I decided to join Interac after hearing about them from my Japanese language teacher back in South Africa. I decided to learn Japanese as a hobby and was quickly interested in this program. I decided to take a chance and see what will happen if I did apply. Well a few months later here I am in Japan! The process to get here was pretty straightforward, the support and guidance from the team was great, they went out of their way to answer questions and help me to decide where I would want to go. I have ended up in the Shiretoko area of Hokkaido, known for it's natural heritage sites, Ainu heritage and wild nature mixing with everyday life. Since being here I have seen the last remnants of snow as winter is late to leave in this area. Spring and summer has come and with it the most beautiful flower parks and interesting museums, I have learned more Japanese and been to festivals. It has truly been a adventure in the few months that I have been here. I also have a lot of thing I am looking forward to seeing and places I want to visit!

Moving to my dream country (Japan) in the spring season was truly magical. I have visited Japan numerous times but having to experience daily life is something that I truly wanted for a long time. I am grateful every day for a great company that sponsors me and supports me in providing a great cultural exchange in the rural Japanese town that I am currently in. Being an ALT might not be for everyone, but if you are willing to take the adventure and learn new things everyday this is the correct path to take.

Becoming an ALT in Japan has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was my very first time traveling abroad, and I arrived in Japan completely on my own. I still remember getting lost in Osaka Station close to midnight on my first night. Even though I felt nervous and overwhelmed, the staff kindly guided me. That moment showed me how important patience and courage would be in this journey.

At the start, I had no Japanese language skills, which made everyday life quite challenging. Thankfully, my company supported me with almost everything I needed, from paperwork to adjusting in a new environment. That support gave me the confidence to focus on teaching and growing in my role.

I have been assigned to both rural and urban schools, and each setting has been special in its own way. In the countryside, I commute by bike through peaceful surroundings and experience the closeness of small communities. In the city, I take the train and enjoy the energy and diversity of urban schools. Both experiences have helped me adapt to different lifestyles and teaching environments.

What stands out the most in my journey is the personal growth I’ve gained. I’ve learned to adapt, to respect cultural differences, and to value the connections I build with students and teachers. The smiles of my students, the teamwork with colleagues, and the lessons I gain each day are what make this experience meaningful.

Being an ALT is not always easy, but it is rewarding. This journey has given me not just teaching experience, but also life lessons and memories that I will carry with me always.

First of all, I just want to say that there are few cooler things than traveling to a completely different country to live and work there.It's most definitely an exciting experience and I definitely recommend people, if they're even remotely interested in teaching in Japan, to go for it! I've had a lot of fun and have learned a lot of things here so far, and I'm very happy that I was able to do it!

That being said, there are obviously going to be some drawbacks to the whole thing, which is to be expected. I think the biggest issue to me is the salary. The additional compensation for living out in the countryside is nice, but it only goes so far when the base salary is so low. Coming from the United States, this amount does not seem feasible for me, and I reckon a lot of other people feel the same. If you are someone who would want to spend their entire life in Japan, this is probably enough. As it stands, It's livable but not much else.

There is a lot to love about being an ALT. If this is your passion, then you are going to love it. The kids are so funny and are definitely one of the best parts of the job. That, and the awesome Japanese food!

My experience with teaching through Interac has mostly been very positive. I have had a lot of fun connecting with students and meeting new people. I really like the current area I live in as well. I was a little frustrated that I had to move from my first prefecture I was sent to after only being there a month. I do also wish the pay was a little higher, and that we could get paid every two weeks instead of once a month. Other than those issues, this has been the best job I've had so far. I would recommend this to others who want to experience daily life in Japan.

My first year as an ALT has offered a uniquely different experience compared from the demanding environment of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines, where a heavy workload and extensive paperwork were the norm, my experience as an ALT with fewer assigned classes presented an initial adjustment.

This unique aspect of my role has challenged me to think creatively about how I can best support the school and its students, moving beyond a traditional classroom teaching model.

The supportive and welcoming atmosphere fostered by my colleagues has been a key factor in transforming what could have been a difficult adjustment into a truly positive and enriching experience.

Teaching in Japan, in my experience with this company, has been nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning, I felt supported in settling down and adjusting to a new country and culture. I always have someone I can turn to for guidance.

Working here has been both rewarding and enjoyable. The students are enthusiastic, the team is welcoming, and it has also been a wonderful personal journey. I’ve always wanted to travel and experience Asian culture, and now I get to explore Japan while doing what I love (teaching).

I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my teaching adventure in Japan. It’s a solid 5/5 for me, and I wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone looking for a fulfilling teaching experience abroad!

My overall experience thus far has been good. The schools are amazing. I enjoy each school I work at. I must say, however, certain teaching materials which are incredibly useful I have to pay for a subscription out of pocket and cost of living isn't the same as it used to be 10 years ago; so respectfully, I think there should be an increase in pay for ALTs as one hasn't been given in over a decade even tho the global economy has changed drastically during that period.

I understand other companies have had an increase as well and Interac paying employees less is an advantage in terms of school BOEs hiring. However, I do believe to motivate your employees more to make an even better name for the company is to allow an increase as well. If the salary was increased by even 15 thousand yen it would still be far lower than the competition.