Where to do more research about moving to Japan?

6 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **Where to do more research about moving to Japan?**

   Hi! I’m an American woman in my early-mid 20s. I’m planning on moving abroad and am currently researching different options. Japan isn’t the only country I’m considering, but it is near the top of my list. I’m looking for some general career/living advice and recommendations on where I can do more research from people who have more knowledge than myself.

   Here is some context I think might be relevant when you are giving advice:

   * I graduated from a medium sized public research university in the US with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
   * I am almost done with my first year as a public elementary school teacher
   * I speak some (emphasis on some) Japanese which I learned through self-study over the past few years. As of recently I am taking this studying more seriously and plan to take (and hopefully pass) the JLPT N5 or N4 in December 2023
   * Last year I applied to the JET Program but was not accepted. (I did rush my application, but I don’t want to make excuses. It is possible that even if I had invested more time I would not have been accepted)
   * I would prefer to live in the Kanto region (because it’s near Tokyo) or Hokkaido (because I prefer cold weather), but I’m really open to anywhere. (I can withstand hot weather, but it’s not my favorite so I don’t think I’d like Okinawa)
   * I have some small (easily covered) tattoos. I know this is not as socially acceptable in Japan (compared to the US) so I wanted to include that since it might affect employment opportunities

   Upon moving abroad I am looking to either teach at an international school, teach English at a Japanese public school, or attend an American or international university to get a graduate degree related to education or linguistics.

   Next year I’m going to attend the UNI International School Job Fair, but I’m wondering if anyone on here also teaches at an international school in Japan and has any advice on where I can do more research or just general advice.

   I know there are other English teaching programs besides JET, but I’m confused about their credibility and I was wondering if anyone had opinions or recommendations on that? Also I’m not sure how important a TESOL/TEFL certification is?

   As for universities, I originally liked TUJ, but I’ve read only negative things about them on this subreddit so I’m not going to apply there. I’ve been doing some research on international universities but am wondering if anyone has any recommendations based on their personal experience regarding what schools I should spend my time on. I would also only attend one with graduate degrees in Education or Linguistics.

   Also any general advice is much appreciated! I apologize if I’m asking for something too vague, I’m just feeling overwhelmed by the wealth of information and I thought some of the people on this subreddit likely have much more knowledge than me and could point me in the right direction or tell me if I’m totally crazy and shouldn’t try to move haha. Anyways thank you if you read all the way through and thank you in advance for any advice! 🙂

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2. If your goal is to teach at an international school, you should make sure that you get your teaching license before relocating to Japan. This is the best option for you to work in Japan as an educator outside of becoming a university professor. Next would be JET, and finally ALT/Eikaiwa.

   If you decide to get a graduate degree in Japan, I would try to get a MEXT scholarship. Rotary club international also offers some decent scholarships. Likely just enough to cover the cost of the degree and a portion of your living expenses. I have no experience firsthand with MEXT, but I believe that you can apply through your consulate or an advisor at a Japanese university can offer one to you. If you’re serious about getting a degree here, that should be the first thing you look into.

   As much as you might want to relocate to Japan immediately, I’d take my time and make sure that you set yourself up for success when you arrive. It’s one thing to come over here as an ALT for a few years and to just put your career on hiatus. Nothing wrong with that. If you plan on settling in Japan, then that isn’t your best option.

3. > Where to do more research about moving to Japan?

   First, go to [r/teachinginjapan](https://www.reddit.com/r/teachinginjapan) and search through the threads about your particular interests.

   >US with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
   I am almost done with my first year as a public elementary school teacher

   Trying to teach at a [*real*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_international_schools_in_Japan) international school is highly competitive in Japan. You need at least three to five years successful experience in your home country with glowing recommendations—teacher-of-the-year kind of recommendations. Also note that teaching in the subject area of English has least opportunity/highest competition international schools in Japan—the market is flooded with desperate English teachers trying to escape the standard, semi- fraudulent eng*r*ish industry here.

4. JET is probably the most legit ALT program in Japan now, though it tends to be in more rural areas, and I don’t know if it is still the case, but doesn’t JET provide housing too? The ALT companies will have significantly lower pay and probably not provide any kind of housing subsidy. You could try to apply for Interac, though I’d reckon 97% of ALTs there quit within 3 years.

   TESOL TEFL certification might give you a bump in applying for ALT jobs, but I wouldn’t expect it to hold any water for higher International School or University level teaching positions.

   In Japan, the 7 Imperial Universities (Tokyo U, Kyoto U, et al) and Keio, Waseda are the only schools that have potential international recognition. Then the next tier are the prefectural universities, i.e. Chiba Uni, Hiroshima Uni, that are still considered decent at least with Japan. All others are just kinda meh.

   Teaching in international schools and universities is an entirely different tier. International Schools will recognize your western credentials and responsibilities will go beyond being a simple assistant to another Japanese Teacher of English. Universities do have English lecturer positions, though you may have to contribute some kind of research too. Though do note these positions are highly competitive as they can go as high as 6M per year salary which is double that of a JET ALT.

5. The internets

6. /r/AmerExit if you are looking to emigrate from US to another country. Get your teaching license before you leave US.