Location
  • Japan
    • Tokyo
    • Akita
    • Fukuoka
    • Kanazawa
    • Kobe
    • Kyoto
    • Nagasaki
    • Naha
    • Okinawa
    • Osaka
    • Sapporo
    • Nagoya
Length
52+ weeks
Classroom Audience
Early Childhood Pre-School Middle School High School

Program Details

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in any field of study
  • Open to citizens from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.
Classroom Audience
Early Childhood Pre-School Middle School High School
Housing
Apartment
Age Min.
21
Age Max
35

Pricing

Salary / Benefits
$1550 to $1900 salary per month
Paid Leave

Some schools provide contract completion bonuses and flight reimbursements but this cannot be guaranteed.
Starting Price
2600
Price Details
** Start 2023 the right way! Get $300 USD off your program fee when you enrol before the end of February!**

We have 2 program options:

- Cultural immersion, support & placement with in-class TESOL course completed in Japan: $2600
- Cultural immersion, support & placement with online TESOL course: $2200
What's Included
Activities Airport Transfers Visa
What's Not Included
Accommodation Airfare Meals Travel Insurance Visa
Feb 09, 2023
Dec 13, 2022
45 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Discover Japan like never before with TravelBud's Paid Teaching Program! With its rich culture, history, technology, and stunning landscapes, Japan has become the world's most popular destination for teaching abroad. And now, with TravelBud, you can experience it all with ease.

Our program includes a cultural immersion course, the option to earn a globally recognized TEFL/TESOL certification, a guaranteed job placement, and 24/7 support. Choose between an in-person course in a beautiful coastal city or our convenient online TEFL program.

Embrace the exciting opportunities and experiences Japan has to offer. From hiking and fashion to art and technology, there's something for everyone. Join TravelBud and discover the best of Japan, while also uncovering new things about yourself. Apply now!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Guaranteed paid teaching job at thoroughly vetted schools with a monthly salary of $1575 to $1900 (USD)
  • Three program options: Full in-class TESOL in Nagoya, Online TEFL with us prior to departure or the Placement Program for those that already hold a certification.
  • In-depth Japanese cultural immersion course - includes 7 hours of Japanese language lessons and awesome excursions to an ancient castle, a history museum, an authentic Japanese cooking class, and more.
  • 24/7 support from the moment you enroll and throughout your placement in Japan.
  • Lifetime Placement Guarantee - after completing your contract in Japan, we'll place you free of charge in as many of our other Teach Abroad destinations as you wish on Program Line A

Current Teaching Jobs

Program Reviews

4.33 Rating
based on 6 reviews
  • 5 rating 33.33%
  • 4 rating 66.67%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Benefits 4.2
  • Support 4.2
  • Fun 3.35
  • Facilities 3.7
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Default avatar
Ifeoma
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Travel Bud Review

If it weren't for Travel Bud, I wouldn't have been able to make it to Japan. They provided a great path for me to achieve my goal of teaching in Japan and I appreciate the program for being able to both certify me in teaching and facilitate my travel here. Given the state of the world in 2021 and having explored other avenues of travel, I can confidently say if it weren't for Travel Bud I wouldn't be living in Japan now. The program is simple, comprehensive, and they offer guaranteed job placement.

Pros
  • Certification Provided
  • Guaranteed Job Placement
  • Simple Steps
Cons
  • Cost is High
  • Limited Countries
  • Limited Guidance
13 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Dear Ifeoma,
We are so appreciative of your positive feedback and incredibly glad that we were able to assist you as you prepared to move to Japan. It has been such a pleasure working with you and we look forward to supporting you and still being here for you every step of the way - hopefully, we can assist you head to your next placement or destination.
If there is ever anything you need, Ifeoma, we’re here for you every step of the way. Thank you again for your review and please stay in touch.
The TravelBud Team :)

Default avatar
Anthony
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Go Overseas Review

My time in Japan has been short but well spent. In requesting this review, I was told to write something unique to me. However, I think what I'm currently experiencing isn't unique to me at all and that's what makes it so great. I've never met more polite people anywhere else in the world. The food is always well prepared and surprisingly cheap. There is a plethora of activities to enjoy yourself with everywhere you go (my favorite is definitely karaoke). And lastly, my job as an ALT is easily the most enjoyable job I've ever had. I think what's wonderful about Japan is that it has something to offer for everyone. I'd be lying if I said there weren't difficulties. Grocery shopping is a pain in the butt, not just because I have trouble interpreting the price tags but also because the food is so different from America that I never know what to cook. Little road bumps like this will be common in anyone's stay here but I am adamant that the pros outweigh the cons.

Pros
  • Rich in history and culture everywhere you go.
  • Always something new and fun to do.
  • The people are very polite and willing to help.
Cons
  • Grocery shopping is very difficult.
  • Public transportation works well here but it's still inconvenient not having a car.
  • Doing anything through city hall is intimidating.
13 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Hi ​Anthony​, Thank you so much for taking the time out of your exciting new life in Japan to share your experience with us. It is wonderful to hear that you are embracing all that the Japanese culture has to offer. With that mindset of embracing and learning (even the very different foods), you will always take so much away from your experience and continue to grow and have adventures, both around Japan and in your own kitchen. We love that you mentioned your time as an ALT Is the most enjoyable job you have had so far, I have no doubt if you are enjoying it then your students are having an equally fruitful experience. Keep embracing the little road bumps and feel free to tag us (@travelbudco) in your kitchen chronicles and adventures in and outside of your classroom :)
Kim

Default avatar
Caryl
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Experience in Japan

The experience was definitely so helpful, especially during the pandemic. I received a lot of support and reassurance from the team and they were very professional and helpful from start to finish! Anytime I had worries or questions, the team will be quick to respond and would make sure to find all possible solutions or remedies. This was especially helpful when borders were still closed and I had to figure out all the paperwork, visa materials, and entry requirements. It felt nice to receive that guidance when everything was still unknown. Coming to Japan was very smooth and I am throughly enjoying my stay!

