Thinking of teaching English in Japan? Discover what it’s like to work at major eikaiwas like Berlitz, AEON, ECC, NOVA, and Shane English School — including salaries, visa support, and work culture.
If you’ve ever thought about teaching English in Japan, chances are you’ve come across names like Berlitz, AEON, ECC, NOVA, or Shane English School. These are what people often call “big eikaiwas,” or English conversation schools, that have been around for decades. They’re known for offering stable jobs, visa sponsorship, and training for new teachers, which makes them a popular choice for anyone starting out in Japan.
Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to work for each one.
Berlitz is probably one of the most famous language schools in the world. They have branches across Europe, America, and Japan. The company is known for its “Berlitz Method,” which focuses on customizing lessons to match the needs of each student and teaching entirely in English.
In Japan, Berlitz offers a starting salary of around ¥281,000 per month for full-time instructors. It’s one of the higher-paying options among eikaiwas, and they provide training and onboarding support, even for teachers coming from overseas. Lessons are usually one-on-one or in small groups, and the students are often professionals or businesspeople.
It’s a great option if you want to work in a structured, international environment, but keep in mind that evening and weekend classes are common since most students work during the day.
AEON (not to be confused with the shopping mall) is another major player in the eikaiwa industry. They have hundreds of branches across Japan, including AEON Kids schools that cater to children.
The starting salary at AEON is about ¥275,000 per month, which is quite competitive. They also offer visa support, housing assistance, and sometimes even a flight allowance for teachers coming from overseas. AEON provides thorough training, so it’s a good fit if you’re new to teaching.
The schedule can be quite packed since classes usually run from afternoon to late evening, and teachers may need to help with school events or promotions. Still, AEON is one of the most organized and reputable eikaiwas in Japan.
ECC (Education through Communication for the Community) has been around for a long time and is another trusted name among English schools in Japan. Their starting salary is around ¥270,000 per month, and like the others, they hire from overseas and provide training.
ECC lessons vary widely, from business English to conversation and children’s classes. Some branches also encourage teachers to use their creativity and add their own ideas to lessons, which gives more flexibility compared to other schools.
If you enjoy teaching a mix of students and want a bit of freedom in how you teach, ECC could be a good match.
NOVA is one of the most recognized eikaiwas in Japan, but it operates differently from the others. They offer two contract types: employee contracts and independent contractor contracts. Employees receive a fixed salary and benefits, while independent contractors are paid per lesson and handle their own taxes, pension, and insurance.
Their average salary is around ¥230,000 per month for employees, which is slightly lower than Berlitz or AEON. However, NOVA has many schools across Japan and offers more flexible scheduling, which can be ideal if you prefer fewer hours or want to live outside big cities.
If you decide to work for NOVA, make sure you understand the details of your contract before signing, especially when it comes to insurance and tax responsibilities.
Shane English School has a slightly different atmosphere. It’s a British-run company that focuses on British English and cultural exchange. Many of their teachers are from the UK, and they emphasize high-quality lessons in smaller class settings.
The salary is usually in the ¥250,000 to ¥270,000 range, and they also offer training and visa sponsorship. The environment tends to be more traditional and formal compared to other schools, which can be appealing if you prefer a more structured classroom style.
Working for an eikaiwa can be a great way to experience Japan while building teaching experience. Most of these companies provide support with visas, housing, and training, which helps new teachers settle in easily. However, teaching hours are often long, and classes usually take place in the afternoons or evenings. Salaries range from ¥250,000 to ¥280,000 per month, depending on the company and location.
If you value structure and stability, Berlitz and AEON are great choices. If flexibility is more important, NOVA might suit you better. ECC and Shane offer something in between, balancing variety and support. Each company has its own culture and teaching style, so the best one for you depends on what kind of work-life balance and classroom environment you want in Japan.
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