Question

• What are the requirements to become a Gaba Instructor?

  You must speak, read and write English at a level equivalent to a native speaker. Furthermore, you must be eligible to work in Japan and be proficient with a computer. Parts of every lesson involve using computers which run on Gaba's proprietary operating system.

• Do I need a university degree to teach at Gaba?

  You do not need a degree to teach at Gaba if you possess a valid working visa. If you do not have a valid working visa, be aware that some visa types (including that which Gaba can offer) require a completed Bachelor's degree as one of the eligibility requirements. In general, due to the competitive nature of the application process, university graduates have an advantage.

• How do I know if I am eligible to work in Japan?

  Eligibility requirements vary by country of origin and visa type. Please follow the link to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website for more information.

• What should I do to prepare for an interview with Gaba?

  You should follow the standard protocol you would when going for any other type of interview. Dress and act professionally and be prepared to answer questions about your education, experience, and motivation.

• Does Gaba sponsor visas?

  Yes, visa sponsorship is available for qualified applicants. Gaba can offer the Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa. Do be aware, however, that the visa sponsorship process can take as long as three months, during which time the applicant is ineligible to teach. Only when the visa has been obtained can work commence. See "What is a Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa?" below for more details on this particular status.

• What is a Working Holiday visa? Will it limit the number of hours that I can work?

  Working holiday visas are available to citizens of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Applicants apply for the visa themselves. It is valid for up to a year (18 months for Australians) and it is usually issued in 2 to 8 weeks. Applicants without a degree may still qualify for a working holiday visa. These visas are intended for people who are primarily on an extended vacation, but there are no restrictions on the number of hours that you can work. Working holiday applicants outside Japan should apply to Gaba 2 to 4 months prior to their intended arrival date. For applicants keen on coming to Japan as soon as possible, this is the recommended visa. For more information, please visit the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Qualified applicants who wish to remain in Japan beyond the duration of their working holiday can apply to change their visa status. Gaba can offer what is called a Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa.

• What is a Specialist in Humanities / International Services visa?

  The Specialist in Humanities visa is commonly held by language teachers working with private enterprises. It is different from the Instructor visa which is issued to teachers working at public institutions such as junior and senior high schools. Applicants need a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university where instruction was in English (the degree can be in any discipline). Alternatively, three years of full-time, verifiable English as a Second Language teaching experience is acceptable. This visa is valid for 1 to 3 years and is renewable. Applicants outside Japan should apply to Gaba 3 to 5 months before their intended arrival date.

• I am eligible for a Working Holiday visa but I would rather get the visa sponsored by Gaba. Is this acceptable?

  If you are eligible for a Working Holiday visa then we recommend you pursue this option first. The visa sponsorship process is more involved and the requirements more stringent. Gaba reserves the right to offer visa sponsorship to eligible applicants.

• What is a work permit? Isn't that the same as my visa?

  Certain visas require a second, associated document before the holder can legally be allowed to teach at Gaba. This work permit is issued separately from the visa and may require the Gaba's endorsement when apply to the Immigration Bureau. Work permits often have set restrictions on the number of hours per week that the holder can work. For example, holders of Dependent visas require a work permit which allows a maximum of 28 hours of work a week. Please see visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information on work permits.

• I have an Instructor visa. Am I eligible to teach with Gaba?

  Both the Instructor and Professor visas require Gaba endorsed work permits if the holder is to teach with Gaba. The limit imposed is 28 hours of teaching per week. Furthermore, both visa and work permit are only valid if the holder is actively teaching with the original sponsor of the visa. Gaba requires proof of a valid contract with the visa sponsor as well as a letter of permission stating the sponsor's consent to teach with Gaba. The work permit application process usually takes 2 to 6 weeks. Successful applicants can only begin teaching upon obtaining the work permit. If the applicant no longer works for their visa sponsor, they are ineligible to teach with Gaba. Such applicants would need to request visa sponsorship.

• I am in my final year of university and would like to experience life in Japan after graduation. When is the best time to apply?

  If you qualify for a Working Holiday visa, we encourage you to apply 2 to 4 months prior to your intended arrival date. If you require visa sponsorship, we ask that you apply in the month of graduation. While you may be eager to apply further in advance in hopes getting to Japan sooner, you must be able to produce your actual degree as part of the visa application process. Japan's Immigration Bureau requires physical proof in the form of the degree itself. In our experience, applying any earlier than your month of graduation would not expedite your arrival because you would not yet have possession of your degree when needed.

• I am in Japan on vacation but will be leaving soon. I am not seeking work immediately but would like to apply for the future. What should I do?

  If you will be visiting Japan or are already here on vacation and are planning to return home while your visa is being processed, please feel free to apply. If you meet the criteria we may invite you to an interview.

• How long is a Gaba contract?

  We offer a 6 month extendable contract.

• Can I just come to Gaba and work for a month?

  No, we ask that you be able to complete at least one six-month contract term.

• I don't have any teaching experience. Am I eligible to work at Gaba?

  Prior teaching experience is not a requirement to apply. Naturally, those with relevant experience will have a competitive advantage.

• What sort of training is available?

  Gaba offers a comprehensive certification program for all instructors. It begins with three-day Initial Certification and is reinforced over the first contract period with Follow-up Certification. Additionally, optional Developmental Certification is available to all at any time.

• Who will I be teaching?

  Instructors must be prepared to teach any of Gaba's clients. Purpose of study varies greatly among them, but can be summarized into three categories: study for business purposes, for preparatory purposes (in advance of English certification or university entrance examinations), or for hobby / travel purposes. The proportion of each category of clients at any given Learning Studio depends primarily on the studio's location. For example, the Tokyo and Shinagawa studios primarily have business clients who want to study in the evenings or on weekends. Other studios have more diverse clientele, including homemakers and students.

• Do I have to teach children?

  No. At present, children represent a small proportion of all clients and the Gaba Kids program is only offered at select Learning Studios. While willingness to teach children will be considered favorably and prior experience is advantageous, it is not a strict requirement. Periodically, Gaba will recruit for children's instructors in which case the job posting will specify this. Naturally, it is then the applicant's decision whether or not to apply.

• Does Gaba have a dress code for its instructors?

  Yes, all instructors are required to wear a dark business suit whenever on Gaba premises.

• When is the best time to teach lessons at Gaba?

  Most clients work during the day. Therefore, they tend to take weekday lessons early in the morning or after 5pm in the evening. Weekends are always busy. Holidays, too, are a popular time.

• I want to work from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Is this possible?

  While it is not impossible, it would be extremely difficult to teach a consistent schedule at these times, particularly for a new instructor. The vast majority of our clients are working professionals who are simply unavailable to take lessons during the typical work hours of 9am to 5pm.

• Will I be able to fill up the majority of my schedule as a new instructor?

  New instructors can expect to teach around 65% of the lessons they make available in their first full month with Gaba. Clients choose their instructor, so new instructors must allow time to build up a set of regulars. Statistics also suggest that it takes about four months to fully settle in as a Gaba instructor. Come month five, new instructors are indistinguishable from veterans in terms of key performance indicators. It is advisable to have a pattern to your availability as teaching at the same times regularly allows clients who have enjoyed your lessons previously to book you again. Also, teaching peak times (evenings and weekends) helps you to keep your schedule full.

• Can I choose which Learning Studio I teach from?

  Yes, provided you state your preference clearly at the time of application. Instructors are placed as needed with careful consideration to lesson supply and demand. Therefore, if there is only one location where you would like to teach, then it may be necessary to wait until a position comes available. Furthermore, the application process would be all the more competitive.

• Does Gaba pay for transportation?

  We do not pay for transportation. In consideration for this expense, an instructor's "home LS" is always within reasonable commuting distance of his / her home station.

• If I move to another area, can I teach at a studio that is closer to me?

  Yes, this is possible. You should speak to the Instructor Support Leader of your current studio to make arrangements. Changes to your "home LS" are considered based on lesson availability at the requested studio and any other pending requests. The earlier you give notice, the more quickly your request can be accommodated.

• How do I get my Residence Card?

  For those coming to Japan with a visa sponsored by Gaba, you will be issued your Residence Card at the airport upon arrival. If you apply for your visa or change your status from within Japan, you will need to visit your local Immigration Bureau office for issuance of your Residence Card.

• How and when do I get paid?

  Payment is made for all services rendered in a given month on the 25th of the following month. For example, all lessons taught in the month of May are paid for on June 25th. The method is direct bank transfer to the instructor's preferred Japanese account (Note: Gaba cannot remit payment to foreign accounts). Should the 25th fall on a bank holiday, payment is made the previous business day.

• Is it necessary to have a Japanese bank account?

  Yes, it is necessary to have a Japanese bank account in your name. Japan Post accounts are acceptable if configured to accept electronic transfers from other banks.

• How do I open a Japanese bank account?

  You will need to have your Japanese Alien Registration Card to open a bank account. If you have only just applied for it, then the receipt issued along with a Certificate of Registered Matters (Torokugenhyoukisaijiko Shomesho) will suffice. The latter can be obtained at your city or ward office the same time you apply for your Alien Registration Card.

• Does Gaba do my taxes?

  We do not do your taxes but we do provide the needed documents to complete them yourself. If you are a former instructor and need your tax statement, please contact Gaba Instructor Administration at instructor-contracts@gaba.co.jp.

• Do I have to enroll in Japanese government health insurance?

  Residents of Japan are required by law to enroll in government-sponsored health insurance. The only exceptions are foreign residents with working holiday status or those covered by the SOFA. Although not a strict requirement to apply as an instructor, all instructors are encouraged to enroll. As a proactive measure, proof of enrollment in government-sponsored health insurance is requested from all instructors seeking Gaba as their visa sponsor as of January 1st, 2010. NOTE: for those enrolled through a spouse or partner, it is important to be aware of possible income limits. Exceeding the limit may result in increased premiums.
  *"Status of Forces Agreement" rules covering persons affiliated with the US Military

• Does Gaba provide housing?

  We do not have instructor housing but we can provide information to help you find a suitable place to live. For more details, look to the Accommodations page of this website.

• How much money should I bring to Japan?

  The Japanese Government recommends that people arriving in Japan bring a minimum of 350,000 yen. This amount should be in addition to any moving costs (fees associated with rental agreements, etc.) and airfare. Please also keep in mind that if you arrive in the middle of the month, you will not receive a full paycheck on the 25th of the following month, and in that case, you should bring enough to cover 3 months (i.e. If you arrive mid-January, you would be paid for the lessons that you taught in January on February 25th, and you would receive your first full paycheck on March 25th).

• I applied recently but I have not been contacted yet. Why?

  After you have completed the application process as outlined on the website, you will receive some form of confirmation. Generally, applicants are notified by email, but we often contact qualified applicants directly by telephone. If you have been without a response for over 10 business days, please contact: recruiting@gaba.co.jp.