Hello everyone!
I only recently arrived in Tokyo on a spouse of Japanese national visa and I’m already in the process of finding TEFL work.
I’m a native speaker from the UK, have 10 years experience teaching English in Europe, mostly business students and test preparation, and will start the final year (online) of my BA in English in October.
I’ve heard a few times that not having a degree isn’t a problem for some companies if I have a spouse visa and plenty of experience, which puts me in good stead. I’m already in the interview process with a couple of corporate schools, and don’t mind taking that type of job until I can find something better (if they are as bad as what everyone makes out).
What I would like to ask is how difficult is it, or how long would it realistically take to build a decent amount of private clients? I have a friend who taught here a few years back and he said, at one point, he managed to get by just off private clients and didn’t need to work in Eikiwas, etc.
Lastly, how common/rare is it to find groups of private students wanting to study together? I noticed that the websites where you can advertise yourself as a private teacher ask for your rates for groups of students. Do many take up this offer?
Any other advice would be great. I’m already reacquainting my self with my razor blade and business attire lol.
Thanks!
2 comments
Probably the best option (eventually) is to start your own school and put together group classes.
Lots of Facebook groups for owners (JALT Owners, Eikaiwa Owners, etc.) and they are pretty supportive.
Couldn’t say exactly how to build up private clients; however, to have a client base big enough to not need other work will take time. Aside from the websites ‘Hello senses’ etc. You will need to network, hang out in a few bars, and find the local community centers (these will be good for aldult group lessons). Ultimately, getting your Japanese to a decent level and integrating into the community will be the most assured way of having some stability (and prep for your own school). Flyering near stations or in a good shopping area and mail drops are the best to get new students.