What are qualifications for International schools in Japan?

9 comments

1. I’ve found most listings for International Schools are also looking for a Masters in Linguistics/TESOL. There was one that was an immersion high school for boys that didn’t require any knowledge in Japanese, but that vast majority do want someone that is somewhat advanced in Japanese language ability (they ask you to submit your CV and Cover Letter in Japanese too).

2. …the whole point of an international school is that the curriculum, school, students, admin, _everything_ is _not_ in Japanese. It’s in whatever language the curriculum is.

   The only qualifications you need is that teaching licence and experience teaching your subject as the lead teacher (so ALT experience doesn’t count).

   If your “international school” is asking for JLPT, then they’re probably not an accredited school and more of a bilingual school.

3. What do their websites say? I’d be amazed if a high level of Japanese proficiency is required, based on the people I know who’ve worked at them.

4. For the better schools, a teaching license in the subject you are applying for, actual teaching experience in other international schools and the icing on the cake would be experience teaching the IB curriculum.

5. If you’re already licensed and it’s still active, then you’re good to go. I’ve got 3.5 years experience in IS teaching. They want two things: a license and a couple years of experience.

   The recruiting season is from Oct-Feb. Have you looked into The Search Associates or Schrole? I am not a member and will be applying directly to schools from their websites.

   Best of luck, rival!

6. You’ve got some good advice here. If you do receive an offer be aware that since you are already in Japan they may only offer you a local contract ie no annual flight or housing allowance. Good luck though, it can be a hard industry to get into.

7. /r/internationalteachers is a great place to look for info as well! But you’ve been given some great advice. Good luck!

8. 国際高校に働いていますでも日本語食べません

9. When you say international, do you consider IB schools too? I have a contract to start working at an IB school in Tokyo in August, I’m currently living in Germany (working in an IB school as well), and I’m originally from Mexico (where I worked at a public school… jk, you probably guessed it, I was working at an IB school).

   My point is, IB schools value experience with their programs. Once you join, not only you get practical experience, but the institute is required to offer PD for teachers, so you accumulate valuable certificates for your CV. Having no experience still leaves some doors open when you have some degree of teaching experience. Keep in mind that there are a few Int. Schools of English Speaking Country (UK mainly) here and there that will also require experience with the national curriculum.

   Check the schools in ibo.org (filter by country), go to the employment sections, see what they offer and the minimum requirements. IB schools are constantly looking for international teachers, the only bad thing is that hiring season is over in Japan. You may still find a couple of last minute positions though (it all started for me cuz a teacher left one week before the beginning of the school year).