For many years, both experienced and recently trained teachers have found Japan to be a popular destination. The nation has a lot to offer educators, including a wealth of teaching positions, competitive pay and benefits, and an amazing history and culture.
Like many Asian nations, Japan has stringent visa requirements. You must have at least a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to teach in schools or through the government-run JET program. Is there a way around this, though? This article will take you through the steps of teaching in Japan without a degree.
While having a bachelor’s degree is required for most teaching positions in Japan, there are still a few options available for those seeking international experience without a degree. Let’s explore some non-traditional routes to gainful employment in the Japanese English education sector.
Teach English Online
Several platforms allow you to teach English online to students worldwide, including in Japan. A degree isn’t always a prerequisite, making this a viable way to start your English teaching career from anywhere in the world. The flexible schedule works well while pursuing further qualifications.
Here’s a list of online teaching platforms in Japan along with their pay rates:
- Cafe Talk: $8 to $25 per hour
- One Coin English: $7.25 to $10 per 50 minutes
- Best Teacher: $5 to $6 per hour
- Cena English: $22 per hour
- Eigox: $3 to $11 per hour
- English Hunt: $14.50 per hour
- E-Communication: $16 to $20 per hour
- S-Lessons: $5 to $10 per hour
- Native Camp: $3 to $18 per hour
- Cambly: $10 to $12 per hour
Working Holiday Visa Teaching
Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, and Austria aged 18-30 open to teaching in Japan can apply for a working holiday visa that allows them to live and work in Japan for up to 1 year. While not meant for full-time employment, it opens doors to part-time and casual tutoring jobs.
Volunteer English Teaching
There are several non-profit organizations across Japan, offering free accommodation, a modest stipend, and a flexible teaching schedule to international volunteers. JCE Japan and GABA are two to consider, as they don’t require a degree for some roles like assisting qualified teachers or leading conversation clubs. Find some volunteer jobs currently available below:
Go Overseas
- Program: Various volunteer programs including teaching English.
- Link: Go Overseas Volunteer Programs
United Planet
- Program: Volunteer in local educational settings, assisting with English language teaching.
- Link: United Planet Japan
Cultural Vistas
- Program: Offers opportunities for cultural exchange and teaching English in community settings.
- Link: Cultural Vistas
English Language Volunteers (ELV)
- Program: Volunteer to teach English in various community programs.
- Link: ELV Japan
HelpX
- Program: Connects volunteers with hosts in Japan who need help with English teaching and other tasks.
- Link: HelpX Japan
WWOOF Japan
- Program: While primarily focused on organic farming, many hosts seek English speakers for language exchange.
- Link: WWOOF Japan
Volunteer Japan
- Program: Offers various volunteer opportunities, including teaching English in local communities.
- Link: Volunteer Japan
Foreign Volunteers Japan
- Program: A community of volunteers working on various projects, including English teaching.
- Link: Foreign Volunteers Japan
Teach English in Japan (TEIJ)
- Program: Connects volunteers with schools and community centers looking for English teachers.
- Link: TEIJ
Japan Volunteer Center
- Program: Offers various volunteer opportunities, including English teaching in community programs.
- Link: Japan Volunteer Center
Private English Tutoring
One of the best ways to teach English in Japan without a degree is through private classes. Most students will be willing to learn with an experienced native speaker, however, some will insist on hiring teachers with university degrees.
The pay for private classes is impressive and the teachers get to set their prices. Private teachers in Japan typically work fewer hours, make more money than most full-time teachers, and maintain control over their schedules. Additionally, demand is constantly high, particularly in big, desirable cities like Tokyo and Osaka, making it a good choice for native English speakers to teach in Japan without a degree.
Find a Teacher, 121 Sense, Craigslist Japan, Facebook Groups, Language Exchange Events, Local Tutoring Agencies, Flyers, and Advertisements are places where tutors can meet students for their private tutoring service without a degree.
There are several options to explore when looking to teach without a degree in Japan but one must ensure proper mastery of the subject is possessed before venturing into it.