A Life-Changing Experience - Teach English in Japan with Interac

I believe becoming an ALT is the best way to experience Japan to the fullest. You get to delve deep into Japanese work life, discover Japanese culture by learning from your students and peers, and become a part of the community. There is also time on the weekend to have your own adventures.

There will be bad times but that is part of the experience. If you are able to tough through it, you'll find that Japan is a place of wonders.

If you want to fully immerse yourself into Japans culture, I recommend giving Interac a shot.

I have been working for Interac for almost 2 years now. I applied from overseas and my first taste of Japan was through them. The whole onboarding process was so easy and straight forward. The staff at my branch is really kind and helpful. They always assist whenever I have questions or uncertainties. We also often have meetings with other ALT's who teach in the same city, it is great to learn from each other and share stories. My ALT-life has been great so far. I teach in JHS and can enjoy a level of flexibility in my lessons, alsways doing new activities and thinking of ways to make English fun. The job is not stressful or too intensive at all so I can enjoy my free time to the full and travel around Japan.

My role as an ALT I have found to be very fulfilling. I work mainly in senior high schools, but get to work in Elementary and Junior High Schools on occasion. I love this variety and exposure to new schools and students. I enjoy my time with many keen and fun loving students. They are fascinated by my foreignness and eager to learn about life and ways outside of their homes. Their youth and zest for fun keeps me young in mind and heart as well.

The great thing for me is that the work stays in the workplace. I don't take work home with me. My weeknights and weekends are my own and thus teaching allows me the opportunity to explore many restaurants, famous landmarks and local events.
And I get to experience it throughout the full year with all its seasonal offerings.

The first year of life in Japan is a big shock, both culturally and work wise. It can be very overwhelming. However, this is overcome by Interac's great support system to ease people into their new life here. From gaining Residency, obtaining a Driver's Licence, apartment assistance, insurance and medical support, I have overcome many such obstacles with Interac support. Also, they give great work support with resources, materials and ongoing training sessions.

Once you are settled in you get to enjoy Japan both professionally and socially via a complete immersion within the system. It has so much to offer.
It's been worth it all the years I've been here.

Whether your interest lies in language, anime and manga, history, nature, food or anything else, visiting Japan on an extended stay as an ALT is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the richness of Japanese culture.

The job as an ALT can be extremely rewarding in itself as you play a part in the education of young people. Every day can be a new adventure!.

I highly recommend considering Interac as a partner to work with in the ALT industry as they have a trustworthy reputation with their clients and they value the people they work with. They also provide on-going training and optional opportunities for you to take on more responsibilities. This allows you to expand your experience, increase your knowledge, develop your abilities and learn transferable skills to use throughout your career and life.

It's an absolute pleasure to go into work everyday and get to meet and acquaint yourself with students and Japanese coworkers alike.

Although placements and job dynamics can differ, I've been given an amazing amount of autonomy and flexibility and I find my work to be immensely fulfilling and gratifying.

There is indeed a tangible difference you can make and the appreciation and camaraderie is felt on a profound level.

I have found it to be a life-changing experience that I do not regret.

Choosing to move to Japan and radically change my career path to being an assistant teacher in school was a big decision.

Interac helped insure that my first steps into my new town were made as easy and as comfortable as possible. I have been setup with a car and a small apartment. I was shown the nearest supermarket and recommended what to buy. A bank account was setup for me and all necessary documents were arranged with city hall. I was also introduced to my schools days later.

The staff at the schools have always been friendly, helping me out if I’ve needed.

I’ve really grown to enjoy the job. It has allowed me to use my creativity to bring fun and engaging lessons to kids. This has taught me so much and has also added great inspiration for future endeavours. Seeing the kids faces light up when you fire up the Pokemon quiz you’ve been making perfect for the last couple of weeks is a great feeling. Watching kids English abilities grow with your assistance is incredibly fulfilling.

I have managed to make many new friends out here too, both within the company and outside of. There are opportunities to volunteer your time outside of work in English speaking groups and I would heartily recommend doing so. It will allow you to meet Japanese people and take part in events which will make you feel more a part of the community. My community also provides free Japanese lessons every week.

Japan itself is beautiful especially in the countryside. There is lots to see, photograph and absorb. I have found hardly a dull day living in Japan.

As a caution one thing that is difficult about working for a dispatch company and is probably well known is the pay. This shows no sign of improving so if you do want to take this opportunity I really advise planning ahead and making sure you have the funds behind you. Even with the strictest budget I have found it quite difficult to gather worthwhile savings. The cost of things is always rising whereas your wage will stay the same. It’s already not a competitive salary and sadly it doesn’t show any signs of improving. There is opportunities within the company with various career paths towards management if that’s what you are interested in. I think the key to not get too affected by this is to budget and adjust your mindset in regards to your position and so therefore your expectations of the job. I have always seen this job as a first step and for others with this mindset I can recommend it. If you also are looking for some valuable life experience within a gap year then I also heartily recommend this opportunity.

I've been teaching English in Japanese elementary schools for eight years, and it's incredibly rewarding. The first few years were tough due to cultural differences and language barriers, but the support from my Japanese teacher colleagues made all the difference. They are friendly and helpful, especially when I was new. Interac staff and my co-ALTs are also a great source of support. The monthly meetings provide valuable new teaching ideas and help me better fulfill my goals as an ALT.

The school lunches are a definite plus – healthy and tasty! And the early finish time (3:40 pm) gives me plenty of time for my own activities after work.

Teaching here has its challenges, but the rewards—student smiles, supportive colleagues and Interac staff, great meetings, good food, and work-life balance—make it a fantastic experience.

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.