About Aclipse and Employers

1. I do not have any teaching experience. Will that put me at a disadvantage?
2. I don't speak Japanese. Will I be able to communicate with the students when I teach in Japan?
3. Do employers have a dress code?
4. Am I allowed to work other part-time jobs to supplement my income?
   

Teaching

1. What resources are provided for teachers who teach English in Japan?

Visa Requirements

1. What are the visa requirements for Japan?
2. Who pays for my visa and required visa documents?
3. Where is my closest Japanese consulate/embassy?

Money Matters

1. How often am I paid, and how is my salary deposited?
2. Is it possible to send money home?
3. Can I use my debit card overseas?
4. Can I bring my Visa/Mastercard/AMEX card with me?

About Aclipse and Employers

Q1: I do not have any teaching experience. Will that put me at a disadvantage?
A: No prior teaching experience is necessary to teach English abroad. All employers will provide training programs, which are completed in Japan.

Q2: I don’t speak Japanese. Will I be able to communicate with the students when I teach in Japan?
A: Yes. Students are studying in an English-only environment, so when you are teaching English in Japan, you will only speak English during lessons. Students do not speak Japanese in the classroom.

Q3: Do employers have a dress code?
A: Yes. For men: shirt, pants (no jeans), and a tie. For women: business casual, matching the style of the men. Keep in mind that you should also wear comfortable clothing as you will be participating in school activities (like playing tag with kids at recess). You will need to cover up any visible tattoos or piercings (other than ears). Most employers in Japan also discourage unusual hairstyles or hair colors.

Q4: Am I allowed to work other part-time jobs to supplement my income?
A: No. Work visas are sponsored by your employer. Your contract will state that employees are prohibited from securing outside employment.

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Teaching

Q1: What resources are provided for teachers who teach English in Japan?
A: All teachers are provided with training, advice, lesson plans, occasional observation/critiques, and a resource library specifically geared toward helping new teachers find and develop their own teaching methodology.

Visa Requirements

Q1: What are the visa requirements for Japan?
A: You will need the following:

• Copy of your university Bachelor degree
• One set of official transcript (or original diploma) from each of your Bachelor or higher degree(s)
• Two passport photos (color photo, white background)
• Photocopy of your passport (photo page and profile page)
• Copy of other teaching certificates or degrees

Q2: Who pays for my visa and required visa documents?
A: You are responsible for paying the cost of the required visa documents (e.g., transcripts, passport photos, etc.). The employer pays for the visa sponsorship cost in Japan.

Q3: Where is my closest Japanese consulate/embassy?
A: Please refer to the following website:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html

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Money Matters

Q1: How often am I paid, and how is my salary deposited?
A: Salary is paid once a month and will be directly deposited into your Japanese bank account.

Q2: Is it possible to send money home?
A: Several options are available: bank-to-bank transfers, through the post office, and third-party agencies (e.g., Western Union). See:
http://www.aclipse.net/japan/cultural_tips.html#banking for more on banking and sending money home.

Q3: Can I use my debit card overseas?
A: Check the back of your debit card for Plus or Cirrus symbols. International ATMs overseas will accept cards with these symbols – check the symbols above the ATM machine before using!

Q4: Can I bring my Visa/Mastercard/AMEX card with me?
A: Yes. Please remember to contact your bank prior to your departure to inform them you will be traveling overseas. If you do not inform your bank, then it’s possible they will freeze your card to protect you from fraudulent charges.

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