A True Story of Courage, Research, and Opportunity
Sometimes, the most life-changing opportunities appear when you least expect them. For one young Nigerian teacher, that moment came when she stumbled upon a YouTube video explaining how people could legally move abroad through teaching programs — no agents, no middlemen, and no huge fees.
Today, she’s living in Japan, teaching English, earning a competitive salary, and enjoying a lifestyle she once only dreamed of. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it is possible to move abroad on your own, even if you’ve never left your country before.
This is her story — a story of hope, determination, and how a single “yes” changed everything.
The Dream That Started It All
Like many professionals in Nigeria, she loved her job but felt limited by the circumstances. She had a degree in Education and English, and she worked as an English teacher in Nigeria. Despite her hard work and passion for teaching, the pay was barely enough to survive, let alone thrive.
“Honestly, what I earn in a single day in Japan is more than what I used to earn in an entire month back home,” she later said, reflecting on her decision to move.
She wasn’t chasing luxury — she was chasing opportunity. The chance to teach, grow, and live in a country where her skills were valued.
The Discovery: How She Found the Opportunity
Her journey began on a quiet evening as she scrolled through social media. She came across a post from an online migration mentor — someone who shared verified opportunities for studying, working, and living abroad.
The post mentioned something that caught her eye: “Teach English in Japan – visa sponsorship available.”
Curious, she clicked the link. It led to a detailed video about teaching programs in Japan, explaining how degree holders — not just those with teaching backgrounds — could qualify for English teaching jobs abroad.
That moment changed everything.
She watched the entire video, took notes, and started researching the companies mentioned. Within a few days, she had applied to five teaching organizations in Japan.
To her surprise, two of them responded. After a few weeks of interviews, one company offered her a position — complete with visa sponsorship.
The Timeline: From Application to Arrival
From her first application to the day she boarded her flight to Japan, the entire process took about six to seven months. She applied in August and arrived in Japan by March.
Here’s how the timeline unfolded:
The process was smoother than she ever imagined. “Japan’s visa process is very straightforward,” she said. “You just need to be organized and follow instructions carefully.”
The Application Process Step by Step
She shared a detailed breakdown of the process that got her from Nigeria to Japan — all without an agent.
1. Submitting the Job Application
She applied directly on the company’s website (not through third-party job boards). This increased her chances of being noticed. Her application included:
(Tip: The TESOL certificate can be obtained online — sometimes for free — through accredited programs that take just a few days to complete.)
2. The Interview Process
She went through three rounds of interviews:
For the Japanese language test, she didn’t panic. She learned basic phrases using free resources like YouTube and language apps such as Busuu.
3. Submitting Required Documents
After passing the interviews, the company requested a few official documents:
These were used to process her Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — a key document that allows foreigners to apply for a Japanese work visa.
4. Visa Application at the Embassy
Once her COE was ready, she booked an appointment at the Japanese Embassy in Abuja by email. The embassy provided her with available dates and a checklist of items to bring.
She submitted her COE, passport, and supporting documents. A few days later, she received an email that her passport was ready for collection.
She didn’t know whether her visa was approved until she arrived at the embassy — but when she was asked to pay ₦12,500 for visa issuance, she knew she had made it.
In total, her visa cost just about $10.
Life in Japan: Salary, Benefits, and Lifestyle
Salary and Allowances
Her teaching salary now ranges between ¥200,000 and ¥240,000 per month (roughly $1,300–$1,600).
In addition, she receives monthly transportation allowances for bus and train commuting — something she says makes a big difference in daily expenses.
Cost of Living
According to her, Japan is not as expensive as most people assume, especially when it comes to food and basic needs.
“Food is actually very affordable,” she explained. “The only thing that might cost more is accommodation, depending on the city. Bigger cities like Tokyo are more expensive, but smaller towns are much cheaper.”
Some schools even help foreign teachers find affordable or partially furnished apartments, which can ease the transition for newcomers.
The Freedom of Moving Without an Agent
Perhaps one of the most empowering parts of her journey was realizing that she could do it all on her own.
She didn’t pay any agent or middleman — she simply followed the information provided by trusted online mentors and official company websites.
By avoiding agents, she saved hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in “processing fees.” More importantly, she gained the confidence to handle international procedures by herself.
Her message to others?
“Don’t let anyone convince you that you can’t do it without an agent. All you need is information, persistence, and faith. Everything you need is online — just follow the right sources.”
The Challenges Along the Way
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. She faced rejection from three companies before finally landing her successful offer.
“At first, I was discouraged,” she admitted. “But I kept telling myself — it only takes one yes.”
That persistence paid off. She went from being overlooked to being hired by a reputable company that handled her visa sponsorship and relocation.
Her advice to others:
“Keep applying. Keep learning. Every ‘no’ brings you closer to the right ‘yes.’”
Life as an English Teacher in Japan
Her day-to-day life in Japan is filled with new experiences. She teaches conversational English to students of different age groups, assists in lesson planning, and participates in cultural exchange activities.
She describes her students as “curious, polite, and eager to learn,” and says the environment is calm, respectful, and organized — a huge difference from what she was used to back home.
Teaching in Japan, she said, isn’t just about the job — it’s about personal growth.
“You learn to appreciate discipline, punctuality, and the value of respect. It’s a life-changing experience.”
How Anyone Can Follow the Same Path
The best part about her story is that anyone with a bachelor’s degree — in any field — can follow a similar path.
You don’t necessarily need a degree in Education or English. Many of Japan’s teaching programs accept graduates from different backgrounds — from Law to Engineering to Social Sciences.
Here’s a quick checklist for anyone who wants to apply:
✅ Basic Requirements
✅ Application Tips
Recommended Companies to Apply To
While she applied to several organizations, she found that applying directly on their official websites worked best.
Some reputable companies that regularly hire foreign English teachers include:
She cautions applicants not to rely solely on job boards like GaijinPot — as those listings often receive thousands of applicants. Instead, find the company name on GaijinPot, then go directly to their own website to apply.
How Much Does It Cost to Move?
Here’s what her entire move cost her:
Expense | Estimated Cost (₦ / USD) |
TESOL Certificate | Free (online) |
Visa Application | ₦12,500 ($10) |
Flight Ticket | ₦600,000–₦900,000 ($400–$600) |
Accommodation Setup | Depends on city |
Total | Under ₦1 million ($600–$700) |
Compared to the huge sums often charged by agents, her DIY process saved her nearly ₦2–₦3 million.
Settling In and Building a New Life
Within a few months, she had adjusted to her new routine, made friends, and started exploring her city. She now mentors others who want to follow the same path.
She’s also helping six other people through the same journey — all inspired by seeing her success.
“Before, nobody believed it was real,” she said with a smile. “But now they see me here — they know it’s possible.”
Why Teaching Jobs in Japan Are Growing
Japan continues to have a strong demand for foreign English teachers. With a declining population and increasing globalization, many schools and private companies are actively hiring international educators.
These roles often come with visa sponsorship, paid training, and cultural support, making them one of the easiest ways to move abroad without needing an agent or large financial resources.
Her Final Words of Advice
Her story is not just about Japan — it’s about believing that you can change your story.
“I tell everyone — it only takes one yes. Rejections will come, but that one ‘yes’ will make it all worth it.”
For anyone dreaming of a better life abroad, her experience proves that information, not connections, is the real power.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether you can move abroad on your own — without paying an agent, without paying huge visa fees — this story is your answer.
You can.
Final Thoughts: Your Turn to Move Abroad
Her journey from a modest classroom in Nigeria to a fulfilling career in Japan is proof that relocation dreams can come true with the right information, persistence, and faith.
So, if you’re serious about moving abroad, start now. Research opportunities, apply directly, learn the requirements, and keep trying.
Every success story starts with a single step — and yours could be next.
