Xplore Japan In-Country TEFL + Placement Program

Xplore Japan In-Country TEFL + Placement Program

Location
  • Japan
Length
52+ weeks
Classroom Audience
Pre-School Elementary Middle School High School

Program Details

Classroom Audience
Pre-School Elementary Middle School High School
Apr 12, 2026
Feb 04, 2026
29 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Join Xplore’s In-Country TEFL/TESOL + Placement Program in Japan and secure a guaranteed teaching job, expert support, and lifetime placement opportunities. Earn a globally recognized 120-hour Level 5 TEFL/TESOL certification and start your teaching career with confidence. This program offers a unique alternative to the traditional post-graduate path, while providing you with the chance to make a lasting impact on students' lives and experience the vibrant culture of Japan. Teaching in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a rich cultural heritage, indulge in world-renowned cuisine, and witness the seamless blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. With support every step of the way, this program allows you to immerse yourself in one of the most fascinating countries in the world while shaping your career and personal growth.

Program Highlights

  • Guaranteed Teaching Placement: Xplore guarantees a full-time teaching job in Japan, ensuring a smooth start to your teaching career with secure placement and expert support.
  • Competitive Salary and Benefits: Earn a competitive monthly salary of 215,000 to 250,000 Japanese Yen, providing a comfortable living while teaching abroad. Enjoy financial stability along with the potential for growth during your contract.
  • Comprehensive Visa and Legal Support: Xplore provides full visa and legal working status support, making the process of living and teaching in Japan hassle-free and secure.
  • Immersive Cultural Orientation and Ongoing Learning: Prepare for your role with a one-week culture and language orientation and a 40-hour online cultural foundation course, ensuring you are fully equipped to thrive in a new cultural environment.
  • Lifetime Access to Xplore's Alumni Network: Join a global community of over 7,500 teachers through Xplore’s growing alumni network, offering mentorship, resources, and connections to support your teaching journey.

Video and Photos

Current Teaching Jobs

Program Reviews

4.75 Rating
based on 20 reviews
  • 5 rating 75%
  • 4 rating 25%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Benefits 4
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.6
  • Facilities 4.35
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 20 reviews
Damon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful

I really enjoyed the people I was roomed with and got to know more about them and where they came from. I enjoyed learning about the teachers, Jaime and Tam, and they gave us on top of the purely academic slides of what they are supposed to teach, their own experiences and advice. It was like one of my classmates said, “we can read the slides at home or even overseas, we’re here and paying for their experience in the field.” The staff were all friendly and helpful. I arrived earliest at my apartment and had no wifi. I was running out of my plan and had texted staff to ask what to do. They were at my apartment within an hour and within 2 I had wifi again. They were always quick to respond to questions and understanding about being sick or unable to do something. We also did a lot of fun stuff in the first week with excursions and what not. Plus we got to teach at two actual schools to actual kids to get hands on experience teaching. The literal ONLY complaint I have is that we did essentially all the excursions and culture stuff within the first week. So the next three weeks we did all the coursework and all the deadlines were essentially right on top of each other. I think if we did course work in the first week as well and moved some excursions to the following weeks it would’ve felt more balanced. But I do understand they likely have little choice as they have to juggle the deadlines of multiple places to ensure it runs smoothly. All in all the program was worth it, I got my TESOL and made new friends I can contact while there and learned a lot from the teachers. If you have the money and the will it’s a great opportunity!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
We went to an Izakaya across the street and they had jellyfish on their menu. It was very salt and bizarre to bite into but somehow had a familiar taste? I’ve been trying to think for months about what it is but still haven’t.
Pros
  • Great Staff
  • Quick replies from staff
  • Great Housing
Cons
  • Almost all excursions in first week
42 people found this review helpful.
Tim
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TESOL Japan Course 2025

This course has been an absolute pleasure to participate in. The program staff did a fantastic job insuring our safety and providing us with any crucial information needed while staying in Japan. The activities during orientation week were phenomenal and a great introduction to the course. The facilities we were staying in were similar to university student accommodation but the location was lovely and close to a train station. The course itself was very engaging and rewarding. The course materials can be slightly confusing due to them being generalised for multiple courses in different countries. If someone is considering a career in teaching English as a second language, I highly recommend they partake in this course.

