In recent years, at-home language tutoring in Japan has grown in popularity. Instead of focusing on intensive weekend classes with rote vocabulary lessons, Japanese parents want their children to acquire language skills naturally, through play and other activities. After all, this is how we all learn to speak our first language!

As such, many families are interested in having babysitters read or sing to their children in a language different from their own, or provide homework help on language assignments. And that's why CareFinder began offering jobs for exactly that: relaxed, low-stakes language tutoring.

Technically called "Ouchi Eigo" jobs, these are job types where the parents are specifically seeking a babysitter to spend time interacting with their children, with the goal of language immersion. While English is the popular choice, all languages qualify.

Ouchi Eigo jobs require that parents be present while the sitter is with the child. Make sure you confirm this with parents before accepting this type of job. And because Ouchi Eigo jobs are different from traditional babysitting, sitters who are otherwise not qualified to provide childcare for infants or preschoolers are allowed to offer language tutoring services for those age groups, provided they have experience in teaching. What does that mean?

It means Ouchi Eigo jobs are perfect opportunities to not only enjoy a laid-back environment while teaching language — they're also ideal for strengthening your abilities in caring for children in age groups for which you previously lacked experience. During Ouchi Eigo sittings, parents (who, again, must be present!) are responsible for childcare duties, but the time you spend interacting with the child will be helpful in growing your skill sets.

We encourage you to apply for Ouchi Eigo jobs when appropriate. Being available for these opportunities means expanding your capabilities and earning more money!