Job Discussion Forums

[little_kitty]

How difficult is it to start an English school in Japan? Does anyone have any experience or know someone who has opened their own personal school?

I have read about leasing methods like SpeakYourMind, etc. -- what is the success of this avenue?

After some research, it seems one should stay away from a Smith's franchise. Are there any reputable English school franchises?

[Glenski]

If you just want to teach out of your home, just do it. Be careful of landlords who prohibit it, though.

If you want to set up shop in a building, though, you will have to consider rental fees, cleaning, furniture costs/rental, and things a bit more serious like hiring an accountant. Depending on your visa status, you may not be allowed to teach in the school! People on Investor/Business Manager work visas, for example, fall into that category, I believe. To establish a formal business, too, you must have a certain minimum number of employees.

See the SOHO forums at GaijinPot.com for more info.

And, stay away from Smith's.

[saloc]

I started my own school. In terms of red-tape etc it was very easy. But it really depends on a lot of things, not least of which is your visa status. Also, how good is your Japanese? Good enough to deal with phone calls, parents, advertisng etc? Or do you have a Japanese partner with the professional ability to deal with all of these things? Do you need to find new premises? Have you got enough funds to see you through a lean few months as you start out? How much teaching experience do you have? What kind of area are you thinking of opening in?

There are really so many factors involved that it is almost impossible to tell you whether it would be easy or not. If you have an appropriate visa, a school can be started from home very easily, but that's not to say it is easy to make it successful.

If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to try and answer them.

[little_kitty]

Thank you very much for the helpful reply. I do have a Japanese business partner and I have 13 months of teaching in Japan under my belt. You have definitely given me a few more things to think about.