Who's Got the Best Deal?
Compare the Top 4 English Schools:  ECC, Berlitz, Nova & Aeon

Choosing an ESL school to work for is no easy task! Aeon and the other monster chain schools have different compensation packages. To save you some leg-work, we've put together a comprehensive list of The Big 4's salaries, working conditions and other perks.

This information was taken from their respective websites and from their recruiters answers to our queries in 2018.

We've made every effort to ensure accuracy As always, before you sign on the dotted line, ask your recruiter detailed questions about their organization. Prepare yourself even more... Please read our teaching contracts page and find out what mistakes not to make!

More Related Pages  on Teaching English in Japan...

• ECC- One of the bigger schools. 171 branches that employs over 600 ESL teachers in Japan. Also does well in the ESL forums in terms of few complaints.
• Aeon - A monster of a school. 320 branches all over Japan with around 100,000 students under their belt. They focus on adults.
• Amity - A spin-off of Aeon. It is their children's division with less than 100 schools throughout Japan teaching from toddlers to teens.
• ALT - The basics on on being an ESL English teacher in the public sector.
• The Jet Program - Another ALT program. Participating  countries. do's and don'ts especially considering the application procedure.
• More on The Jet Program - Working conditions, salary, employment locations, health insurance etc.
• Nova - The basics on working conditions, accommodations and visas / sponsorship.

Aeon

• Applications year round
•  Exclusivity Contract 
• Ongoing recruitment 
• Training throughout the year
•  One-time bonus upon completion of final contract as follows. Non-taxable and paid in cash. 
• 3,000 yen/hour for all teaching over 25 hours weekly.
• 12 – 23 months of employment: 80,000 yen
• 24 months or more of employment: 160,000 yen

• Rent: Teachers are responsible for up to 55,000 yen of their rent each month which is automatically deducted from their base salary. Teachers are responsible for their own personal expenses. Examples include: utilities, food, internet access and smartphone/cell phone costs
• Sickness and accident insurance provided by the Japanese government’s National Social Insurance System. Approximately 38,000 yen a month (approximately 24,000 of which is refundable) is deducted from the teacher’s salary for membership in the Social Insurance System.

Berlitz
Receive a monthly public transportation pass worth up to ¥25,000 for your commute between your home and base Language Center. Benefit from the following after completing your 3-month development period.

• 3 Paid Personal Days per year
• 3 Paid Sick Days per year
• You can apply to Berlitz Japan from overseas. While some positions may allow for interviews to be conducted by Skype, other locations will require an in-person interview. Please carefully check the requirements of each listed position to find this information.
• Berlitz: Doesn't provide housing but will act as sponsor on rental applications.
  

ECC
Bonus is performance based. Up to 100,000 yen over 3 years.

 Nova
Teaching hours are 37 to 40 contact hours. 40 minutes each lesson.

For sub-leased apartments instructors pay only the rent. This is usually between 50,000 and 70,000 yen depending on the location and market prices, and the rent is deducted from the instructor’s monthly remuneration. Utilities (water, gas, and electricity) are not included in the rent and must be paid by the instructor.

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