About the review: Carol Lum-Takahashi completed the 250-hour TESOL Diploma and the Practicum module with OnTESOL. She has been teaching English in Japan for 22 years!
What motivated you to become an ESL teacher?
I first came to Japan on a working holiday visa, so finding a job was secondary to my plan to travel around Asia. However, I soon found work teaching English as a second language. I discovered it was a great way to learn about the culture, get close to Japanese people, work in an international setting, and make a good salary. Starting a career in TEFL in Japan turned out to be a life-changing opportunity.
What are the benefits of teaching English abroad, especially in Japan?
Every day is an adventure. If you can’t speak the local language, you might have some interesting experiences or challenges. Working at an ESL school in Japan, you’ll have a base of friendly foreign co-workers who can help you navigate life abroad. Also, the compensation is very good in Japan. There are a range of teaching jobs available—from private tutoring and corporate classes to university lectures.
Why did you choose to teach English in Japan, and which cities did you work in?
I worked mainly in suburban areas: Machida City in Tokyo, Sagamihara City, and Hachioji City in Kanagawa. I preferred working outside downtown Tokyo since the lifestyle was less hectic. I could ride my bicycle to work, and the local people were very friendly.
How long have you been teaching English in Japan?
I initially planned to only stay for 2 years, but after getting married, having kids, and building a great career teaching ESL, it’s been 22 years! I’ll be coming back to Toronto this March, though, and looking for a job. (Any introductions or help would be much appreciated!)
What are the challenges of working overseas or in this particular country?
Generally speaking, most Japanese people are shy to speak English. If you need help (in English), my advice is to approach a businessperson or university student, since they’ll be the most willing to use English. In school, they’ve studied years of grammar for testing purposes, but don’t have confidence in speaking. This is a challenge when you’re teaching because you might be faced with a very quiet class at first—especially in your first TEFL job in Japan.
What is the standard of living like for TEFL teachers in Japan?
If you’re teaching in Japan, you’ll be able to live simply but comfortably. Eating out is much cheaper than in some major cities in Canada (also, there’s no tipping). Japan is safe, transportation is very reliable, people are warm, and the food is delicious!
How did your TESOL certification help you teach ESL in Japan?
I just finished teaching at 2 universities. This was my second TESOL certification, and having one affiliated with Coventry House International was great for my resume, as it is recognized worldwide. In particular, completing the TESOL practicum was very useful to review teaching techniques and get valuable feedback.
What is/are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned while working overseas?
The greatest lesson might be that your home country is just a plane ride away. You might feel homesick at times, but while you’re overseas—learn and enjoy! This means embracing every aspect of life abroad—both the good and the bad.
How did you go about choosing the school you currently work at? Why did you pick that school over others?
I first started at a language school, moved up to corporate classes, worked at various Japanese companies, taught my own private classes, and finally worked at universities in Japan. If you can get a part-time university position, the salary and the paid vacation time are the most rewarding.
What were some of the concerns you had before working abroad?
To be honest, I didn’t have any.
How has your experience changed or altered your perspective on teaching ESL?
My perspective has not changed. Teaching ESL is about the students, and you’ll get a range of personalities, language levels, and individual learning objectives. Each class will be unique, so being adaptable, getting to understand your students, and using your experience as a teacher will make each class a good learning experience for everyone.
What new things have you learned about teaching ESL since working at this school in this country?
I’ve learned to incorporate more technology into my ESL lessons, whether it be web-based research, video-based lessons, online listening sessions, or student assessments through voice recordings, etc.
What advice would you give someone planning or considering teaching abroad? Would you recommend teaching in your country?
I would highly recommend Japan as a safe and interesting place to teach English abroad. If you want to travel and work, either get a job before coming through a language school, or get a working holiday visa. Teaching in Japan offers great opportunities for professional and personal growth.
👉 Learn more about the TESOL Diploma with Practicum Carol completed.
