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Tamaki TEFL Recruitment (TTR)

Why choose Tamaki TEFL Recruitment (TTR)?

At TTR, we are experienced in teaching English abroad and in teacher recruitment. The Founder, Tomoko Tamaki has personally taught for 5.5 years in Japan, Vietnam and China which brings invaluable advice about her experiences to her teachers! We offer a full service from the initial pre screen stages, interviewing, guidance on visas and pre-departure assistance and more. At TTR, we love what we do and look forward to meeting enthusiastic teachers!

Founded
2015

Reviews

Janaycia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly Recommend TTR!

Moving across the world to teach is a massive milestone, and I honestly don't think I could have done it smoothly without Tomoko. From day one, Tomoko was incredibly organized and patient with all my questions, making sure I felt completely prepared instead of totally overwhelmed by the logistics. She motivated and encouraged me, she also uplifted and that is something I will never forget.

What really made a big difference and what I appreciated is that TTR's support didn't stop once I landed. Even now that I’m settled in and teaching here, Tomoko still checks in regularly just to see how I’m adjusting to daily life. It feels so reassuring to have that kind of support. TTR doesn't just place you and move on, they genuinely care about you as a person. I can't recommend them enough!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My biggest piece of advice is to just ask questions! The paperwork and prep for moving abroad can feel like a lot and very overwhelming, but Tomoko does a great job to make you feel at ease and never makes you feel silly for asking. Also, try to keep an open mind once you land. It is a big adjustment, but knowing you have a recruiter who actually cares and keeps in touch makes the whole transition so much easier.
Pros
  • Excellent step-by-step guidance.
  • Tomoko is very easy to talk to.
Richard
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Miyazaki teaching

Moving to a new country for work is always difficult, from leaving friends and family to working out how to pay for your water bill. Tomoko was amazing from start to finish. The paperwork got on top of me in some spots however she guided me through it all going advice along the way which helped the transition to much smoother than it would have if not for her. I would recommend trt for anyone looking to start a new challenge as the guidance you receive from Tomoko is exceptional. The messages checking everything is going okay may seem small however when you’re jut settling in it’s nice to know someone is checking in on how you’re doing.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Medium rare chicken- from a European this seems crazy.
Ciara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tamaki TEFL Recruitment - Excellence at its Finest!

Where do I begin… Tomoko helped me tremendously throughout the process of securing a teaching job in Japan. I have never experienced such a high level of support during a recruitment process before. She was always available to help, answered all of my questions promptly, and supported me every step of the way. She also secured me a teaching location that I had been looking for beside the coast and I was thrilled when she told me that was where I would be based! I truly cannot thank her enough.

Tomoko consistently went above and beyond. Even while I was on my flight to Japan, she checked in on me and offered advice about what to expect upon arrival and the next steps to take. Having her support during such a major life change brought me so much comfort and reassurance.

Even now, after living in Japan for two months, Tomoko still checks in to see how I’m doing. These thoughtful gestures perfectly reflect TTR’s approach, you genuinely feel cared for and supported, not only during the recruitment process, but even after settling into your new role.

I would highly recommend TTR to anyone who would be looking to teach abroad! Tomoko is so supportive and creates such a smooth experience for such a major life transition. Thank you for everything TTR I will never forget all the help you gave me and how much it benefited me when moving to Japan to teach - an incredible experience so again thank you!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried red bean paste in a pancake for the first time and it was amazing! It’s now my new favourite treat.
Pros
  • Consistent check in’s
  • Easy to follow step by step process to moving and teaching abroad
  • Advice, support and guidance on moving and teaching abroad
Alec
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Would definitely recommend!

I finished my CELTA teaching course in September 2025 and I applied for numerous positions in Japan and South Korea. The interview process I had with Tamaki TEFL recruitment was definitely the most in-depth and I really felt like she was doing what she could to guide me, through the difficult process of moving to Japan, step by step. She was clear from the beginning of the process about the position and this ensured I was able to adapt quickly to life in a new country. I have moved to Japan, I’m still in contact with Tamaki TEFL recruitment, who wants to ensure that all is well with me and that I am settling in well into a new country and culture. To put it simply, she made what could’ve been a daunting experience and challenging process, as seamless and straightforward as possible.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I live in a slightly more rural part of Japan, so there is not a huge amount of information online about the area, so I’m always curious and intrigued about the events that happen in my town/city. So I was not really sure what it would be like before moving here. The scenery here is beautiful and the best thing I did to overcome it was, it sounds simple, but explore. I’m confident but not a massive extrovert, but I think living here certainly forces you to throw yourself into things that I don’t think I would’ve done in the UK.
Pros
  • Swift interview process
  • Any questions I had throughout the process were answered quickly and appropriately
  • The consistent support before moving helps you adjust more when you do arrive in a new clubtry
Christina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TTR is the best!!

Tomoko was just the best! She was so helpful and attentive. She answered all my questions no matter how many I asked. She made the entire process so simple and easy. I truly could not have done it without her help! I definitely recommend TTR for anyone who is looking to teach abroad. She will equip you with the best knowledge before you leave to help your journey. Tomoko still keeps in touch with me to ensure I’m doing well in Japan. The fact that she shows so much care is one of the reasons I would recommend TTR. Thank you for everything :)

Programs

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Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Tomoko Tamaki

Job Title
Founder and International Recruitment Consultant
Tomoko is the founder of TTR - she was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and embarked on her first TEFL journey abroad to teach in Japan! Her initial plan of going abroad for only 1 year, turned into 2 years in Japan, 1 year in Vietnam and 2.5 years in China! She can definitely say that TEFL is the best path she's taken and she now has the privilege to recruit and represent the best teachers and schools!
Tomoko Tamaki

What is your favorite travel memory?

Climbing Mount Fuji, the highest volcano in Japan (3,776 metres to be exact!) With no sleep and very little rest for 24 hours, it was worth it and the views at the top were incredible! You feel on top of the world... until you have to climb back down again! (See photo!)

My first week in Shanghai, I strolled along the waterfronts called The Bund. With stunning views of tall skyscrapers, it's best to go at night! (See photo!)

I went on holiday to a scenic place called Nikko, in Japan. I was surrounded with stunning views of mountains, lakes and I got to experience a Japanese "ryokan", which is a traditional Japanese Inn known for their bamboo floors and outdoor hotsprings! Lush! (See photo!)

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I love what I do and there's nothing short of that! I'm also continually humbled and fortunate to be able to work with incredible teachers and schools. Without passion in my work, I don't think TTR would be where it is now. I've learnt that you have to put in 100% to what's in front of you and also take the time to enjoy yourself!

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I love hearing from our teachers how happy they are and seeing all their photos and stories. We always keep in touch with our teachers to ensure that they're doing well. (Feel free to go on Facebook to Tamaki TEFL Recruitment to see teachers testimonials!). The best feeling is knowing that our teachers are enjoying their time abroad and really living life to its fullest! I also love hearing stories of teachers pushing themselves out of their comfort zone- conquering their fear of heights with steep hikes in the mountains, paragliding or even eating cockroach-skewers!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

That's a tricky question! I love them all!

We have various options available for teachers - whether it's teaching solely a range of young children (2-15 years old), conversational group classes with adult learners or teaching 1-1 business English to adult learners, we have various positions to suit various needs. We will always arrange a brief 20 minute pre screen call first so that we can go through the options and to see if any of the roles is a potential match. If all goes well in the pre screen call, we would discuss arranging the video Skype interview in the near future.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

TTR's unique as we have experience teaching English abroad, so we know what it feels like to leave the comforts and familiarity of home and embark on a completely new adventure. We also get to know our teachers very well and build a strong professional relationship - it's important for us to know that the teachers can come to us at anytime to ask questions and that we offer a lot of pre-departure support.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

We are really passionate about providing the best service for teachers and making the transition abroad as stress-free as possible. It's important for us to get to know our teachers individually and build that trust and rapport. We really want to understand what our teachers are looking for in their ideal jobs and making their dreams a reality. Without that passion and drive, this wouldn't be possible!