Frequently asked questions

1. What qualifications do I need to apply to Shane?
2. Can I apply if I don't have a degree?
3. What kind of TEFL qualifications do you accept?
4. Can I apply if I don't have a TEFL qualification?
5. What nationalities do you accept?
6. Can I apply if I am not living in the UK?
7. Is there an upper age limit for teachers?
8. I am doing a TEFL course but have not finished yet. Can I apply?
9. How much money will I need to take to Japan?
10. Do I have to pay a fee to Anchor?
11. Do I have to pay any money in advance?
12. What will my apartment be like?
13. Will I have to travel much?
    
14. Will I receive any training or help from Shane in Japan?

_____________________________________________________

1. What qualifications do I need to apply to Shane?
You need a university degree in any subject and a recognized teaching qualification (see below).

2.Can I apply if I don't have a degree?
No. Unfortunately you need a degree to be given a teaching work visa by the Japanese immigration authorities.

3.What kind of TEFL qualifications do you accept?
We accept the RSA CELTA and DELTA, or the Trinity Cert. Tesol. A PGCE may also be acceptable.

4. Can I apply if I don't have a TEFL qualification?
No. Sorry, but a TEFL qualification is an essential requirement for Shane teachers. Why? Simply because Shane has a professional attitude towards teaching and needs professional teachers. No-one would go to an unqualified doctor so why should they have to be taught by an unqualified teacher? The simple but unsurprising fact is that qualified teachers are nearly always better than non-qualified ones. Sadly, in the past, too many people have considered teaching English as an easy way of financing travel to exotic locations, with the travel being far more important than the teaching. This has led to a great drop in teaching standards in Japan. One reason for Shane's success is the confidence customers gain from the company's insistence that all its teachers should be qualified. If you're not qualified please get in touch and we will tell you how to go about obtaining your certificate. It won't take too long (about 1 month) and is 100% guaranteed to drastically improve your teaching.

5. What nationalities do you accept?
We prefer applications from British candidates because we are based in the UK. However, we can also accept applications from Australian, NZ, and South African passport holders.

6. Can I apply if I am not living in the UK?
This may be possible, subject to 5 above. In this case, a telephone interview would be necessary as a first step. Please contact us to find out more.

7.Is there an upper age limit for teachers?

No, but please understand that most teachers are in their 20s and 30s. This may be important when you're considering your social life. However, Shane does have teachers in their 50s!

8. I am doing a TEFL course but have not finished yet. Can I apply?
Certainly. We are happy to accept teachers who are still undergoing training, on the understanding that final acceptance for the post is conditional on passing the course.

9. How much money will I need to take to Japan?

The first three months are tough financially because of the advance payments needed for things like rent, apartment furnishings and other start-up costs. Basically, the more money you can take with you the better. Shane recommends you try to take £800 - £1000. You can survive with less and Shane also offers an interest-free loan to new teachers, but the simple message is that you should take as much as possible.

10. Do I have to pay a fee to Anchor?
No. Our fees are paid by Shane.

11. Do I have to pay any money in advance?
Yes, you will need to pay Anchor for the flight fare in advance. The exact amount can vary but is usually around £400 - 430.

12. What will my apartment be like?
Cramped! It will be a regular Japanese flat of the kind that ordinary single Japanese people would rent. There will be no frills but the basics will be provided such as cooking utensils, washing machine, bedding, heater, bath or shower etc. It won't be shared but will be small since the Japanese are very economical with space. It is quite likely to have a futon rather than a bed, and to have tatami mat flooring.

13. Will I have to travel much?
Unlike some schools Shane tries to keep travelling time within reasonable limits. Each day you will travel to the school you're working at but this school will be within your assigned district. Travel times are usually less than 1 hour although they can be up to 90 minutes on rare occasions. A good average is 45 minutes.

14. Will I receive any training or help from Shane in Japan?
Absolutely. During your first 2 weeks you will be given a full training program focusing on teaching children and on working for Shane generally. You will be assigned to a British Director of Studies who will look after you, supervise you, and attend to any problems and questions you may have. There is an ongoing support system that continues throughout your time with Shane.

[Back to top]