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

Teaching is so fun! This year, I was assigned to 8 schools. So, I was humbled and surprised to be recognized; given the circumstances. I am so grateful to the schools, teachers and students I have met and worked with this year. They warmly welcomed me and taught me so much. They are my motivation. They contributed to a positive working environment all around. Learning more about the students and teachers helped me understand the culture I was introduced to on a deeper level. Overall, it has been a fulfilling and unforgettable experience. I look forward to, hopefully, continuing this path next year!

I have worked as an ALT with Interac for several years, in and around Kyushu. It has given me so many great opportunities to enjoy living and working in Japan.

I really love the area I work in and have enjoyed teaching at all the schools I’ve been fortunate enough to be assigned to. It is definitely rewarding and I love watching my students grow and achieve their goals.

I cannot fault the support I have received from Interac and know that there is always someone I can talk to if I need help or want to discuss my teaching ideas.

Becoming an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my life. Teaching English in Japanese schools isn’t just about language—it’s about making a real impact on students’ lives, sharing cultures, and embracing an incredible journey of adventure and personal growth.

A Rewarding and Meaningful Job

As an ALT, my role goes beyond teaching English. I get to see firsthand how young minds develop confidence in communicating in another language. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching students light up when they finally grasp a concept or hearing them excitedly use English outside the classroom. Knowing that I’m helping shape their future and expanding their worldview makes this job incredibly rewarding.

A Cultural Exchange Like No Other

One of the most enriching aspects of being an ALT is the cultural exchange that naturally happens inside and outside the classroom. While I teach students about English and my home country, I also immerse myself in Japanese traditions, customs, and daily life. From school ceremonies and festivals to learning the depth of Japanese politeness and hospitality, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for this country’s culture. At the same time, as a foreign teacher, I play a vital role in sharing my own culture with students and colleagues, helping to broaden their perspectives and foster global connections.

An Unforgettable Adventure

Teaching in Japan isn’t just about work—it’s also about adventure! Whether it’s exploring historic temples, experiencing breathtaking nature, or enjoying Japan’s vibrant cities, every day offers something new. The beauty of living here is that there’s always something to discover, from hidden local gems to famous landmarks. The opportunity to work, travel, and grow as a person makes being an ALT an experience unlike any other.

If you’re looking for a career that’s both meaningful and exciting, being an ALT in Japan is an amazing opportunity. It’s a chance to make a difference in students’ lives, immerse yourself in a rich and fascinating culture, and embark on unforgettable adventures. For me, this journey has been more than just a job—it has been a life-changing experience.

If you are reading this I hope you find this helpful.

At the time of writing I have worked with Interac for just over a year and 2 months now. I applied and was assigned to the Sapporo branch which includes all of Hokkaido. I received 5 days of online training with a couple of in person things to deal with like drug tests and meeting the office staff.

After my training I was immediately taken to my new home which is a decent sized apartment (my experience is different from city ALTs I know so please don't take my word for accommodation as gospel). The branch manager helped me find various things for my home and showed me the key shops I'd need in the future.

I was lucky to be able to shadow a fellow ALT with experience which helped me a fair amount as I've never done anything like this job. My schools were super friendly and the students really enjoyed my presence which made adjusting to the new life a lot easier. I would advise that people who think they can't handle being isolated to really contemplate if this is for you as well as you won't know where you'll be placed and no guarantees can be made either, cities will be fine but the countryside towns can be quite far with no trains and limited bus travel.

Anytime I've had any issues I've been able to receive quick responses and help from the office staff who I've always appreciated and continue to do so, without them I would have crumbled under unexpected mail and legal forms for changing my driving license over and VISA extensions.

I ventured out and met locals who invited me to various things including a project to clean up the local beach. These kind people have kept me upbeat on my adventure, almost everyone is going to suffer culture shock at some point but thanks to a combination of things mine wasn't so bad and was only a slight feeling of being homesick.

