FAQ

Please click on any category below to view questions and answers.


Applying

Can I apply from outside of Japan?

We do not usually hire applicants based outside of Japan, however when planning our recruitment needs for the start of the school year in the spring, we will also consider applications made from outside of Japan. Planning for the beginning of the school year starts around November with available positions being listed on our job site. However, even for overseas applicants, interviews will take place in Japan.

Do Kohgakusha conduct interviews by Skype?

Currently we do not conduct interviews via Skype. We still believe that it’s very important to meet face to face when making hiring decisions. This helps us to make an informed decision and lets candidates visit a school location to get a feel for how we operate.

What is the structure of the interview?

The interview will be a regular question and answer interview. Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a short activity to teach a given piece of target language. We also ask candidates to fill out a short questionnaire during the interview.

When are teaching positions available?

Positions are generally available in the spring (February/March) or fall (August/September) in line with the start of school semesters. During the year openings may become available depending on our business needs. Current job openings will be listed on the Current Job page.

Can I choose the location and division in which I will be placed?

During the interview, candidates will be asked to give their preference. Although this will be considered, we reserve the right to assign them to a division and location that meets our business needs. The candidate may accept or decline the position offered. In the case a successful candidate rejects the offered position, we will hold their application until an assignment that matches their preference becomes available.

Visa

Is working visa sponsorship available?

Visa sponsorship is available for those filling full-time positions. However, please be aware that applicants without a bachelors degree or at least three years of working experience will not fulfill the sponsorship requirements. When an employee is being hired from overseas, we will do our best to make the immigration process as smooth as possible.

Housing

Can Kohgakusha help in the relocation process?

The human relations department can assist in finding semi-furnished housing in Japan.
We can offer either an apartment at our own residence in Kanagawa based on availability, or work together with a real estate company. In the case that an applicant wishes to use the real estate company, we will discuss factors such as the desired area and rent, while we proceed with making arrangements. The company will also help with starting up procedures for electric and gas services. Key money (a non-refundable gift to the landlord) or a deposit is not required.

Can I live with a roommate or family?

A typical company apartment is not big enough to accommodate two people. However, employees are free to look for larger living quarters. In this case, the company can only provide guidance.

Contract

Are contracts only for one year?

Yes. All contracts are evaluated at the end of the contract year. If the company and the individual agree, the instructor can renew their contract. There is no limit to the number of years an instructor can stay with our company. We warmly welcome all returning instructors.
*After the initial one-year contract, a shorter contract may be required to bring the employee’s next contract date in line with the company’s contract renewal period. In this case, the following contract would be for a year.

Is it possible to convert to an indefinite contract?

Yes. Employees who have been employed with us for over 5 years and who wish to convert are able to do so.

Training/Teaching

Do I teach at just one school?

It depends on the division. Instructors in the PEG Division are usually assigned to only one school. Instructors in other divisions may travel to 3 or 4 different schools or kindergartens. Please refer to the Our Schools page.

What are the working hours? Is there overtime?

Full-time instructors work 35 hours a week. Instructors may work overtime hours beyond their designated work schedule depending on school needs. In the case an instructor works more hours than their scheduled amount, an overtime allowance will be added to their regular salary.

How are instructors expected to dress in the classroom?

Instructors are not required to wear suits while teaching. Clothing may be casual but must be presentable in class. Employees working at PEG wear a company polo shirt. During company seminars and special events, instructors must dress formally.

Do I need to be able to speak Japanese?

No. We expect instructors to only speak English in the classroom. However, we do hope employees will take advantage of this opportunity to learn Japanese and use the offered language allowance. Since most of our staff speak English, instructors can work comfortably without needing to speak Japanese. Moreover, all of our schools are located in major cities or urban areas meaning that most people can get by without speaking Japanese. For those sincerely interested in learning the language, living in Japan will provide many opportunities and challenges. It is up to the individual to determine how much they want to get from their experience in Japan.

Is there the possibility of career progression at Kohgakusha?

There are positions available where instructors take on greater responsibility and assist in curriculum development, training, recruitment and staff management. Staff members who show themselves to be highly motivated and have a desire to shoulder further responsibility will be encouraged to take leading roles.

What kind of teaching method and materials are used to teach?

Instructors teach English using varied methods and activities founded on a basic curriculum; however, since we engage with young students and offer a number of fun activities such as games, songs & dances, we believe that there should be a certain amount of flexibility within our curriculum. This allows instructors to adjust their teaching style to best suit each situation and class. This means that we, as a team, make a continual effort to develop an ever better curriculum and materials.

What kind of teaching method and materials are used to teach?

Instructors teach English using varied methods and activities founded on a basic curriculum; however, since we engage with young students and offer a number of fun activities such as games, songs & dances, we believe that there should be a certain amount of flexibility within our curriculum. This allows instructors to adjust their teaching style to best suit each situation and class. This means that we, as a team, make a continual effort to develop an ever better curriculum and materials.

How do you evaluate students’ performance?

Parents are eager to find out about how their children’s English language abilities are developing. We believe it is an important responsibility for instructors to establish a good relationship with the students, their parents, and their teachers. We evaluate students’ performance, write progress reports, and keep their parents up to date with their progress. Instructors also consult with school administrators to determine appropriate classes for students based on their performance.

What can you tell me about training?

New hires will observe lessons and receive training during the first week to ten days of being hired. They will be able to approach senior instructors for advice whenever it’s needed even after they begin teaching. We also hold a English Instructors Training Seminar twice a year where all English instructors gather to share ideas, work through problems together, and learn about the company’s future plans.

Others

Do you provide Japanese lessons?

We provide an allowance for Japanese language education. However, it is the responsibility of the instructor to find their own school. We can offer recommended schools, but most schools will be accepted for this Japanese language education aid system as long as the required conditions are satisfied.

Can I work for other organizations while employed with Kohgakusha?

Full-time employees may not. They work exclusively for Kohgakusha and commitments to other organizations are not permitted during the contract period.