What would you improve about this program?
I would provide the course materials that are relevant for the target country to participants, rather than the general materials that are mostly about Thailand.
Pros
  • Friendly helpful staff
  • Great location
  • Fantastic Orientation
Cons
  • Bare minimum accommodation
  • Confusing course materials
50 people found this review helpful.
Arad
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

More Than Just a Certificate

My time in the TESOL program was, without a doubt, a profoundly positive and transformative experience. It provided me with the perfect blend of professional development and deep cultural immersion, equipping me with both the skills and the confidence to begin my teaching career.

The most immediate benefit is the highly useful and recognized certificate, a credential that opens doors to English teaching positions right across Asia. But the course offered so much more than a piece of paper. The quality of instruction was exceptional. Our teachers were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly supportive, fostering a learning environment that was both challenging and encouraging. This was matched by the wonderful hospitality we received throughout the course, making us feel welcome and valued.

Beyond the core teaching methodology, the program enriched us with lessons in the Japanese language and culture, which added an invaluable layer to the experience and prepared us for life inside and outside the classroom in Japan.

A key strength of the course was the comprehensive training in lesson planning. We learned to create detailed, engaging, and effective lesson plans for a wide spectrum of learners, from young children to adults. This training was so thorough that I now feel equipped to structure a lesson on virtually any subject, a skill that extends far beyond teaching English.

Of course, no experience is without its potential for growth. As a non-native speaker, I feel that a little more targeted support in the job-seeking process would have been the cherry on top. However, this is a minor point in what was otherwise an outstanding program.

The true highlight, and something I will carry with me forever, are the friendships I made. I found a community of like-minded individuals from around the world, and the bonds we formed were a huge part of what made this journey so special.

In summary, I learned a tremendous amount, gained a valuable qualification, and made lifelong friends. It was a truly great experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to teach English abroad.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The great Temples and the parks created around them. and the beautiful history behind them.
Pros
  • A Truly Global and Practical Certification
  • Comprehensive and Transferable Lesson Planning Skills
  • A Holistic Cultural and Social Immersion
Cons
  • Limited Job Placement Support for Non-Native Speakers
  • Surface-Level Local Language Integration
  • Potential for High Pace and Intensity
54 people found this review helpful.
Florence
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Feedback

My experience was great, the team was always ready to listen and guide me. I recieved guidance from the beginning to the end, very easy to work with and delivering exceptional results. To all aspiring teachers please do not hesitate reaching out to Xploreasia. From my demo lessons to sending documents l never felt the heaviness of it because there were people who held my hand and showed me the way. The way Jane responded to my emails was marveling, communication was top notch. I will vote for xploreasia daily.

69 people found this review helpful.
Janet Korkor
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cultural Immersion and Professional Growth During My Time Abroad

During my time as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Japan, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in Japanese culture while contributing to English education in local schools. Living in Sapporo, I worked closely with Japanese teachers and students, helping to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. This experience not only enhanced my teaching skills but also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese work and communication styles.

In addition to my professional role, I had the chance to explore Japan’s rich traditions, from tea ceremonies to festivals, and learn about the country’s fascinating history. Living in Japan taught me to adapt to new environments and strengthened my cross-cultural communication abilities. This experience was incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally, and has left a lasting impact on my approach to teaching and my view of the world.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was the opportunity to act as the Princess in a Japanese stage drama. It was so much fun seeing how the Japanese actors brought humor to the performance. It was also a great experience for me, as it was my first time acting in Japanese and seeing so many Japanese people interested in the drama.
Pros
  • Cultural Immersion: The program allows you to fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture, giving you a deeper understanding of traditions, language, and daily life in Japan.
  • Language Learning: Living and working in Japan offers a unique opportunity to improve your Japanese language skills through everyday interactions, which is a huge advantage for both personal growth and professional development.
  • Career Opportunities: Participating in the program can enhance your resume by demonstrating your adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and international work experience, which can open doors to future job opportunities.
Cons
  • Language Barrier: If you’re not fluent in Japanese, the language barrier can be challenging in both professional and social settings, making it harder to fully integrate and communicate.
  • Homesickness: Being away from home for an extended period can lead to feelings of homesickness, especially if you're far from family and friends, or if the cultural differences are more difficult to adjust to.
  • Work Pressure: Depending on the specific role, some participants may experience high expectations and a busy work schedule, which can be stressful, particularly if you’re adjusting to a new work environment in a different culture.
127 people found this review helpful.
Kitty
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Landed dream job in Japan!

