Laurus International School: A Reality Check for TEFL Teachers

Thinking about making the leap from eikaiwa to an international school in Japan? It’s a common career move for English teachers looking for better pay and more stability. But not all international schools are created equal. Some, like the one described below, offer a veneer of professionalism that quickly cracks under scrutiny.

Here’s what you need to know before you apply.

The Paycheck is Better, But…

Let’s start with the obvious upside: the salary is indeed higher than what you’d find at a typical eikaiwa. That extra yen makes a difference, especially if you’re planning to stay long-term. You won’t be scraping by on conversation class wages.

However, money isn’t everything. The school’s ownership still operates with a kindergarten mindset, even after a decade of running a primary and secondary program. They want classrooms to look happy and fun above all else. Student learning? That comes second.

The “Happy, Happy, Fun, Fun” Problem

Classroom observations by the owners focus entirely on surface-level cheerfulness. If you’re a teacher who prioritizes academic rigour, you may find yourself at odds with the culture.

Students with severe behavioral issues or low academic levels are accepted without hesitation. No consequences exist for poor behavior or achievement. Several excellent teachers have been non-renewed simply because they focused too much on actual learning instead of maintaining the “fun” facade.

Facilities Look Good, But Lack Substance

The building is new and conveniently located near four train lines. That’s a definite plus for your commute. But don’t expect a proper playground. The indoor play area is cramped and crowded, leading to restless, antsy students all day long.

The library has new books, which is wonderful for the 20% of students who love reading independently. But for everyone else? There are almost no instructional materials. No textbooks, no math manipulatives, no classroom decorations. Rugs and comfortable seating are banned as fire hazards. You’ll spend hours every week creating your own resources from scratch.

Leadership That Misses the Mark

The school employs some genuinely talented and professional teachers who support each other as best they can. That camaraderie is a lifeline.

Unfortunately, the leadership team doesn’t pull their weight. The principal was promoted unwillingly from assistant principal with zero leadership experience. She struggles with communication and has a short temper. The curriculum person is new and comes across as a control freak behind a performative, jovial mask. He spends all day in his office and only appears for meetings to present AI-generated work as his own.

The vice-principal knows better but goes along to avoid conflict. Everyone is focused on getting CIS accreditation rather than fixing the real problems.

Communication Breakdowns

There are counselors on staff to help students with behavioral issues, which is a positive sign. But there’s no system for sharing information between staff members. Multiple people might be trying to help the same child, but nobody talks to each other.

Support staff are friendly, but HR is a different story. They’re not proactive about anything. As an expat, you’ll find yourself having to pry basic information out of them. They don’t fully understand that foreign teachers have different needs than local staff.

The office team is unfamiliar with the new Learning Management System. They haven’t been trained and haven’t figured it out themselves. Teachers end up doing administrative tasks like marking attendance in the system and then sending separate messages to the office to confirm absent students.

The Bottom Line

This school is a step up from an eikaiwa in terms of salary and facilities, but it’s still a fourth-rate institution by international standards. It’s profit-driven, appearance-focused, and ultimately unsafe and unhappy for both students and staff.

If you’re desperate to leave the eikaiwa grind, this might work as a temporary stepping stone. Just don’t expect a genuine international school experience. Keep your resume updated and your eyes open for better opportunities.