Okay, maybe not everything - after all, Japan is a historically rich nation with deep and interesting cultures - but this will be plenty of basic information to help you get started on your teaching abroad experience. Below are answers to some of the questions most frequently asked by students and individuals preparing to teach English in Japan.
Can I teach in Japan if I have very little or no teaching experience?
You might be surprised to hear that yes, even if you have zero teaching experience, there are still basic, entry-level English instructor positions available for you. Your teaching placement depends on your experience, so the more teaching experience you have, the more challenging courses you will probably teach. If you have little or no experience, you might be placed as an assistant English teacher to an instructor with more experience.
Where will I live?
There are many different housing options available, and it all depends on your program, placement, and what you can afford. Some programs might place you with a host family, which is also probably the cheapest option. There are also hostels, hotels, and apartments, although rates are always higher in the larger cities. To figure out your housing situation, you'll have to determine what your monthly salary from teaching will be, as well as if you'll have any extra time to work another part-time job or teach private lessons.
Do I need a special degree or a teaching certificate to teach in Japan?
You will need some sort of university degree, but by no means does it have to be in the fields of education or English. In order to obtain a work visa (which you will need), the Japanese government requires a four-year university degree in any field OR three years' experience in a relevant field. You'll also have to look into your program/the position you are applying for to determine any further qualifications, such as a teaching or TESL certificate.
How do I get a visa?
There are different types of visas available depending on your reasons for travelling. If you're interested in working as a teacher in Japan, you will need a working visa. You need a four-year university degree in order to obtain a working visa in Japan. You also need several documents, self-photos, and a visa application form. For more information, visit the Japanese Embassy website. Note that once you have submitted all of your materials, it will take at least 1-3 months to process your application.