FAQ

SES Shunan English School is a privately owned company with a large staff of native English speakers from around the world, as well as English-speaking Japanese instructors. We have been providing courses in English and other foreign languages to Japanese students since 1972.
Currently, SES maintains offices in three cities in Yamaguchi Prefecture, with the main office located in Shunan. In addition to classes taught at these offices, SES offers courses in local high schools, colleges, corporate offices, community centers and private homes throughout the area.
SES also provides translation and editing services.

The work schedule for native teachers is approximately 25hours per week, with a maximum of 29 teaching hours per week. Teachers have two consecutive days off each week, either Saturday/Sunday or Sunday/Monday.

Typical Day: Example Schedule

12:00  Group News Class 1 hour
  1:00  Group News Class 1 hour
  2:00  [No Scheduled Lessons]
  3:00  [No Scheduled Lessons]
  4:00  Children’s Class (Team teaching) 30 minutes
  5:00  Private Lesson Children 30 minutes
  6:00  Group Lesson Children (Team teaching) 30 minutes
  7:00  Private Lesson High School Student 1 hour
  8:00  Group business class 1 hour
  9:00  End

SES teachers teach a variety of classes, each one different and context-specific. Typically, a teacher will work with small groups of students in conversation-style classes or one on one. Our students vary from the very young (kindergarten-age and younger) to junior high and high school students, as well as adults of all ages. Children's classes are often team-taught with a member of the Japanese staff, or with a Japanese teacher in the room (in the case of kindergarten classes). Students' motivation for coming to SES also vary. Some of our students are committed to learning English for their exams or careers; for other students, English is a hobby that they enjoy. In addition to these types of classes, an SES teacher can expect to be sent out to teach in one or more of many other locations, including a Japanese school institution (elementary, junior and senior high schools), universities, companies and JSDF (Japan Self-Defense Force) base. As you would expect, all of these organizations have different teaching requirements and expectations.

1) Apartment:
SES will find housing for new teachers prior to arrival in Japan, so there is no need to find housing on your own. While SES does pay the key money and security deposit for the apartment, each teacher will be responsible for paying the monthly rent of the apartment/house he or she will be living in. Rent varies from ¥50,000 - ¥55,000 per month (not including utilities). The apartments are generally unfurnished except for major appliances and furniture (i.e., washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioner, dining table, chairs, and a microwave are typically provided). See illustration below for a typical apartment layout.
(Please note that pets of any kind are not allowed.)

2) Phone/Internet:
There are several network providers. Your monthly bill will depend on the company you select, and whether you choose contract or prepaid conditions. We highly recommend bringing an unlocked phone with you to Japan, as getting just a SIM card is a lot easier than working out how to get an actual phone tied to a contract in Japan.

Recently, there are many smaller companies who offer calling and data, or only data plans that are cheaper than the big Japanese phone companies. Many teachers here use services such as Sakura Mobile. It is completely possible to get by in Japan with only a data cell phone plan, although some services and businesses will require an actual phone number (which you can't get on a data only plan), so please be aware of that and plan around that if opting for a data only plan.
(Please note that teachers must have a cell phone.)
Internet access costs around ¥6,000 - ¥7,000 per month with the phone company. Apartments already have internet installed and have a Wi-Fi router.

3) Car
SES provides company cars for its teachers to use in commuting to class. Each month a flat fee of ¥7,500, which includes car insurance, is charged for personal use of the car.
(Please note that if you plan to drive, an International Driver's Permit is required.)

Shunan is a commercial city of approximately 150,000 people located on the southern coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture, along the "Seto Inland Sea." Shunan is blessed with a bullet train station, so the rest of Japan is highly accessible from here. Yamaguchi Prefecture is located in western Japan and contains many historic sites and beautiful natural locations including islands, beaches, mountains, parks, and caverns. These are within easy reach of Shunan by car or local train. Shunan enjoys a mild climate year-round and is in somewhat of a safe zone from earthquakes and typhoons that trouble the rest of Japan. The nearby cities of Hiroshima and Fukuoka can be reached by car, bus, or bullet train. From here the bullet train takes 20 minutes to get to Hiroshima station and about 1 hour to arrive at Hakata station in Fukuoka.

Q1) I don't speak Japanese; can I still live and work in Japan?

Yes, of course. The majority of our teachers arrive in Japan with no prior knowledge of the Japanese language. Many teachers do decide to study Japanese: either for their own personal development, future goals or just for the challenge. Some understanding of the language is obviously beneficial in day-to-day life, such as ordering food or going to the movies, it is easy enough to get by without it. SES will be happy to assist with any language-related difficulties you may encounter.

Q2) Is it possible for me to be hired by SES if I don't have a university degree?

Unfortunately, no. A bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement for obtaining the necessary permit to work in Japan.

Q3) Is there a problem if I'm from a non-English-speaking country or I'm not a citizen of an English-speaking country?

SES primarily employs native English speakers. However, we do employ teachers from countries where English is a second language in order to meet our students’ demands for other foreign languages. Usually, these teachers are required to be fluent in English.

Q4) I've just graduated, and I have no teaching experience. Can I still teach in Japan?

Yes. If you are a hard-working, well-motivated individual with excellent English ability and you seek a fresh challenge, we would encourage you to apply.

Q5) Are there contracts with SES for less than a year such as summer contracts, internships, or six-month contracts?

No. Under normal circumstances, contracts are for one year.

Q6) How much should I put aside for my flight to Japan?

Of course, it depends on where you will be flying in from and the time of year when you’ll be coming. A good average is about $800-900 USD. We advise that you shop around on various websites or with different travel companies for the best deal.

Q7) My partner and I would both like to teach for SES. Is that possible?

If two positions become vacant at the same time, yes. We welcome couples to apply to SES, although we cannot make any promises that two teaching positions will be available at any one time.

Q8) When do positions begin?

Positions become available when business needs arise. Often it is simply the case that an existing employee fulfills his or her contract and decides to move on.

Q9) Do I have to live in the SES apartment?

No, you do not have to live in the SES apartment. However, you should be aware, if you wish to find your own apartment, that both a deposit and ‘key money’ are required for renting in Japan and they are not cheap.

Q10) What if I have a family emergency or an unexpected (but valid) need to return home?

This is rare, but situations such as these can, and do, happen. In these cases, SES will do all it can to assist the teacher in making the necessary arrangements.

Q11) Is there a limit on how long I can remain in Japan?

SES contracts are initially for one year. However, if a teacher performs well, as SES hopes he or she would, there is no fixed time limit. A teacher may extend their contract for as long as they wish to stay in Japan.

Q12) Who will I be teaching?

You will likely be teaching a whole range of age groups, from the youngest to the oldest, of many differing abilities and requirements. SES teachers teach everybody from very young children and kindergarteners to the retired. We also send teachers to schools, universities, companies, and other classes at different locations.

Q13) What is the average apartment like?

Apartments vary from building to building, but the average apartment layout and size is like the illustration below. Most apartments are located within 4-5 minutes walking distance from the main SES office in Tokuyama.

Q14) Do I need an International Driver’s License to teach at SES?

While it is not necessary to have an International Driver's license, it is encouraged. Furthermore, doing so will allow you the freedom to travel around the city and the surrounding areas. To obtain such a license is generally very easy, though you must do it before you come to Japan. In America, go to AAA. In the UK, you can visit your local post office.

Note: Further details will be provided to a candidate upon application