Teaching On Berlitz Japan: What You Need To Know

With the plethora of online platforms offering English language lessons to learners, and teaching positions to English teachers and tutors, it is difficult to know which online teaching companies are legit.

We’re going to get to the bottom of this by asking those who know best: the teachers themselves. 

In this series, we’ll talk to teachers currently teaching online in 2025 and ask them the important questions.

Meet Abigail, a Berlitz Japan tutor

Hello! My name is Abigail Mendes, and I am a 25-year-old enthusiastic English teacher holding a Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. My primary goal is to foster an engaging and supportive learning environment where students feel confident, motivated, and excited to continue their language-learning journey.

Why did you choose Berlitz Japan?

When I began exploring opportunities in online teaching, I wanted more than just a job—I was looking for a platform that aligned with my values and teaching goals. 

Berlitz Japan stood out immediately. 

“Its reputation for high-quality language instruction and a strong educational framework structure gave me confidence that I’d be joining a well-established institution.”

What truly drew me in was the platform’s approach to inclusivity and personalisation. I’ve always been passionate about helping students achieve their language goals, and Berlitz’s focus is exactly that. 

Additionally, the opportunity to connect with only Japanese students, who are highly motivated and eager to learn, made the decision even more exciting. 

The practical benefits were just as compelling. 

With guaranteed work hours, I knew I could count on financial stability while still enjoying a structured shorter-than-a-nine-hour-a-day schedule. This balance, combined with comprehensive training and support, made Berlitz Japan the perfect choice for me.

How long have you been teaching on Berlitz Japan and what’s your experience so far?

I’ve been teaching Japanese students on Berlitz Japan for six months. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. Working with Japanese learners has been a unique experience that has deepened my appreciation for their dedication and eagerness to learn.

The platform uses Zoom for all lessons. The Zoom tools make it easy to design engaging and interactive lessons tailored to the specific needs of Japanese students. Each class feels purposeful, as the learners are highly motivated and focused on improving their English proficiency.

These past six months have reaffirmed my passion for teaching. 

“Being able to contribute to my students’ growth and success has been a truly fulfilling experience, and I’m proud to have been part of their learning journey.”

How easy was it to start teaching on Berlitz Japan?

Embarking on my journey with Berlitz Japan was a very intricate but user-friendly experience. I was recruited by a company contracted to Berlitz Japan. The selection process involved two interviews before I was offered a spot in their training program. 

The application requires the following:

– TEFL qualification

– Matric (High school) certification

– Fibre internet connection

– Laptop

– Headset

– Webcam

– UPS (back-up power)

Once accepted, I underwent an intensive five-day training program to equip me with the knowledge I needed to succeed on the platform. The training covered lesson structures, teaching methodologies, and effective use of interactive tools. 

At the end of the training, I completed a demo lesson, which was the final step before full acceptance onto the platform. Following my successful demo, I awaited my login credentials—an approximate two-week process. 

When I finally started my first shift, nerves were inevitable. However, the comprehensive training ensured I was well-prepared, and once I applied the techniques I had learned, the teaching process felt natural and enjoyable.

What happens in a Berlitz lesson?

First of all, the teacher records the lesson from beginning to end. This step ensures that both the instructor and the teacher have access to a complete record of the session for reference or review, if needed.

Once recording is initiated, the lesson is conducted according to the structured methods taught during training. Following this framework maintains consistency and ensures lessons are delivered effectively, tailored to the unique goals of each student.

At the start of each lesson, I ask warm-up questions to understand their goals for the session, which helps me personalise the experience. Some lessons are new, while others may be repeat sessions.

After the lesson, teachers are required to submit a lesson report.

This report includes important details such as:

• the unit covered during the session,
• the lesson goal agreed upon with the student,
• the student’s attendance status—whether they were present, absent, or arrived late, and
• whether the student completed their homework before the session.

If a student completes an entire level during our lesson, I wrap up by filling out a progress report, which is usually done at the end of my shift. This involves rating the student’s performance and leaving personalised feedback. The progress report takes about 5 minutes to complete and submit. 

This streamlined process not only tracks student progress but supports teachers in delivering high-quality lessons consistently. 

Does Berlitz allocate students to you or do the students choose the teacher?

One of the standout benefits of teaching on Berlitz Japan is the automatic student allocation system. 

For the entire duration of my shift, I am consistently assigned students, eliminating any uncertainty about class bookings or earnings. This provides a sense of security.

The structured scheduling allows teachers to focus entirely on delivering quality lessons, rather than dealing with the logistical challenges of filling classes, which can be daunting.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My shifts run from midnight (00:00) to 04:30AM (South African time).

7:00AM – 11.30AM Japanese time

Before my shift begins, I take a few minutes to review the pre-prepared lesson materials provided by Berlitz. These resources are incredibly detailed and user-friendly, ensuring I have everything I need to deliver engaging and effective lessons. Each lesson takes about 10–15 minutes to prepare, so I always feel ready to start my shift.

I typically teach six one-on-one lessons, each lasting about 40 minutes. With all lessons conducted on a one-on-one basis, there are no group sessions, enabling a focused and individualised learning environment. Between lessons, I take a brief moment to reset, review any notes, and prepare for the next student. 

Despite the late hours, the structured nature of my shifts and the dedication of my students make the experience incredibly rewarding. Each interaction is unique and meaningful, and it’s inspiring to see how eager and determined Japanese students are to improve their English skills.

Who are your students?

Teaching on Berlitz Japan has given me the opportunity to work exclusively with Japanese students across various age groups—excluding children—and at diverse proficiency levels, ranging from Beginner to Advanced. 

Each shift introduces me to a variety of students, though it’s not uncommon to encounter repeat learners. When students enjoy a class, they may request to be taught by the same instructor again, fostering a sense of continuity and rapport. 

What I’ve enjoyed most is the opportunity to connect with students from diverse industries and backgrounds in Japan. Their commitment to learning has encouraged me to continually refine my teaching methods, ensuring that every lesson is meaningful and effective.

What are Japanese students like?

Japanese learners bring a unique combination of dedication, enthusiasm, and curiosity to each lesson, making them an absolute delight to teach. But it can be daunting if you haven’t prepared for your lessons.

Most Berlitz adult students are elite business professionals aiming to enhance their English skills for personal and professional growth. Their commitment to mastering English stems from both personal and career aspirations, whether it’s improving communication skills for global networking or excelling in their professional roles to advance their careers.

“Their eagerness to learn and willingness to ask questions make each session engaging and rewarding.”

What stands out most to me is their seriousness and respect for the learning process. Japanese students are highly motivated and come to lessons prepared to engage fully. They ask thoughtful questions, seek clarification when needed, and genuinely care about understanding each concept. 

This makes my role as a teacher even more rewarding, as I feel that every lesson has a tangible impact on their growth.

All Japanese students have a clear goal, which is achieved by the end of the lesson. If their goal is not achieved, they would feel like they have not learned anything.

How does the student feedback system work?

The student feedback system on Berlitz Japan fosters transparency and continuous improvement. It allows students to provide detailed reviews of their lessons, sharing their thoughts and feelings about their experience during the lesson. 

Feedback is entirely optional, enabling students to express their satisfaction or highlight areas for improvement. Japanese students feel when they leave feedback they are helping you to improve as a teacher – whether it is positive or negative.

Positive feedback is often a reflection of students achieving their lesson goals and enjoying the overall learning experience. Conversely, negative feedback may arise if students encounter aspects of the lesson that they did not appreciate. 

While individual feedback does not directly affect lesson bookings, repeated negative feedback from multiple students may prompt an assessment of the lessons to identify and address any underlying issues. In cases of negative feedback, teachers are asked to review the lesson recording and complete a detailed questionnaire about it. This process provides clarity and encourages reflection. 

To support teachers further, Berlitz Japan offers coaching opportunities to help resolve challenges and ensure teaching excellence. 

What other support does Berlitz Japan offer teachers?

Berlitz Japan provides exceptional training and resources that have supported me in understanding Japanese culture and the unique learning styles of my students. These tools have allowed me to adapt my approach, making the lessons more relevant and impactful for learners.

Berlitz Japan provides its teachers with numerous opportunities for professional growth. The platform emphasises teacher development through continuous assistance and specialised workshops. 

These upskilling workshops are particularly valuable, offering insights into Japanese culture and the diverse profiles of students. By gaining this understanding, teachers are better equipped to tailor lessons and adapt their teaching methods to meet individual learning needs effectively.

In addition to cultural and pedagogical training, teachers receive ample guidance on lesson planning and execution. The support system is designed to empower teachers, ensuring they are confident and well-prepared to deliver high-quality lessons consistently. 

Whether it’s refining teaching techniques or gaining deeper knowledge of student goals, Berlitz Japan fosters an environment that encourages growth and excellence in education.

Have you experienced any technical issues with teaching online or Berlitz Japan?

In my time teaching on Berlitz Japan, I haven’t encountered any technical issues.

The platform offers robust online technical support to promptly address any challenges that may arise during lessons or shifts. The support team is highly responsive and hands-on, ensuring minimal disruptions and a smooth teaching experience.

Living in South Africa, I must account for the scheduled load shedding outages that occur periodically. To mitigate these disruptions, teachers are required to have their own uninterruptible power supply (UPS) back-up systems in place. This ensures that power outages do not interfere with teaching or lesson delivery.

With the combination of reliable technical support and proactive measures like the UPS backup, Berlitz Japan has created a system where teachers can focus on their lessons without worrying about potential technical interruptions.

What is the pay structure?

A massive advantage of teaching on Berlitz Japan is the structured and consistent work schedule. 

My contract allows me to work from Monday through Friday, with four and a half-hour shifts daily—providing a balanced workload without the demands of a full nine-hour-a-day job.

The compensation is based on an hourly rate, with additional opportunities to earn through bonuses and incentives. For nightshifts, which was my usual schedule, you get a nightshift allowance. 

Abigail earns R85 an hour + nightshift allowances on Berlitz Japan. She also works on Open English.

These rewards make it possible to increase earnings beyond the base pay, creating an even more appealing financial outlook for teachers. Teachers also have the option to extend their shifts, further maximizing their income potential.

On public holidays, you get double pay, offering an excellent opportunity to yet again boost earnings while maintaining a manageable schedule. With these provisions, Berlitz Japan ensures that teachers are fairly compensated while enjoying the flexibility and stability of online teaching.

Read more: Teaching In-Class Or Online: Which Pays More?

Is teaching on Berlitz Japan sustainable as a full-time job?

Working on Berlitz Japan has proven to be a sustainable and reliable career choice. Whether as a full-time job or a side hustle, the platform offers the flexibility and financial stability that many teachers seek.

The key advantage lies in the guaranteed hours, which directly translate into a consistent salary. This stability ensures that educators can confidently cover their monthly expenses without the uncertainty often associated with freelance work or variable teaching schedules.

For those who prefer additional income, Berlitz Japan can function as a side job. By extending shifts or incorporating extra hours when available, teachers can significantly boost their earnings. 

Would you recommend teaching on Berlitz Japan?

I wholeheartedly recommend Berlitz Japan to anyone looking for a rewarding and structured teaching opportunity. The platform offers a unique balance of stable pay and manageable hours, making it an appealing choice for teachers. 

Working just four and a half hours a day while earning a salary truly feels like a dream come true, especially for those seeking a healthier work-life balance. The platform is incredibly user-friendly, which makes the teaching experience smooth and enjoyable. 

Moreover, it provides significant earning potential beyond the standard salary with opportunities to increase income through additional hours, incentives, and bonuses.

“Berlitz Japan is not just a teaching platform; it’s a gateway to financial stability and professional growth, all while maintaining a manageable schedule.”