ecc – FAQ Japan

Joining an English Conversation School is one of the more obvious choices as an English Teacher in Japan. They seem to have more basic requirements for eligibility, yet they all come with different options, salaries and benefits. Generally, the students will be similar across all schools, but your teaching experience could be drastically different. This would be influenced by the teaching method, supporting texts, fellow staff, management and so on.nThe main aim of English Conversation Schools is probably obvious to most, you teach conversation or social skills to students. However, this is not the limit of your lessons, as you will also explain grammar and vocabulary, provide error correction and feedback. You will also participate in role plays with students and assign homework. There may also be the odd student who comes from a business background. The biggest challenge is perhaps customising your approach. Not only different students but different competency levels too.nEnglish Conversation Schools are called ( or eikaiwa) in Japanese. This is also another common reference or term that people use.nnnnUltimately, you need to make a decision about which one you feel is the best for you. Some of the options are as follows:nInterested in other options? You can check out our complete post on English Teaching options in Japan.nNovanNova is one of the larger providers that exist in Japan, with over 300 locations across the country. Especially in all the major rural cities of Japan, and main districts throughout Tokyo and the larger cities. They provide both one-on-one and group lessons for adults and children. All positions are full-time roles.nnThey also have recruitment offices globally in London, Vancouver, Tokyo and Osaka. Eligible candidates can also apply for visa sponsorship.nNova can assist with housing for employees if required, they also provide initial training to all new staff. All training materials are created in-house. They also provide ongoing training and skilling seminars for their teachers. Teachers also have access to discounted Japanese lessons through the school.nYou can out more information about Nova on their website. You might also be interested in reading about working at a Nova English Conversation School here.nIf youre interested in our FAQs Section, you can check our Life in Japan FAQ or our Exploring Japan FAQ.nGabanGaba has 40 learning studios across Japan, including main areas like Kanto (Tokyo), Kansai, Hokkaido, Kyushu and more. They are more focused on one-on-one lessons, with students ranging from junior high school students all the way to adults. Teachers are hired on a contract basis. On a contract, you have more flexibilty in chosing your schedule and availability. However, you will notice peak times are schewed mostly to outside working hours.nRecruitment events are held regularly in the UK and Canda in major cities like London, Vancouver and Toronto. Eligible candidates can also apply for visa sponsorship.nGaba provides an hourly rate for all lessons completed, and they provide initial and ongoing training to all instructors. They also have a sister school which provides ongoing Japanese language lessons for teachers. Teachers will need to find their own housing before starting with Gaba. However, Gaba can provide a list of providers to help find an apartment.nYou can out more information about GABA from their website. If youre interested in working here you should read our insight into working for one of Gabas Schools.nECCnECC has about 180 locations throughout Japan, including Kanto, Kansai and Kyushu. They provide lessons for both children and adults, generally within a group setting. All roles are full-time.nnThey have recruitment offices in the main cities of Australia, Canada, the UK and the US. They also hold regular recruitment events in these cities too. Eligible candidates can also apply for visa sponsorship.nECC provide initial and ongoing training to teachers. They also provide compensation for an initial flight to Japan for successful applicants.nFor more information, you can visit the ECC website.nAEONnAEON has schools located in each of Japans 47 prefectures, and they cater for all age levels. Classes are available for infants, all the way up to adults, and you could teach both group or one-on-one classes. All roles are full-time.nThey have recruitment offices in Tokyo, Los Angeles and New York, but also accept online applications. Eligible candidates can also apply for visa sponsorship.nAEON provide initial and ongoing paid training to all future teachers. They provide a single occupancy apartment with subsidised rental costs of 55,000 yen to every teacher. Plus, they offer up to 70,000 yen to cover a teachers initial flight to Japan. There are several career paths available for AEON teachers too, including management, training and recruitment.nFor more information, you should check out the AEON website.nBerlitznBerlitz is another provider with over 60 locations across Japan, mainly focused in the Kanto and Kansai areas. They generally provide one-on-one lessons to teens and adults. Additionally, some group and childrens classes conducted depending on the language centre. Teachers are generally hired on a full-time basis, but part-time and per lesson contracts are also available.nnBerlitz does not have any global offices, but prospective candidates both domestic and international can apply online. Eligible candidates can also apply for visa sponsorship.nTeachers receive initial training and must pass an initial lesson demonstration before commencing initial employment. They also receive ongoing training on the job. They also make their own materials in-house. However, with some higher level students there is more room to improvise. Teachers need to find their own housing.nFor more information, you can check the Berlitz website. If youre interested in reading about working at a Berlitz Conversation School check out our post.nShane English SchoolnShanes has been operating in Tokyo, Japan since 1977, and it continues to operate mainly in the Kanto region. It has grown to over 200 stores across Japan. Classes consist of about 50% children and 50% adults, from group classes to private too. As a teacher, you will usually be on a full-time contract. Especially, if you want sponsorship. However, there is some flexibility for existing visa holders.nnRecruitment occurs online, and they are seeking teachers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the US.nTeachers will receive initial and ongoing training. Shanes produce their own materials, however, teachers can sometimes recommend their own materials too. Teachers are also eligible for up to 6 weeks holiday each yea. This include spring, summer and winter vacations.nFor more information about the recruitment process, you should check out their website.nJoin our expanding online community! We want you to participate in our rapidly expanding Travel in Japan Discussion Group via facebook.nYou can also catch up on all our latest articles and photos via our Facebook and Instagram pages.