JAPANESE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Japan has always ranked well in world education, particularly in science and
math. Japan also boasts an adult literacy rate of 99%, a bi-product of a solid
education system.
One might say that Japanese schools provide not only a strong education, but
also life skills essential to preserving Japan’s harmonious society.
As an ALT, you’ll gain access to your own porthole, through which to view
this unique and effective system.
Here’s a breakdown of Japanese school life:
-
Unique to Japan
Students refer to their teachers as sensei, which means ‘teacher.’ The
beginning and end of each class throughout the school day include the
formality of a group bow. -
The lessons
There are six periods in a school day. Junior high school periods are 50
minutes long, while elementary classes are 45 minutes.
There’s usually a 10-minute break between classes, and ALTs team-teach
4 or 5 lessons per day. -
Lunch
School lunch in Japanese elementary and junior high schools is an
important feature of the day. Students eat lunch together in their
classrooms.
Lunches are usually delivered to school from an offsite kitchen.
From there, students work in small groups on a rotating roster to deliver
the food to the classroom, set up the classroom for lunch, and serve each
other.
Observing this as a foreigner, you’ll be amazed by the teamwork! -
Cleaning
Unlike most western schools, Japanese students clean their schools
daily.
This is usually a 30-minute segment built into the school day, where kids
are assigned areas that they must clean.
The home room teacher will check each area, before a small group
ceremonious bow to signify ‘job done.’
It’s a unique system that builds respect for property and teamwork.
Joining in on this activity is a great way to bond with the kids, and
experience the fundamentals of Japanese school life. -
Club activities
Students are also required to join a club activity.
Club activities include baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming,
table tennis, dancing, art, kendo, brass band, and more. As an ALT,
whatever your extra-curricular interest may be, you can get involved in a
club! -
Cram schools
Many students also attend ‘Juku,’ or cram school in the evenings or
weekends.
Japanese education involves many tests, high school and university
entrance exams amongst the most burdensome.
Cram schools are privately run institutions that help students with their
subjects, or test preparation.
With so much emphasis on education as the primary means of securing a
good future, cram schools play an important role in students’ lives.
Japanese students are very busy!
Particularly as they move into junior high school and beyond. As an ALT,
you’ll feel a sense of pride from being an essential part of Japanese school
life.
A TYPICAL DAY AT A JUNIOR HIGH
SCHOOL:
ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN JAPAN
Like most new experiences, forethoughts of living in Japan are usually
surrounded with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
This is understandable, as culturally, Japan is very unique. You can read more
about Japan’s culture here.
Getting settled in Japan does have its challenges, from figuring out how to
flush the toilet, to opening a bank account.
At RCS, we’re here to help you in the process. And, once settled, you’ll notice
that daily life is very similar to any other industrialized society.
First things first, you’ll need a visa to live in Japan. We’ve outlined the
procedure in 7 simple steps below.
GETTING YOUR VISA & SETTLING IN
7 STEPS TO GETTING YOUR VISA AND RESIDENT CARD IN
JAPAN:
To teach English in Japan in the public sector, you’ll need an ‘Instructor’ visa.
The process is detailed and takes up to 3 months. But don’t worry, we’ve got
you covered!
Submit your documents to RCS
01.
We’ll need copies of your passport,university degree, photos, and some other documents.
We send your CoE to you by express post
03.
Pick up your visa
05.
This might be approved the day you submit it, or your Japanese Embassy might need a few days to process it. Either way, once approved, you’ll have your passport with a visa stamp applied and your CoE attached.
Go to your local municipal office
07.
You’ll need to take your passport and resident card to your local office within 2 weeks of arriving in Japan. This is to notify the Ministry of Justice of your address, and have your address details updated on your card.
Get your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
02.
We’ll then apply to the Japanese Immigration Bureau for your CoE. This stage can take 8-12 weeks. We’ll take care of this process.
Apply for your visa in your home city
04.
Submit your CoE, passport, and any other relevant documents to your nearest Japanese Consulate or Embassy. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you know exactly what to take!
Fly to Japan!
06.
Once landed, you’ll meet with an immigration official who will assign you a resident card. Your resident card will show your visa status and expiry (usually it’s 1 year from arrival in Japan, and can be extended).
01.
Submit your documents to RCS
We’ll need copies of your passport, university degree, photos, and some other documents.
02.
Get your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
We’ll then apply to the Japanese
Immigration Bureau for your CoE. This
stage can take 8-12 weeks. We’ll take
care of this process.
03.
We send your CoE to you by express post
04.
Apply for your visa in your home city
Submit your CoE, passport, and any other relevant documents to your nearest Japanese Consulate or Embassy. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you know exactly what to take!
05.
Pick up your visa
This might be approved the day you
submit it, or your Japanese Embassy
might need a few days to process it.
Either way, once approved, you’ll have
your passport with a visa stamp applied
and your CoE attached.
06.
Fly to Japan!
Once landed, you’ll meet with an immigration official who will assign you a resident card. Your resident card will show your visa status and expiry (usually it’s 1 year from arrival in Japan, and can be extended).
07.
Go to your local municipal office
You’ll need to take your passport and resident card to your local office within 2 weeks of arriving in Japan. This is to notify the Ministry of Justice of your address, and have your address details updated on your card.
SETTLING IN:
Whether you’re moving from another part of Japan, or from overseas, finding
your feet isn’t a concern.
We can refer you to English speaking Real Estate companies at any stage to
help you find an apartment.
You might’ve heard about excellent customer service in Japan. Well, finding
an apartment is no exception. Give them your budget, preferred location, and
any requirements, then see how they hustle and get things done!
Other essentials such as setting up phones, internet, and bank accounts are all routine procedures. If you can’t speak any Japanese, our Japanese staff are just a phone call away.
You’ll then be set to explore your new town, organize your apartment, and live out the adventure you’ve been working towards!