13 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Hi Caryl,
Wow, the pandemic was certainly a trying time for everyone! We are so thrilled that we were able to provide you with the guidance and support you required to begin the incredible journey of living and Teaching in Japan! Thank you for your tenacity throughout the process, we know it wasn’t easy but by the sounds of it, you’re loving life in Japan which definitely makes it all the more worthwhile! Please keep sending us your stories, we’d love to hear more about all the wild and wonderful things you get up to in Japan!
Thank you again Caryl,
James

Default avatar
Alister
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Always have a backup plan.

Travelling to the other side of the world on a budget can be a daunting task. Before arriving to Japan I was nervous about many things, from what to do at the airport to what I should prepare. I decided to use hire Travelbud to help me get a job and to have my back for living alone in Japan. This company was always supportive and would answer and questions I had. I currently work for Interac in the Kochi prefecture. Interac has helped me get set up and they have regular training and meet up with other English teachers. The teachers here are friendly and often share snacks “omyage” and would guide me in events or activities at the school. While my home is in a very rural area, there is still plenty of shops and restaurants to visit. Overall I am happy with how things turned out. With Interac being a supportive company you might wonder if hiring a team was worth the money, but I still think it is. Travelbud is my backup team if I start to have issues with my current company. While Interac have been nothing but great to me, knowing that if all else fails I can get help and advice from an independent company brings me comfort and security while in a foreign country.

Pros
  • Great support
  • Kind and helpful staff
  • Friendly locals
Cons
  • Rural, about 2.5 hours to a city with many shops.
12 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Dear Alister, it is so lovely to hear about the incredible time you are having in Japan and we’re so happy that you’re teaching in such a caring and supportive environment - the sharing of omiyage speaks volumes to how welcoming and caring your fellow teachers are, what a wonderful way to help a foreign English Teacher settle into their new life.
We are most certainly always here for you, Alister, whether you’d just like to let us know how things are going, ask a question (no question is too big or small), if you need advice, need help or feel ready to move on to your next destination or contract, TravelBud is here to support you with anything and everything.
We hope your time in Japan will move from positive to positive experiences and that you’ll enjoy every moment of your time there, Alister. Thank you for your lovely review and feedback, we appreciated it tremendously.
The TravelBud Team :)

Anthony
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

What you make of it.

I taught in Nagoya, Japan. Being a teacher in America, I was already aware of the joys and struggles of teaching; there would be no shock from the work and pay (or lack thereof). My school was incredibly lacking in proper teaching materials, training, and ethics when it came to aiding students with different needs. It was about money and that's it. The other teachers, however, were kind and knew of the school's faults. I was very lucky to be with teachers who understood what the school was lacking. I built great relationships with the other teachers and can't wait to see them again when I return to Nagoya. My advice to those who go to teach in Japan: be weary of your leaders. Do what you can to make your experience and students happy, but understand that there's only so much you can do. Make connections with those around you and do what you can to appreciate the country and people rather than fixate on the workplace.

Regarding this program, while I wish the school they picked for me was a more qualified one, I appreciated the support and options they gave me. I would definitely return to this program with the current knowledge I hold and ability to differentiate a good school from one that panders to families for money rather than focus on student growth & health.

Pros
  • Understanding of what you want and realistic about your chances of getting it.
  • Flexible and willing to work with you to find the job you want.
  • Consistent communication.
Cons
  • My school did very little to assist teachers with finding teaching materials.
  • School did not listen to teachers' voices to improve school quality.
14 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Dear Anthony, - We first wanted to take a moment to thank you for being such a pleasure to work with throughout your experience teaching abroad. Your professionalism, positive attitude, and passion for education truly made you a wonderful addition to our team of teachers in Japan. Thank you once again for trusting us with your adventure in Japan and we appreciate your feedback tremendously! All the best, Your TravelBud Family

Default avatar
Denise
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Supportive

This program has been supportive and attentive to to your preferences on where you want to reach and how old the students are, although I was limited in choices due to COVID. It does the anxiety inducing work for you in finding a school due to their connections, and having a guaranteed placement is reassuring. Advice I’d give to new travelers is it’s easy to say “anywhere” when moving abroad because it’s exciting, but try to narrow your preferences and the why behind them! I think you’ll be more satisfied if you allow yourself to be more specific and not end up in a place you end up hating.

Pros
  • Guaranteed placement
  • Communication
  • Listens to preferences
Cons
  • A little pricey
  • Lack of social connections and events
14 people found this review helpful.
Response from TravelBud

Denise, we so appreciate your review and the feedback you have left. The choices were indeed limited due to Covid, but we are so happy that the team was supportive and attentive throughout your process.
Your advice to future teachers is very wise and I am sure it will help many teachers who are planning on enrolling to teach abroad. Research is always key and aiming to end up in a location where you know you’ll be happy is an excellent step in the direction of settling into your new life with ease.
We are always here if you’re ready to move on to your next location, Denise - remember you have your lifetime of placement guarantees with TravelBud and we’re always here and ready to help.
Stay well and thank you again, Denise.
The TravelBud Team :)

Questions & Answers

Hi Lexis! Thanks for your question! All you need to apply is to have a bachelor's degree in any field of study and be a citizen of one of the following countries: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.