Question # 23. What qualifications do I need to teach ESL in Japan?

What qualifications do I need to teach ESL in Japan?

To come at the invitation of the government you will need a four year degree (any major) from an accredited university. For a school, conversation, university or otherwise to obtain a work permit a four year college degree is also required.

Australia and a few other countries have working holiday agreements. High school grads can be hired. But, Japanese conversation schools have learned that they get what they pay for.

What schools like are 'blonde hair, blue eyed' American English speaking people with the good manners of the Canadians or English.

There is a prejudice and students have preconceived ideas of what an English speaker should look and act like. This prejudice is by no means insurmountable.

The best teacher is outgoing, a conversationalist, sensitive, a good student of Japanese, reliable, kind, and patient.

In short…good people can be taught to be good teachers. A good teacher is not always a good person. I'll take good people over qualified teachers anytime.

What kind of person are you?