It takes a lot of preparation and patience and you want to cater to the client because your job basically depends on it. Let us know in the comments below! Notice that all big companies like Interac, Aeon etc. I have a masters degree in Industrial psychology as well as CELTA both obtained in South Africa. I hope that their experiences can give you an idea of what to expect when applying for a teaching job in Japan as a non-native English speaker. The downside of this is that in some cases — especially in more rural areas — the lower expectations in terms of pay and conditions of those from comparatively poorer nations, has had the effect of dragging down salaries for ALT work across the board. It wasn’t just the food, but the cultures. Keeping the students and their parents happy is one of the most important aspects of this job. Working in a conversation school is different than being a teacher in a public school. I can imagine that a number of readers might also realize one important fact: State school teachers are overwhelmingly non-native English speakers in non-native English speaking countries. Patience and endurance are great virtues if you’re in that situation. From my own experience, ALT recruiting companies such as Interac (the biggest ALT company in Japan) have no trouble with hiring non-native speakers — provided they can pass the English speaking, reading and writing tests all candidates take at the interview. So don’t give up, young Swede! In the past, I’ve even been rejected from such jobs because my Scottish accent “didn’t sound native enough.”. Other eikaiwa — such as Nova and Aeon — also periodically need teachers of languages besides English, but these roles tend to be rarer and often only on a part-time basis, for which no visa sponsorship is offered. From my experience native speakers tend not to think of why a certain thing is the way it is. Adina (centre) and friends at Himeji Castle, How to Start Your First ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) Job, Advice for Non-Native English Speakers: Getting a Job Teaching English in Japan, My First Months as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher): What I Learned, A Cup of Nakamura Coffee: Cafe Review Imabari. TOPICA Native. Being German and wanting to be an English teacher, I needed to prove that I had English during University. Getting in is tantamount to wining the lottery. The short answer is yes, it is certainly possible. I feel that the competition in the big cities is much higher than in the countryside, since most  foreigners seem to want to stay in the bigger places. Not at all. If you can prove you've received twelve consecutive years of English-only education, and you have a four-year college degree (in English), you may be eligible for a job in Japan. I’d look for the smaller, individually owned, eikaiwa and approach them. Thanks again, The process took about three months because I had to send some additional information in December, which is one of the busiest periods for the mail both in Japan and in the Netherlands. Position: Work in Yokohama! The answer to the first part of the question is: yes (with a few caveats). They have a good grasp of the grammar and are looking to improve some of the more minute areas of the language such as idiom and rhythm. As a writer and teacher, I’ve immersed myself in the English language from an early age. I think that a belief exists in Japan that someone is a perfect teacher as long as they’re a native speaker. 2 Native/Non-native English Teachers We are a fast growing company aimed at teaching adults with schools in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Gotanda, Ikebukuro and Yokohama. It was then when I thought to myself ‘I want to visit Japan!’ I think I had already decided I wanted to study an Asian language. Hi Zeriel, While that number may seem small, there are numerous chapters devoted to Filipino English teachers in Japan outside of JET, as well as part of an association called Filipino English Teachers in Japan (FETJ), which provides support to its members by offering regular training and assistance in job placements. I found them to be so different from Europe, yet so similar at times. From outside of Japan it is difficult to apply for a job as an English teacher if you’re a non-native speaker, so I didn’t really bother before that. 1.0 Purpose In his paper presented in 1990, Quirk states that native speakers are the only language teachers who can be trusted, since non-native speakers make mistakes that disqualify I am a holder of the Honours Degree in Marketing, Diploma in Marketing and the Diploma in Education. But the same can’t be said of many native speaking teachers here in Japan. The rest of the places who are private and don’t provide accomodations require you to already be living in Japan. Saying that Japan was the only part of Asia that fascinated me would be a lie. English and Dutch don’t have nearly as many differences. As long as you’re a native English speaker, you can teach with Eigox. Later on, I read James Clavell’s Shogun, which is a pretty accurate description of Japan, very well documented. Looking for a support group of this type may also supplement your teacher job search. You will be expected to create ideas for fun lessons and you are expected to prepare for and work during special events. I’d be interested to hear more of yours if you’d be willing to share. I have attained the following Educational Anyone who has sufficient skill, training and credentials can be an English teacher. Being a Non-Native Speaker in an English Conversation School. Hang in there — and keep checking GaijinPot every day for the latest opportunities. Do proper research of the company and the city/area before you take the leap. May you please assist? Most paying Japanese customers of these larger chains have a very specific idea of the kind of teacher they want: typically young, attractive individuals with as neutral an accent as possible.