Becoming TEFL qualified and moving to Japan: Erin Leckie’s story

The decision to become TEFL-qualified was kind of a spur-of-the-moment one. During the pandemic, I was still working towards obtaining my degree, but I felt a bit lost. People had lost two whole years of their lives being trapped inside and I decided that I didn’t want to be confined to one place anymore. I grew tired of my life in Scotland.

I was a girl who wanted for nothing the majority of my life, my family always provided me with the things I needed, so I thought it was time that I gained some independence of my own. I had lived with the support of my family for twenty-two years and I felt like I needed to give myself a new challenge and experience. I realised what potential the world offered, and I couldn’t sit and leech off my family anymore. It was time to flee the nest as such.

I completed my 140-hour Premier TEFL course alongside my university work, which was quite a lot of pressure for me. However, the thing I found most useful with the course was that I could take my time familiarising myself with the materials and there was always the option to complete the assessments again if I needed to. I knew that becoming qualified would open up so many teaching opportunities for me. With my new qualification, I could work and travel pretty much anywhere I wanted to.

Teaching abroad was never something that had interested me before. I always pictured myself staying in one area for my whole life. However, as previously mentioned, the situation surrounding COVID-19 had a big impact on my decision to complete the course.

My First TEFL Job – Deciding Where to Go

I had a lot of uncertainty after completing the course. I was inexperienced at teaching and I had never lived in a foreign country before. I had a lot of doubt in my own ability to perform well, as well as worries about becoming independent.

Deciding where I wanted to go first was not easy. There were so many countries that I wanted to visit, so it took me a long time to make a final choice. After a couple of months, I had made up my mind. Japan. The choice to move to Japan took a long time and I researched a lot about the culture and working environment before I decided to move.

One of the main reasons why I chose Japan was due to the safety of the country. I had read other blog posts about the safety of solo women travellers in particular and that really helped make my decision. However, there was still a lot of doubt in my mind about this decision (which a lot of people don’t know) and I knew it wouldn’t be easy. 

This would be my first ever TEFL job and also my first ever full-time job. I had a lot of anxieties about whether or not I had it in me, but I knew that I would never forgive myself if I didn’t at least try. I then took the leap and decided to apply for some jobs online and just see what happened...

Teaching English in Japan

I graduated from university in January of 2022 and by July I was on a plane to Japan. I cannot put into words how excited I was to finally start my solo working and travelling journey. Saying goodbye to all my family and friends back home was very bittersweet. I knew it would be difficult to leave everything behind, but that kind of goodbye isn’t something that you can prepare for, as such.

There are many different opportunities to teach English in Japan and it's very important to research the different organisations and schools before you apply. I chose to work for a conversation school or ‘Eikaiwa” as they are called in Japan. This was a very convenient choice for me as I was not already residing in Japan at that time.

The moving aspect was relatively straightforward, and I had accommodation waiting for me when I arrived. I was already so full of so many emotions that I wanted to limit how much stress I was putting on myself. As a recent graduate at 22, I really wanted my moving process as stress-free as possible.

A typical teaching day for me is relatively straightforward. I usually teach 40-minute lessons to children and adults. Teaching all ages may not be for everyone, but for me, it has greatly enhanced my skills and ability. I have the opportunity to teach different levels and abilities and also meet new people every day. I really enjoy teaching English conversation and I am glad that it was my first TEFL job.

My nerves and doubts vanished within my first week of teaching and I gained more confidence teaching English every day that passed. Many Japanese students struggle to learn English due to the difference in grammar and subtle nuances of the language, but it is very rewarding for me that I have the opportunity to help them build their confidence and knowledge.

Teaching English in Japan is generally a lot of fun. The wages can sometimes be a little low for the effort I put in, however, there are many opportunities to earn a decent wage teaching in Japan. I did not move to Japan to earn money; I chose to move here to experience a new culture and work environment and to expand my horizons a little. I made the decision simply because I wanted to.

Adventure of a lifetime

The experience of living and working in a foreign country has definitely not been smooth sailing all the time. However, I truly have had the most amazing time in Japan so far. I get the opportunity to meet new people every day and develop my teaching skills. On my off days, I get to travel a little and experience more of this wonderful country.

This journey has been one of growth, relearning and adapting to a new environment and I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to take this path. Japan really is such an interesting country and I believe it is a perfect location for young people who want to find themselves. The country is rich with history, art and culture which makes every day a different learning experience. Obtaining this TEFL certificate has allowed me to experience this incredible part of the world.

What’s Next?

Will I stay in Japan? The answer to that question is yes. At least for now anyway. Japan has so many opportunities and I don’t quite feel ready to leave just yet. I am still in my early twenties and I don’t necessarily have to have it all figured out right now. I am happy just experiencing the highs and lows of daily life.

I also wish to make some more time for my more creative passions and see what potential I have in that area too. I’ve recently enjoyed writing more and photography too. These are ways in which I can express myself during a particularly difficult time.

Living abroad can be very daunting and stressful at times, but from my experience, it has been mostly rewarding. I want to continue teaching for now as I really enjoy helping people improve their English.

The world is so wide and thanks to The TEFL Org I have the opportunity to explore it whilst earning money and doing a job I love. Every day is a new adventure, and I can’t wait for the time when I am ready to travel to my next destination.

Feeling inspired by Erin’s story? Take an accredited, high-quality TEFL course with The TEFL Org, and read all about teaching English in Japan !