Even though teaching English in Japan is somewhat cliche, I would like to open/establish a Foreign Language learning school here focusing on teaching English and German (perhaps other languages as well at some point)
I have university degrees in both if that’s relevant to the topic. (certification etc.)
The problem is that I’m not all that familiar with tackling this sort of thing in Japan, so how would you go about starting a company in general? Do any of you have experience with something like this in general? Doesn’t have to be strictly related to a Language learning school.
Thanks!
6 comments
Every successful school school I’ve seen just doesn’t “open up”. Usually the owner starts small via private lessons and then saves up some money for a bigger space for group lessons. Then if they are successful enough, they add staff and open a bigger location.
I’ve seen schools just open out of nowhere and fail because brand recognition is HUGE here. Even if you suck at teaching, if you have a good brand image, you can make it.
I have a hair salon/cafe in Fukuoka with my wife. I sometimes do private English classes and weekly conversation events. Basically, you need Japanese support. Startups or something like that. It will be incredibly difficult if you don’t. How will you get a customer base? Finances? Rent a place?
Start with gathering clients, students first. Once you are making between 8-10 man a month, that is when you want to go get your business registered. Until then, its just an eikaiwa gig.
Probably JALT has a school-owners SIG, and there’s likely something on facebook, too.
On one side, there’ll be what is unique to running a language school, on the other, it’s a business–with the accounting, tax forms, etc. For the latter, browse r/JapanFinance
I run an English school that I started 8 years ago.
To start it I established the company (goudougaisha) through a judicial scriver.Then opened a bank account and started looking for office space. I had some side work and some private students that I was teaching at cafes. That kept me afloat while I found new (and better paying) students.
If your Japanese is decent it’s not all that to set up a business. From my understanding it’s best to have a judicial scriver or an accountant do it for you.
I’m seriously considering selling mine for a lot of different reasons.
I’m to help if you have more questions.
You’ll need a Japanese wife to help you