You don't have to know any Japanese to get the position, I would recommend knowing basic Japanese or at least starting before you come to Japan. I managed fine but I do regret not knowing any before coming outside of arigatou and daijoubu.

It's not all sunshine and rainbows though, to be perfectly honest I can recommend Interac as a short career but long term you really have to think about what you want to do. Interac sadly doesn't pay as well as the JET program and with no subsidized housing rent & bills can eat into your pay. I'd highly recommend having a decent amount of savings if you want to explore Japan whilst you work here. It is possible to save and still be fulfilled in your daily life but you have to budget well, also after 1 year you will have to pay more tax which you can find information on easily but it's likely to cost an extra 20,000 yen a month and unless I'm mistaking you can't avoid it. On the note of finances, start up cost will be on you like flights and 3 months rent upfront. The company offers a loan if you need it but I highly advise avoiding this if possible by saving prior to avoid any worries.

I've rambled on a fair bit but I'll conclude this review with a brief sum up.
The office staff are super helpful.
Take chances in your community and say yes to invites whenever you can to get the most out of your time here.
Personally my schools, students and teachers have been great.
Experiences will differ case by case.
Do your research before you take the plunge.
Have savings if you wish to get the most out of your time here.
Enjoy your first year but have a long term goal or just even having a rough date for your departure will help you plan and budget.

I've enjoyed my time and I'm thankful for being able to come to Japan through the company and looking forward to one more year at the least.

I was unfamiliar with most of Japan when I arrived in the country. I had been to a few places like Kyoto and Okinawa in the past, but didn't know much at all about the rest of the country. I was fortunate to be placed in Shiga prefecture, which turned out to be the exact kind of place I wanted to live.

While I've been with Interac, I've had the fortune to work in ES, JHS, and SHS, as well as playing Santa for Kindergarten. Each experience was rewarding and challenging in its own way.

The ESL landscape here is continuing to evolve so there are always new opportunities to try things, and the ALT role is changing with it. For some, this change is very positive and gives them more freedom in their work, and for others these changes have been more restrictive. Unfortunately, these situations are largely out of the ALTs hands are are up to the individual schools and teachers they work with.

My experience as an alt was made unique by the fact that I had such a wonderful school and excellent aupport from the folks over at interac. The students were a joy to work with as they were eager to learn about my culture as well as broaden their English language skills. The community I found my self in was full of friendly people who did not shy away from helping me intergrate. Sure there are some people who act strangely to other cultures, but even they warm up with time.
I would reccomend this programme to anyone!

I started working as an ALT 7 years ago. My journey with Interac has been nothing but amazing. My first day at school is also the time I started loving Japanese schools. Kids are very lovely and though they don't speak English well, the way they try to communicate with you is admirable. It pushes me to give my best effort to provide engaging and fun way to learn English. Although, it is quite challenging at times as kids have a diverse personality, the key is to become very understanding, affectionate, friendly, and adaptable.

I live with my family in Okayama, located in western part of Japan. Being an ALT gives you more time for your family because of a good work-life balance. Your schedule will typically be from 8:15 pm to 4:45 pm and in other places it could be shorter, It will depend on where your assignment is. With my work as an ALT, I could really do a lot of things outside of work. I can still play with my lovely kids at home, movie time with my wife/family, go to gym for an hour or 2, and play basketball twice a week and join tournaments around Okayama prefecture.

A great adventure and life starts with an open mind and an open heart to all possibilities. Being an ALT has been a mixed bag of emotions from worrying if your skills as a teacher are lacking or if it is the students who are unwilling to learn and if the teachers understand your lessons. These moments are tense, anxiety-inducing days that test your limits as an teacher, adult and more importantly as a person. However, this honesty is so that you are prepared to try your best in the toughest and when the moments of triumph come they are wonderful and sweet.
You are an ambassador and a student, you must never be afraid. Always try new things and give everything into seeing both yourself and others in a different light.