Call for Instructors: Phan Bội Châu Japanese School Winter Course

Dear friends and fellow Vietnamese,

Roughly a month has passed since the end of the July 2023 JLPT summer exam. Results have not yet been released — some students feel confident they passed; others are still uncertain. Whatever the outcome, the school’s instructors deeply appreciate the effort our students poured into the term. That alone deserves to be honored.

After the summer course wrapped up, many of our students expressed a wish to continue with the Association’s next term to prepare for the December 2023 JLPT.

As in 2022, the 2023 winter course is scheduled to begin in mid-October and run as an intensive study session right up to the day of the exam (Sunday, December 3). Preparations on the operations side have already begun.

Drawing on feedback from previous instructors and students — especially their reflections on the unique experience of standing in front of a class — we have decided that, from this winter, the call for instructors will be opened publicly to the wider Vietnamese community in Japan. The goal is to receive more help from friends and fellow Vietnamese, and together build a richer and more engaging program.

[Format of collaboration]

100% online, via Telegram and Google Meet

[Schedule]

Planned in three phases:

– Onboarding & warm-up: Sept 5 – Sept 18

※ The operations team will hold several orientation sessions for new instructors

– Material preparation & student recruitment: Sept 19 – Oct 14

– Teaching: Oct 23 – Nov 30

[Responsibilities]

– Preparing exam-prep content for the N1, N2, N3, and N4 classes. Instructors choose which level they would like to teach.

– Leading classes and sharing exam strategies and experience with students.

– Answering questions and supporting students in each class’s chat group.

[Teaching schedule]

In principle, each instructor teaches once a week or once every two weeks, depending on the total number of instructors per class.

Sessions are usually 21:00–22:00, with room for flexible adjustment.

[What you’ll get out of it]

– A chance to work in a professional environment with experienced senpai and dedicated fellow volunteers.

– Structured orientation and training, with a schedule that flexes around your own availability.

– A meaningful, practical way to support fellow Vietnamese in Japan.

– One more opportunity to connect with Vietnamese who share the same hope of strengthening our community here.

[Q&A]

1. Is there any compensation?

For previous courses, the school presented instructors with a small thank-you gift at the end of the term. This time, things will be slightly different. We are working to arrange a modest stipend for instructors. Because the class is offered free of charge, and because of the non-profit, public-benefit nature of the Association, the amount will necessarily be small. We hope you’ll receive it as a token of gratitude — from the Association and from every student.

2. How much time does it take per week?

Including class preparation and student chat support, plan on roughly 2–3 hours per week.

3. Do I need a computer?

Having a computer or iPad makes the work much easier. If you don’t have one, please reach out to the operations team — we’d love to talk it through.

4. What level of Japanese is required?

This isn’t a traditional Japanese-language class. The focus is on guiding students and sharing exam tips so they can do their best on test day. For each level (N1, N2, N3, N4), we ideally invite instructors who have previously passed the corresponding certificate (or a higher one).

5. What kind of training will instructors receive?

The operations team designs a tailored training plan based on each instructor’s needs and goals. Examples include: how to deliver a lesson or present an idea, how to create a lively atmosphere in conversation, and how to manage time effectively in this kind of work.

We’re living in an era where credentials alone are no longer enough. Teamwork and communication skills are also highly valued by employers in Japan. After teaching at Phan Bội Châu Japanese School, you can confidently highlight your experience as extracurricular work supporting the Vietnamese community.

We look forward to hearing from you soon. Once we receive your registration, we will be in touch.