English To Go: Inside Japan's Teaching Sweatshops

The English conversation school industry in Japan is a multi-billion dollar business. Every year, thousands of young people from around the world come to Japan to teach English in these schools. Many of them are drawn to the idea of living and working in Japan, and they see teaching English as a way to earn money while they travel.

English to Go: Inside Japan's teaching sweatshops

by Al Braden

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3983 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

However, the reality of teaching English in Japan is often very different from the dream. Many English conversation schools are actually sweatshops, where teachers are overworked, underpaid, and treated with disrespect.

In this investigative report, we take a look inside the English conversation school industry in Japan and expose the exploitative practices that are rampant in this industry. We talk to teachers who have worked in these schools and share their stories of abuse and exploitation.

The Low Wages of English Teachers in Japan

One of the most common complaints from English teachers in Japan is that they are paid very low wages. The average salary for an English teacher in Japan is around 250,000 yen per month, which is equivalent to about $2,200. This may seem like a lot of money to someone from a developing country, but it is actually very low for someone living in Japan.

The cost of living in Japan is very high, and English teachers often have to spend a significant portion of their salary on rent, food, and transportation. In addition, many English conversation schools do not provide their teachers with health insurance or other benefits.

As a result, many English teachers in Japan live in poverty. They often have to work long hours and take on multiple jobs just to make ends meet.

The Long Hours of English Teachers in Japan

Another common complaint from English teachers in Japan is that they are required to work long hours. Many English conversation schools require their teachers to work 10 or more hours per day, and they often have to work on weekends and holidays.

The long hours can be very tiring, and they can make it difficult for teachers to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In addition, many English conversation schools do not pay their teachers overtime, so the long hours can lead to even lower pay.

The Abusive Treatment of English Teachers in Japan

In addition to the low wages and long hours, many English teachers in Japan also report being treated abusively by their employers. Some teachers have been fired for no reason, while others have been subjected to verbal and physical abuse.

The abusive treatment can create a hostile work environment, and it can make it difficult for teachers to do their jobs effectively. In some cases, the abuse can even lead to physical and mental health problems.

The Need for Reform

The English conversation school industry in Japan is in need of reform. The low wages, long hours, and abusive treatment of teachers are unacceptable. The government of Japan needs to take action to protect the rights of English teachers and to ensure that they are treated with respect.

In addition, consumers need to be aware of the exploitative practices that are rampant in the English conversation school industry. When you choose an English conversation school, make sure to do your research and choose a school that treats its teachers fairly.

How to Help

There are a number of things that you can do to help English teachers in Japan.

• Boycott English conversation schools that are known for their exploitative practices.
• Choose English conversation schools that treat their teachers fairly.
• Support organizations that are working to improve the working conditions of English teachers in Japan.

Together, we can make a difference and create a more just and equitable English conversation school industry in Japan.

English to Go: Inside Japan's teaching sweatshops

by Al Braden

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3983 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE