Whether or not you got excited about visiting Japan because of the heralded popular culture, the unique martial arts, or the delectable taste of sushi: getting serious about living abroad takes preparation.



As a recruiter for a Japanese teaching program in Japan, my job is to send candidates every month to live in the land of Mt. Fuji. There are a variety of well-established EFL programs to teach English in Japan and all of them offer a chance to explore life beyond the typical limits of a tourist in the land of the rising sun.

If you've got a bachelors degree and you're a native level speaker of English you too could teach English in Japan. But the question remains, why pick up from your daily routine and the comfort of life in your own backyard to move to across the Pacific to teach English in Japan?

Here are 10 great reasons to start applying now?

Ichi-ban (1), Learn Japanese: The absolute best way to learn a language is to fully immerse in the culture. There are variety of lessons available through private and public schools. Cities across Japan have a local international center to help visitors learn more.

Ni-ban (2), Adventure: Japan is calling you! Can't you hear it? Japan is a remarkable country of beautiful sights and adventure. If you get tired of looking at the ancient shrines and temples, there is also fantastic mountain climbing and hiking, world renowned snowboarding or skiing, beautiful beaches and the list goes on.

San-ban (3), Citizen Diplomacy: One of the best ways for Japanese citizens to get to know someone from a different country is by taking English lessons. Almost every city in Japan, regardless of its size, has a school that specializes in English. You can easily become an ambassador of your home country in a small but important way as a citizen diplomat.

Yon-ban (4), Professional Training: The most reputable programs that hire teachers to become instructors of English conversation will offer professional training. This type of training can help you to learn a new skill that can help you succeed in your career.

Go-ban (5), Confidence: Becoming a teacher is not a walk in the park. One of the best side benefits of learning how to become a teacher of English in Japan is the amazing sense of confidence it provides. Public speaking will become second nature which is a tremendous asset in any field.

Roku-ban (6), Students: One of the best ways to learn about Japanese culture is from students. No matter the age or the level, Japanese students who study at private language schools are eager to learn more English while sharing about their customs and culture.

Shichi-ban (7), Culture of Friends: Immersing in another culture becomes possible only through helpful friends and neighbors. Fortunately this is never a problem in Japan where many Japanese are eager to make a new friend with a neighbor from around the world. Many teachers make friends with other teachers too who are from around the world.

Hachi-ban (8), Go Global: Japan is on the doorstep of Asia. It is easy to catch a two hour flight or take a short boat ride and end up in Seoul, Hong Kong, or even Vladivostok! Japan has three nation-wide vacation periods where you can take the time to explore and get some exotic stamps in your passport.

Ku-ban (9), Graduate School: If you are a recent grad who is eager to challenge yourself before you head back to grad school, teaching English in Japan is a remarkable way to eventually stand out from the competition on your applications.

Ju-ban (10), International Experience: Every school we visit around the country is talking about preparing their students for the new global economy. The big reason is that the companies that hire their graduates are looking for international experience. There is no better way to learn hands-on how to adapt to a new culture than by teaching English in Japan and to do it yourself!