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The Asian market is one of the largest in the world for English teachers, and Japan has one of the longest traditions of employing English instructors.

The Japanese mandate English teaching in all of their public schools from age 5 and up creating a market from skindergarten through highs school. Adults are taking English language classes in the millions with language schools as popular on every corner of a city block as common as Starbucks coffee shops are in the US.

English teachers can find jobs year round, and in-person interviews are conducted 3 to 6 months in advance throughout the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Instructors are responsible for airfare and housing costs, although schools do assist in finding housing and sometimes provide accommodations. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many room with coworkers.

A solid hourly wage allows English teachers to live a comfortable lifestyle, while saving up to 800 USD per week. Schools typically offer 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. English teachers need a bachelor’s degree, and TEFL certification is required. Major cities for English teaching jobs include Tokyo, Fukuoka, Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka.