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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

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

TTR-Not just a name but an experience.

Tomoko embodies her name- meaning "Friendly child" in Japanese. She is genuine, friendly and passionate about what she does. It has always been a dream of mine to live in Japan, because of Tomoko this dream has become a reality. From day one she has always been reaching out and helping me in all aspects from admin to personal advice with care and confidence. The whole process from visa suppport to arriving in Japan to now settling into my placement area has been seamless. I highly recommend TTR for anyone looking to teach abroad and wants to do it an easy, clear and concise manner.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Enjoy the process-it's not about the destination but enjoying the journey along the way.
Default avatar
Obakeng
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tamaki TEFL Recruitment Exceeded My Expectations

Tomoko has been and continues to be a wonderful, helpful, and attentive presence throughout this major life change. Her care, adaptability, and compassion transformed what could have been a daunting process into one that was both enjoyable and informative. Since moving to Japan, she has consistently checked in on me, showing genuine interest in my adjustment to my new environment and responsibilities—something I’ve been deeply grateful for. Her support has made the transition feel much less overwhelming and far more manageable.

During the interview process, I mentioned my desire to live somewhere with access to nature, a reasonable climate, four distinct seasons, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Learning that I had been placed in Matsumoto City—a place that perfectly blends all of these qualities—brought me immense joy then and continues to do so now.

I commend Tomoko for her professionalism, care, dedication, and kindness. Having her guide me through this entirely new experience has been a godsend, and I would recommend her a hundred times over.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment I've had thus far was my first day of solo-teaching. In the train to my location, I had reached peak fight-or-flight mode and my anxiety was through the roof. I remember doing a bunch of breathing exercises throughout my commute, trying to ease my nerves. Nothing beats exposure therapy though and having completed my first day I was filled with relief and pride for having got through it, and that it wasn't as bad as I had been anticipating it to be. I am now a lot more confident and at peace.
Pros
  • The other trainees I met during my training.
  • The wonderful (generous and kind) people I've met since arriving in Japan.
  • Being charmed everyday by my environment.
Cons
  • The Winter has taken time to acclimate to, but not a con.
  • Earning and spending in Yen, and budgeting accordingly.
  • Me not knowing as much Japanese as I would like to know.
Default avatar
Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TTR Provides the Best Support!

I couldn't have achieved my dream of teaching English in Japan without Tomoko's incredible support! From helping me navigate the visa process to offering invaluable tips for thriving in Japan, she was there every step of the way. Tomoko always responded promptly to my emails and continues to check in with me regularly, even now. Her genuine care and ongoing support have brought me great comfort, especially living so far from friends and family. Knowing I can rely on her if needed makes all the difference. I highly recommend working with TTR!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tomoko! She is incredibly kind, highly knowledgeable, and often helps in ways you didn’t even realize you needed. As someone who tends to be very independent, I used to carry unnecessary stress on my own shoulders when a simple question to Tomoko could have eased the burden.
Pros
  • meeting new people
Cons
  • feeling lonely and missing home
Default avatar
Andrea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Great Opportunity

I found Tamaki TEFL Recruitment when I was searching for programs to let me teach abroad. It gave me a unique opportunity to teach somewhere that wasn't in a normal school. Instead, I have smaller classes and get to avoid rush hour on trains because I do not need to be in the classroom at 7am. I was also able to give my preference of where in Japan I would like to be located and they were able to try and accommodate me.

My recruiter was Tomoko and she was very helpful and kind throughout the entire process. Even after getting to Japan, she would check up to make sure everything was going okay.

I would recommend anyone looking to teach abroad to look into TTR to see if it would be right for you! It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to go abroad because of the support they offer you both before and after you get to the foreign country.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Going into a small cafe while waiting for my time slot at headquarters. It was pouring so I wanted to get out of the rain and it was the closest place in walking distance. It was a cafe run by an older Japanese woman who spoke completely Japanese. It was very nerve wracking to go straight into only Japanese after just barely getting off the plane. Luckily I had been studying Japanese. When I was leaving it w a still raining and she gave me an umbrella as a gift. She was so sweet and made the first day always have a great memory attatched to it.
Pros
  • I'm near the ocean, so the view.
  • All the good I get to eat and try that I wouldn't have been able to in my home country.
  • The people I have met.
Cons
  • The pay is very low in comparison to my home country.
  • The first two weeks of training can be pretty stressful but it isn't a reflection of the actual teaching experience.
  • The initial plane ticket isn't reimbursed.
Default avatar
Rosie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tomoko is so helpful!

I applied for a teaching job through TTR earlier this year. My experience with Tomoko was amazing. From the initial phone call, the interview, VISA process to my arrival in Japan, she has made everything smooth and easy for me. She explained everything about the job so well and was available to answer any questions I had during the recruitment process. I am now placed in Japan and have started my role as an English Teacher! If you’re looking to teach English in Japan I would definitely recommend working with Tomoko!!

Jobs

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!