After completing my TEFL prior, I signed up to Xplore in order to help me find a job in Japan. I had the wonderful help of Jane to begin with, and then Amy helped me land a few interviews, and my job! Amy has been a star the whole way through. Xplore have been so helpful, from answering all my questions, to giving me all the information I could possibly need, and genuinely being really excited and supportive of me through this whole journey. I am now a few days off of starting my new job in Japan, and I’m feeling so excited, especially with all of the continued support of the XploreAsia team.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Going to the embassy to collect my Visa! I dressed incredibly smart and was terrified it was going to be rejected if I didn’t look the part and have everything correct. But all I had to do was leave my passport there and hand over the correct forms. Not as scary as I expected.
Pros
  • Landed dream job in dream city
  • Had fantastic support the whole way through
Cons
  • Budget for more than you think! Surprise costs will always pop up when moving abroad
115 people found this review helpful.
Richard
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Xplore Asia

Xplore Asia has been instrumental in helping me achieve a lifelong dream: becoming an English teacher in Japan. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by Japanese culture, through games like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!. My passion for Japan grew further when I studied the Japanese language and culture during a semester in college, which deepened my appreciation for the country. Moving to Japan felt like an impossible dream at times, but Xplore Asia provided the support and guidance I needed to make it a reality.

My journey with Xplore Asia began in February of this year when I registered for their TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. I knew that having a TEFL certification was essential for securing teaching positions in Japan, and I was eager to begin the process. The TEFL course offered by Xplore Asia was thorough and well-structured, equipping me with practical teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and cultural insights that prepared me for my role as a teacher. What stood out most about the course was its balance between theoretical learning and hands-on practice, which gave me the confidence to step into a classroom for the first time.

Throughout the process, Xplore Asia was a consistent source of support. They answered every question I had—whether it was about the logistics of moving abroad, the nuances of Japanese workplace culture, or simply what to pack for my journey. The staff were patient, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that I felt prepared. Moving to another country can feel overwhelming, but knowing I had a team of experts to rely on made the transition much smoother.

After months of preparation, I finally moved to Japan in October. Stepping off the plane was a surreal moment; I couldn’t believe that I was about to begin living and working in a country I had admired for so long. Xplore Asia’s guidance didn’t stop once I arrived—they continued to check in and offer support during my initial weeks of adjustment. They helped me navigate everything from setting up a bank account to understanding the expectations of my employer. Their cultural training sessions were especially helpful, as they provided insights into Japanese customs and traditions, which made it easier for me to connect with my colleagues and students.

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching in Japan has been seeing my student’s enthusiasm for learning English and being able to share my own cultural experiences with them. Xplore Asia played a key role in preparing me for this, not just through the TEFL course but by fostering a sense of confidence and readiness that I carry into the classroom every day.

In conclusion, Xplore Asia has been an incredible partner in helping me achieve my dream of living and working in Japan. Their comprehensive TEFL program, personalized support, and commitment to ensuring their participants succeed set them apart. For anyone considering teaching abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend Xplore Asia. They not only prepare you for the role but also empower you to take on the adventure of a lifetime.

140 people found this review helpful.
Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Extremely Supportive

I had an incredible experience which played a key role in helping me move abroad. The staff were extremely supportive and knowledgeable, guiding me through every step of the process, from expert advice and personalized assistance, to visa applications. From the very beginning, their team was attentive and thorough always one email away answering all my questions & soothing my worries. They were always available to answer questions, even after I had settled in. & they responded very swiftly. Their expertise made the transition smooth, and I felt well-prepared for the challenges of living in Japan. I highly recommend to anyone looking to take the leap and pursue opportunities overseas!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Natto
I disliked it so much I started crying but my friend ate the rest so I didn't have to eat all of it.
But it was a fun experience of me trying something new.
Pros
  • learning about different cultures & the way of life
  • Food
  • Nature & adventure & exploration
Cons
  • Language barrier
139 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers