Frequently Asked Questions

1)About Working at ACC

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about working as an English teacher at ACC.

Familiarizing yourself with these basics will give you a pretty good idea of what you can expect from the job once you arrive in Japan.

Will I receive any training before I start?

Yes, we provide all new teachers with a week or more of training.

This includes an orientation meeting with the head teacher to go over basic ACC teaching methods, the standard curriculum, and school resources, as well as the opportunity to participate in numerous in-class observations of veteran teachers to gain a firsthand look at what actual lessons are like.

You will also have time to familiarize yourself with the various textbooks, flashcards, toys, games, and other teaching materials available at each school for use during classes.

How many hours will I be working every week?

ACC teachers average between 20-25 teaching hours per week, not including preparation or travel times.

You are expected to plan each lesson thoroughly, and for this reason, all teachers are required to arrive at the school at least 30 minutes prior to the start of their first class.

What would a typical daily schedule be like?

While we can't tell you what your exact timetable will be until you get here, a typical schedule on any given day might look like this:

3:30pm-4:00pm – Lesson Preparation
4:00pm-4:30pm – Kids Class
4:35pm-5:05pm – Kids Class
5:10pm-5:40pm – Kids Class
6:00pm-6:30pm – Private Lesson
7:10pm-8:10pm – Junior High Class
8:15pm-9:15pm – Adult Class

Would I have any other duties besides teaching?

Yes, ACC teachers are expected to be team players willing to pitch in whenever necessary.

For example, you might be asked to teach make-up lessons, ticket lessons, or demo lessons from time to time if you have gaps in your schedule, or to help prepare crafts and other materials for use in classes.

Teachers are also required to participate in ACC events such as the Halloween party, or go on school field trips once or twice a year.

In addition, teachers are responsible for writing short progress reports for students in Kinder Kids and Elementary Kids classes twice a year.

How many students are in each class?

All classes are limited to 8 students, but you can expect to have 3-5 students per class on average.

When will my salary be paid?

ACC teachers are paid on the 10th of each month for the previous month's work.

For example, you would be paid on June 10 for all hours worked from May 1 to May 31.

What is the dress code at ACC?

ACC's dress code could best be described as business casual.

Men are expected to wear slacks, collared shirts, and ties, while women are expected to wear dress shirts/blouses and slacks/skirts or dresses.

Conservative attire is required during working hours, so low-cut/revealing blouses, excessively short skirts, and low-slung pants are prohibited.

Similarly, teachers are not permitted to wear jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or sleeveless tops in the classroom.

How long is the commute from my apartment to the school?

We do our best to assign teachers to the school branch nearest their apartments.

As such, your commute will likely be a short 5-10 minute bicycle ride on most days.

In the event that you do have to travel to a different school, you can expect average commute times to range from a 20-minute car ride to a 45-minute train ride.

2) Prior to Departure for Japan

Moving to a foreign country for an extended period of time can be a bit scary, so it's natural to have lots of questions before you leave.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from prospective teachers.

Can ACC pay my way to Japan?

No, all new teachers must arrange for their own transportation to and from Japan.

An ACC representative can pick you up at the airport upon arrival to take you to your apartment, but you are responsible for getting here on your own.

Does ACC provide accommodation for teachers?

Yes, all new teachers have the option of living in a furnished apartment subsidized by the school.

This means you won't have to worry about key money or rental agreements, as we take care of those things for you.

All ACC apartments come with basic furniture (sofa, table, chairs, television, fresh bedding), kitchen appliances, utensils, and a washing machine.

Please note that ACC apartments are shared units, so you will likely be rooming with another teacher.

Rent is around JPY40,000 per person for most apartments, and you are also responsible for all utilities.

Will I have Internet access so I can keep in touch with friends and family back home?

Yes, all ACC schools have a computer that teachers may use for email, web browsing, etc.

We can also help arrange for you to get Internet access at your apartment if you choose to bring a laptop with you from home.

In addition, there are many Internet cafes in the area that cost about JPY500 for 60-90 minutes of access.

Related Information ==> Asahi-net (Internet service provider - ACC recommended)

How much money should I bring with me?

The answer to this question depends on a number of variables, so the best we can do is give you a general guideline.

It's important to bear in mind that salaries are only paid once a month.

Therefore, depending on when you start, it could be 5 weeks or more before you hit your first payday.

In that time, you'll have to pay for food, transportation, entertainment, and incidentals.

Depending on your personal habits (do you drink, smoke, eat steak and lobster dinners, go to movies, etc.), these expenses could run as low as US$75 per week or as high as US$200 or more.

Most teachers find that US$1,000 is a sufficient amount to carry them through the first 4-6 weeks in Japan.