I came to Japan over twenty years ago from the UK originally for a holiday. Falling in love with the country, I decided to stay and try to give back to the community that supported me. Needing employment, I worked at several small outsourcing companies before joining Interac in 2007.

In the time I have worked here I have taught English to all levels from nursery through to university level. When I started I honestly had very little experience in teaching English having come from a science background. However, the training given, coupled with the advice from staff at the time gave me the confidence needed to press forward.

As of the time of writing this review, I am still working for Interac and enjoying my time in schools. The staff are extremely helpful and supportive, and even if you don’t speak or read Japanese (which I didn’t when I first came here), you’ll be in good hands.

For anyone coming here for a short working holiday, or if you’re wanting a longer experience, you can’t go wrong with Interac.

When I was searching for a teaching program in Japan, I had a few important questions: Will I be supported? Will I grow professionally? Will I truly connect with my students? After two years with Interac, I can say that the experience answered those questions in meaningful ways.

In my first year, I was recognized as one of our branch’s Rising Star ALTs. But beyond the award, what meant the most to me was building strong connections with my students. I made it a priority to learn their interests, encourage them consistently, and create a classroom where they felt safe to try to communicate English without fear of making mistakes. Some of my proudest “small wins” were seeing students greet me in English in the hallways or shy learners bravely starting small conversations outside the classroom. Those moments showed me that the impact went beyond the lesson itself.

I was also given the opportunity to serve as a cultural ambassador. My school invited me to introduce Filipino culture and cuisine, and with Interac’s support, I even taught my co-teachers how to cook Filipino dishes. These exchanges strengthened relationships with both students and staff.

In my second year, I was reassigned to a more challenging school in a new area. The transition pushed me out of my comfort zone, but Interac’s monthly trainings and proactive guidance on building rapport in a Japanese work environment helped me adapt quickly. Through consistent effort and support, I gained my school’s trust and was later recognized by Interac as one of the Top Motivational Instructors of the year.

Success as an ALT still requires initiative and heart. But if you are willing to do your part, Interac provides the support and training that allow you to grow and make a lasting impact, one student at a time.

I began my journey as an ALT in a quiet countryside area of Kyushu. As a first-timer, the thought of social isolation frightened me. Being far from familiar support systems and having little experience in the role, I wondered how I would manage without a clear reference point or someone to guide me through the process.

Yet, in many ways, that absence became my strength. With no fixed standard to measure myself against, I learned to rely on self-motivation rather than comparison, and to focus on consistent effort instead of seeking validation. I discovered that growth often happens in uncertainty. You can work incredibly hard and not always know if you are aiming at the right height, but perseverance quietly shapes you nonetheless.

I was also deeply supported by our staff, whose guidance and patience helped me more than I can fully express. Their willingness to assist, advise, and quietly encourage me made the unfamiliar feel manageable and the difficult days lighter.

Now, three years later, the countryside feels more like home than the city ever could. What once seemed isolating has become grounding. I have learned not only how to survive daily life, but how to belong within it. Through the kindness of the Japanese locals, the strength of our school community, and the support of my colleagues, I gained more than professional experience. I gained perspective, resilience, and a place I now call home.

I've been living in Japan for a while now. Came here with Interac. They've been great.

They help us to sort out our documents (bank account, apartment, driver's license etc) to get started, so you get time to relax.

That's great. But my favorite part is that we have summer break, and national holidays.

That gives me plenty of time to explore.

I've visited temples and gardens, beaches and mountains, and almost everywhere I go, I can make a new friend 😁. It's great because then I get new travel buddies.

Through this I get a chance to learn about the culture, and collect souvenirs along the way.

Even better than that, is that, if I ever run into a problem (cultural or bureaucratic etc) I can ask my company for help.
It's been a great experience.

It's fun to interact with students and staff even outside the classroom. I'm able to make use of my teaching and assisting skills. Each class and lesson is unique so it gives me an opportunity to showcase my problem solving and planning skills. It helps a lot that I can tap into a variety of materials and experiences both from my fellow ALTs and the teachers and staffs I work with. The input I get helps me widen my understanding about my role in the school and it also helps me avoid any misunderstanding.

Teaching English abroad is a joyful exchange. The experience offers you fulfillment in proportion to the amount of passion you bring to the position. Interac, in particular, has served as a useful ally for me in navigating the intricacies of transporting my life to a completely new country. The biggest challenge in making the transition was the bureaucratic checklist before arriving and within the few weeks after landing in my assigned city of Toyama. I spoke minimal Japanese and Interac was kind enough to connect me with a local guide who introduced me to the best shopping spots and went with me to local city offices to complete all the necessary paperwork.

The schools I have been assigned to are very supportive and eager to assist in whatever way is necessary. The work itself is not difficult but it does require a lot of co-planning and coordinating with other instructors which can be difficult at first, especially if you are still learning Japanese. However, I have surprised myself at how easily I have figured out how to plan effectively with my co-teachers and homeroom teachers using Google Translate, broken Japanese, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm.

The most enduring benefit of this program is the joy of working with children. I teach elementary school, and the little gifts children make for you and the smiles they greet you with every day are enough to make you continue looking forward to walking through those doors. I was lucky to have a good deal of teaching experience before arriving in Japan, but even if you are not experienced, Interac provides a wide array of useful and engaging teaching materials that offer a more than sufficient framework to get you started.

All in all, if you are looking to set your life in a new and life-changing direction, I highly recommend teaching in Japan through Interac. The company walks you through the logistical aspects of life in Japan without micro-managing. The pay is relatively low, but the cost of living in Japan is reasonable enough that you can make it work if you are smart about it. And the memories you will make here are sure to stay with you forever.

English Teaching in Japan is a worth an adventure. It’s an experience you can’t compare with others. You begin by commuting by bus and train lines that connects you to many destinations like no other.

The convenience is on different level. From high tech toilets, public transportations on time and convenience stores that offer varieties of sweet treats and tasty meals.

Imagine interacting with kindergarten and elementary school children. Your simple “good morning” makes them appreciate your culture, and let them understand where you’re from.

You will experience the beauty of four seasons and exciting events that matches your interests.

In my opinion, Interac is the premier choice for ALTs in Japan, especially in Shizuoka! Their local branch offers unmatched support, helping us settle effortlessly between the mountains and the sea. With professional training and a reliable network, it’s truly the best way to start your teaching adventure here in Japan. The people here truly make the experience. The Hamamatsu staff are incredibly warm and go the extra mile to ensure your transition is seamless. Whether it’s navigating complex paperwork or adjusting to the local school culture, they are remarkably accommodating to every teacher's unique needs. You'll feel valued not just as an employee, but as part of a supportive community that genuinely cares about your success in the classroom and your happiness while living in beautiful Shizuoka. I've got to be honest. This is the best Dispatch for ALTs in Japan. Thank you Interac!