Teaching in International Schools in Japan

International schools provide a great option for expats or those who want to teach in Japan. They’re an alternative to the public school system and, for teachers in particular, they can provide job opportunities with stronger pay and benefits.

There are 115 international schools in Japan, according to the International School Database. If your goal is to become a teacher in Japan, an international school could be a good fit.

What Are International Schools in Japan?

An international school is a type of private school, or a school that is not government funded. International schools are funded through a combination of tuition and other sources. These schools are typically expensive to attend, and students are often expats, children from the local embassies, or wealthy local residents.

International schools choose a curriculum to follow. In Japan, there are schools that follow the International Baccalaureate, American, Canadian, and other curricula. These international programs allow students to earn a degree that is recognized in another country (sometimes their home country) or internationally.

Types of International Curricula in Japan

International schools in Japan use a curriculum that is based on the mission and vision of the school. The most common curricula are International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, Canadian, and Australian.

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate (IB) is a student-centered curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, global-mindedness, and rigorous academics. The goal is to build students who meet the IB Learner Profile, who are knowledgeable, critical thinkers, principled, open-minded, and caring. A key aspect of IB is students’ engagement in reflection, self-directed research, and project-based learning.

IB schools are divided into four programs:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) serves children ages 3 through 12.
• Middle Years Programme (MYP) serves children ages 11 through 16.
• Diploma Programme (DP) serves children ages 16 through 19 who want to earn an IB diploma.
• Career-related Programme (CP) serves children ages 16 through 19 who want to pursue apprenticeship or employment.

IB is a common curriculum among international schools, and there are more than 50 IB schools across Japan, according to ibo.org. Teachers who are interested in an IB school could benefit from earning IB credentials.

British Curriculum

The British Curriculum, or National Curriculum for England, is a skills-based framework for education that focuses on critical thinking, academics, and preparation for university. It is divided into key stages (Early Years, Primary, Secondary). Ultimately, students are prepared to apply to universities. In Japan, British Curriculum schools are located in Tokyo and the surrounding area.

American Curriculum

While the U.S. does not have a national curriculum, in international schools, the American Curriculum refers to a curriculum that applies U.S. standards to education (the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards). Students attend school from kindergarten through grade 12 and learn a variety of subjects. Students earn credits toward high school graduation and often prepare for Advanced Placement tests. In Japan, there are American schools in Tokyo and other cities.

Canadian Curriculum

The Canadian Curriculum is the curriculum generally followed by Canadian schools. It focuses on core subjects (math, English or French, science, social studies). In Canada, each province has its own curriculum and language focus, but the focus on academics and preparing students for university is the same. There are a few Canadian schools in Tokyo and its suburbs.

Australian Curriculum

The Australian Curriculum is the national curriculum of Australia. It sets the standards that children should learn across eight learning areas (English, math, science, health, physical education, arts, technology, and languages). It also incorporates learning about Aboriginal histories and culture and Australian-specific themes. There are Australian Curriculum schools in Tokyo and Chiba.

Requirements to Teach at International Schools in Japan

The requirements to teach at an international school in Japan are typically higher than requirements for the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) or Eikaiwa (private English language schools). However, the pay and benefits are often better as well.

	JET	Eikaiwa	International Schools
Salary	$2,120 USD per month	$1,900 USD	$1,900 to $4,550 USD
Required Experience	None	None	2+ years
Required Credential(s)	Bachelor’s degree or higher, native-level English proficiency, and more	Bachelor’s degree, native-level English proficiency, TEFL certificate (beneficial)	Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred), native-level English proficiency, IB training for IB schools
Teaching License	Not required	Not required	Teaching license from your home country
Background Checks and Documentation	Passport, background check	Passport, background check	Passport, background check
Benefits*	National health insurance, employment insurance, flight reimbursement	National health insurance, paid time off, apartment assistance	Health insurance, housing allowance or free housing, tuition waivers for dependents, relocation assistance, generous vacation time

Sources: Go Overseas, Jet Programme, Gaijin Pot, and Jobs in Japan

*Benefits will vary depending on the employer.

How to Get a Job at an International School in Japan

International school jobs are competitive, but with the right experience and credentials, you could make your resume stand out. Below are some of the steps you might take:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Depending on what you want to teach, you will need a bachelor’s degree in education or your content area.

Get a Teaching License

International schools typically require a teaching license from your home country. If you want to teach in an IB school, you may also want to seek out IB training. It is also helpful to have a TEFL certificate.

Gain Classroom Experience

In Japan, classroom experience is a must for many international schools. If your ultimate goal is to teach overseas, it’s a good idea to gain a few years of teaching experience.

Apply Through International Recruitment Platforms

Various international school recruitment programs connect applicants and schools, including Search Associates, International Schools Services, Teach Away, and many others. Choose one and apply through their platform.

Interview and Accept a Position

Interviewing for a job in Japan is much like interviewing for a job in the U.S. You may need to prepare a sample lesson and engage in multiple interviews, depending on the school. Interviewing is conducted online, so be prepared to meet potential colleagues remotely.

Complete the Visa Process

Once you are hired, your school will help you get a Certificate of Eligibility that you will need to get a work visa. You will do this at your nearest Japanese Embassy.

Is Teaching at an International School in Japan Worth It?

Japan is an interesting country with an abundance of opportunity for international educators. The process of getting hired and acquiring a visa is straightforward and, once employed, the salary typically provides more than enough to live on. This makes Japan a great option for international teachers.

That said, competition for teaching roles at international schools is competitive and may require a few years of experience. So, if you’re just starting out, an international school may be a good long-term goal.

FAQs

Do you need a teaching license to work at an international school in Japan?

Typically, yes. International schools require applicants to have a teaching license from their home country.

Can you teach at an international school without experience?

Typically no. International schools generally prefer hiring teachers with a record of experience.

Can I switch from being an ALT to teaching at an international school in Japan?

Yes, this is possible, but you will have to meet the minimum requirements for the international school. Teaching as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) may not meet the experience requirements for an international school.

Are international school jobs in Japan competitive?

Yes, jobs at international schools are highly competitive because of the higher pay and benefits that international schools typically provide.

What subjects are most in demand at international schools?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), special education, foreign language, and English/language arts are the most in-demand fields at international schools, according to International Schools Review. Specific sciences, like physics and chemistry, are the most in-demand positions.

Do international schools provide housing for teachers?

Yes, international schools typically provide housing or housing support. The type of support differs by school. In Japan, housing may be a small apartment near the school or a housing allowance to offset the cost.

When do international schools in Japan hire teachers?

International schools in Japan generally hire between October and January for the following academic year that starts in August.