-stay-safe-while-teaching-english-overseas/#nameh0"},{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh1","name": "2. Conducting thorough research.","url": "https://www.tefl-certificate.net/faq/how-to-stay-safe-while-teaching-english-overseas/#nameh1"},{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh3","name": "3. Being cautious with valuables.","url": "https://www.tefl-certificate.net/faq/how-to-stay-safe-while-teaching-english-overseas/#nameh3"},{"@context":...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As someone of mixed heritage, I have always had an interest in learning about cultures other than the one I live in America. My father is Colombian and my mother is American, so growing up I felt obliged to learn more about the Colombian background I was fairly unfamiliar with. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Catherine P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I never felt satisfied with the amount of exposure I had to my Colombian heritage. My mom never learned Spanish, so around the house, it was easier for my dad to speak to my siblings and me in English. As a result, we barely grazed the surface of the Spanish language and...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences As more and more countries place a growing importance on its people to learn English as a secondary language, for work purposes or for general use, there is a growing debate about which is the better English to learn - British English or American English. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Max E. The argument stems from the growing influence of America in the modern world. British English has a longer standing history, but in today's modern society, it is almost impossible to go through the day without hearing American English in use. We hear it in television programs and films, more businesses from the US are branching out to foreign soil, and many countries feel that American English may be the...  [Read more]

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ [ {"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh0","name": "To shake things up","url": "https://www.tefl-certificate.net/faq/why-should-i-study-tefl/#nameh0"},{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh1","name": "For the lifestyle","url": "https://www.tefl-certificate.net/faq/why-should-i-study-tefl/#nameh1"},{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh3","name": "To make money","url": "https://www.tefl-certificate.net/faq/why-should-i-study-tefl/#nameh3"},{"@context": "https://schema.org","@type": "SiteNavigationElement","@id": "#nameh3","name": "For the culture","url":...  [Read more]