At first, it was both intimidating and nerve-wracking to be placed in a school where I was the only foreigner. However, Interac West provided unwavering support throughout the entire process, from initial training and housing arrangements to providing valuable information about living in Japan. Working with Interac has greatly facilitated my experience, as the staff have consistently been helpful and accommodating. Over the course of five years with the company, I have had the privilege of working in kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools. These experiences have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese educational system. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with dedicated and hardworking teachers, as well as interacting with a diverse range of students. Additionally, Interac has provided me with the unique opportunity to work in Japan and experience its rich culture firsthand. Reflecting on my journey, I am truly grateful for the courage I found to step beyond my comfort zone and embrace the challenges of this new world, allowing me to fully appreciate all the wonderful aspects this country has to offer.

The adjustment stage is both exciting and scary, especially if it’s your first time and everything seems foreign. Believe that it’s just the beginning, and along the way, you will be fine. Some people find it easy to make friends and build rapport with Japanese people, even if they don’t speak Japanese fluently. However, I still believe that having the ability to speak Japanese makes life easier. Aside from that, being observant of how they do things, respecting Japanese culture, and knowing their manners in the workplace and in public will make you more appreciated and respected in return.

Working for my current company has been an interesting and challenging experience, especially as I adjusted to a new work environment in a foreign country. The Japanese staff and people at the Hiroshima branch provided much-needed support, which helped make the transition more manageable.

That said, my first few years were filled with hurdles, and let’s just say my teaching skills were a work in progress. Being an ALT is far more than just saying, "Repeat after me" or "Write this down." I occasionally confused my students (and myself) and faced my fair share of awkward silences. However, with time, perseverance, and guidance from colleagues, I found my footing—and even managed to get a few laughs along the way.

One of the more helpful aspects of my experience has been the support provided by the office and the Japanese support staff. Their willingness to assist and answer questions helped me gradually adapt to teaching and working with Japanese teachers. They ensured that I understood my responsibilities and provided useful feedback to help me improve my teaching methods and interactions with students.

Beyond the workplace, the Hiroshima staff also extended their support to daily life in Japan. From taking public transportation (without ending up in the wrong city) to understanding local customs, their assistance helped ease some of the challenges of settling into a new country. They also offered guidance on essential services such as setting up a bank account, accessing healthcare, and finding suitable accommodation, which made the transition into Japanese society a little smoother.

While there have been ups and downs, my experience in Japan has been an opportunity for growth and adaptation. The learning curve was steep, but over time, I have gained valuable skills and insights that have shaped my professional and personal journey.

As someone who has been working as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) for three years, I can honestly say it has been a rewarding and transformative experience. When I first started, I was understandably scared because it was a completely new environment for me. However, from the moment I joined, Interac provided incredible support that made the transition much smoother.

Interac’s guidance is outstanding. They walked me through every step of the way, answering all my questions and providing assistance whenever needed. What I appreciated the most is that their staff were always available to help, even going above and beyond their working hours to accommodate me. This kind of support really made me feel like I was never alone in this journey.

I absolutely love my role as an ALT. It has allowed me to grow both as a person and as a teacher. Not only have I learned so much about Japan’s culture and educational system, but I have also had the privilege of sharing my own culture with my students. The opportunity to create connections with students and see them grow has been incredibly fulfilling.

Being an ALT is a unique and enriching experience, and I am grateful to be part of a supportive organization like Interac that encourages growth and offers continued guidance.

Traveling abroad is an illuminating experience, but often a shallow one. Vacationers see only a glimpse of a nation's culture - one that is frequently distorted to appeal directly to them. Interac provides a chance for fuller engagement with a different land.

I had visited Japan years before, but I applied to Interac in hopes of seeing more of the nation than tourists typically experience. Through the program, I've been able to learn what it's like to live and work in the nation. I've met new people, learned new things, and have deeply enjoyed the chance to help students learn English.

Interac provides vital assistance in living in the country, especially for those with limited knowledge of the Japanese language. They help with housing and transportation, and teach some of the necessary basics for daily life.

Teaching with Interac has been an awesome experience, and I'd definitely recommend it to others!

I really appreciate being in this position. It is wonderful to be working full time and exploring the Japanese culture at the same time. In the school, I am very fulfilled to see the progress my students make on their own. I enjoy being part of their journey in learning the English language. I am also very grateful for all of the support from the company. They helped me establish my career as an educator in Japan. On top of that, they made sure I am well guided from settling at my actually placement to securing my Japanese driver's license.

Working as an ALT for Interac should only be a short-term endeavor. The quality of your assignment will more or less entirely depend on the school(s) you are placed at, because every school is different. Salary is just enough to survive; you will be most likely breaking even at best at the end of your contract. That being said, my experience as an ALT gave me the opportunity to make a positive impact in the local Japanese community. Teaching English was simply just the medium in which I did it. Although my placement was enjoyable, I know of many coworkers who had terrible assignments due to difficult teachers and/or students. However, as long as you find ways to keep your schools happy, you should have no issues. As far as the actual company goes, do not expect much assistance from most of the staff, as they are very unorganized or busy. Learn as much Japanese as you can before coming here, it will save you. Also do your due diligence on fax pas in Japan beforehand. The Japanese are very non-confrontational people and won't let you know if you do something taboo in their culture. This job is for you if you want to live out your dream of living in Japan for 1-2 years, or if you just want to get your foot into Japan before starting a career with another company. Do NOT do this job if you want to make money. You won't have much to work with at the start, but like any job, it will be what you make of it.

Working for Interac has been great, especially having non-existent Japanese language skills. I am especially impressed with their "Life Support", dedicated members of staff who will help you with anything that you don't know how to accomplish. Whether you are trying to find which bus to take to Fuji-san, or don't know how how to pay an overdue gas bill, the Life Support team will help you with step-by-step instructions. It makes living in Japan way easier than most programs who don't offer this.

Living away from your home country is a big leap of faith. ALTs share the same struggles relocating in Japan: language barrier, homesickness, culture difference and the like. Indeed, these may cause some to falter and eventually give up. However, there is no such job as rewarding as being an ALT. Sharing your culture and your langauge to Japanese students bring so much joy to me. And that is LIFE. Life without joy is no life at all. Having fun and sharing happines to my students make me a proud ALT of Interac.