Working in Japan has been an eye-opening experience. On the positive side, the professionalism and strong work ethic here are impressive. Things run smoothly, people respect time, and the workplace is generally safe and well-organized. Living standards are high, with reliable transport, good healthcare, and a very safe environment.

That said, it’s not without challenges. Long working hours are common, and in many traditional companies, there’s an unspoken rule not to leave before your boss. Hierarchy is strict, and decision-making can feel slow. For foreigners, the language barrier can be tough unless you have strong Japanese skills (JLPT N2 or N1). You may also sometimes feel like an “outsider,” even after years of living here.

Overall, Japan is a great place to build discipline, gain cultural experience, and enjoy a safe lifestyle. But it can be demanding if you’re looking for a relaxed work-life balance. I’d recommend it to anyone prepared to adapt and embrace the culture.

I'm not gonna write a long review. So far in my experience, Interac and the schools I teach at have provided an amazing new experience. Its not without trials and tribulations but ultimately Interac does everything in their power to problem solve. Though not every situation is as perfect and functional as mine. Ultimately I appreciate the opportunity to come to Japan and have a fresh new experience. Interac is a good company that has enough support to suffice a new person coming to Japan. One thing to note though. You have to learn Japanese. I don't know why it's considered optional when you miss out on so much of the culture and fun when you don't know the language.

Coming from abroad to teach in a foreign land can feel overwhelming, but one of the best parts of my experience has been the availability of teaching materials and facilities. Everything l needed from the textbooks, flashcards, to classroom technology was already prepared for me. This made it much easier to focus on lesson planning and student engagement rather than worrying about resources. The support l received in accessing these materials not only saved me time but also helped me build confidence in my teaching. It truly made my transition smoother and allowed me to settle quickly into the classroom environment.

Being a new ALT in Japan with Interac has been mostly positive. At first, it was a bit challenging, especially dealing with homesickness, but having some guidance beforehand helped me adjust.

Communication with colleagues can be tricky if your Japanese is limited, but even simple greetings and polite expressions go a long way. My colleagues are very kind and respectful, so making an effort really helps.

For teaching materials, some are provided by the school or previous ALTs. If you need new ones, the company supports requests or reimbursements. I often use existing materials and adapt them for games and activities in my kindergarten class.

Interac offers trainings and I’ve had the chance to join the summer English Meet in Kasai as a training committee. These experiences helped me gain confidence, improve my teaching skills, and meet other ALTs.

Life as an ALT here also teaches independence, patience, and openness. Every day is a chance to discover new things ,learning Japanese, trying local food, or experiencing festivals. Working with the kids is fun, and it makes the challenges worthwhile.

Overall, being an ALT is a rewarding journey. It’s not always easy, but it’s full of growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

The Japanese cultural immersion was tangible when I first got here. Everything you can imagine ~ Moreover, the job itself is rewarding. The schools I work for are engaging and I feel useful. I enjoy the students and they enjoy me.

I have such an affinity for Japan and would love to travel more, yet the salary somewhat limits me to more nature-oriented trips since they are relatively cheap, but a couple trips to Tokyo on the weekend is totally feasible. I don't regret coming here at all and hope to stay working in Japan.

I have been able to navigate the process of getting to and from school and going shopping. The assistance from my support team to find local stores to get items reasonable and also learn of the best times to shop for different items. The environment is welcoming and locals are willing to assist with sharing the knowledge of the weather to know how to dress and places to go to sightseeing. Met persons from Ghana and Japan that are huge on outdoor activities and been able to create group sightseeing to parks, zoos, and even hikes.

I came to Japan in March 2025, and now, with almost six months behind me, I can say this experience has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. When I first arrived as an Interac ALT, I didn’t know what to expect. The train rides to school were filled with quiet mornings, my notebook open on my lap, while I rehearsed simple greetings in Japanese. By the time I stepped into the classroom, dozens of curious faces would look up at me, and suddenly the nervousness melted into laughter, hand-raises, and tiny voices repeating after me.

The interaction with students has truly been the best part of this journey. When they call out to me in the hallway or wave from across the school grounds just to say “Hello,” I can’t help but smile. Sometimes, a student will gather all their courage to come talk to me in English about the most random things, what they had for lunch, a favourite anime, or even a question about my country or a famous person from my country. These small, spontaneous exchanges have become the highlight of my days. I’m thoroughly enjoying teaching junior high school students; their energy, curiosity, and kindness make the role feel so rewarding.

Another thing that has made this journey special is the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve been lucky to make a few good friends, including another ALT who happens to live in the same apartment building as me. Since the second day of my arrival in Japan, she’s been my closest friend here. From navigating everyday challenges to sharing laughter after long school days, her presence has made everything feel easier and far less overwhelming. Having someone to lean on and grow alongside has been one of the most comforting parts of this adventure.

Every day brings something new; sometimes a student running up to me with pride in their eyes, other times the challenge of navigating Japanese paperwork or deciphering a hospital form on my own. There are moments of deep connection in the classroom, and moments of solitude in the evenings where I’ve learned to sit with myself and grow.

Working with Interac has been more than just teaching. It’s been a story of small steps that add up to big changes. Japan has a way of reshaping you quietly, through the rhythm of its seasons, the kindness of its people, and even the silence of its train stations. Looking back, I realise this journey has taught me as much as I’ve taught my students.

Since I was 16, I dreamed of moving to Japan and experiencing everyday life here. I’ve always admired Japanese culture, and I knew that simply visiting as a tourist wouldn’t be enough. I wanted to truly immerse myself, improve my Japanese, and push myself beyond my comfort zone in order to grow both personally and professionally.

Living and working in Japan has given me the chance to reflect deeply on myself and the direction I want to take in life, all while discovering places and experiences most tourists never get to see. I’ve faced challenges I never thought I could overcome, from navigating daily tasks in another language to adapting to new cultural expectations. But through these experiences, I’ve grown into a stronger, more confident version of myself — one who is more open, resilient, and adaptable than ever before.

Beyond my day-to-day teaching and school life, I’ve also been fortunate to travel around Japan and visit places that had been on my list for years. Being able to finally tick them off feels incredibly rewarding. To name a few, I currently live in Mie Prefecture, which has allowed me to explore one of Japan’s most sacred and historical sites, Ise-jingū. Visiting such an important shrine, which isn’t widely known to tourists, gave me a rare opportunity to connect with Japan’s cultural and spiritual side on a much deeper level.

I’ve also ventured into neighboring prefectures, such as Wakayama, where I spent a weekend visiting Nachi Falls — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Standing before the waterfall, with the ancient temple in the background, was absolutely breathtaking and one of those moments that remind you why living here is such a privilege. Traveling to smaller cities and towns has shown me a quieter, more authentic side of Japan, one that you simply don’t experience in major cities. These local discoveries, from hidden shrines to charming family-run restaurants, have made me fall in love with Japan even more.

Through Interac and my school, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to not only teach, but also to connect with my students, coworkers, and the wider community. These connections have helped me learn about Japanese culture in a way that goes far beyond textbooks or travel. Every day in the classroom brings its own challenges and rewards, from the joy of seeing a student gain confidence in English, to the fun of sharing cultural exchanges where both sides learn something new.

This journey has not only taught me how to be a better teacher, but also allowed me to build valuable life skills such as communication, adaptability, and cultural awareness. It has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and I know I will carry these lessons and memories with me into whatever comes next.

Looking back, moving to Japan with Interac has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has given me the chance to live the life I dreamed about as a teenager, while also pushing me to grow in ways I never expected. For anyone considering this path, I can confidently say that it is more than just a job, it’s a life-changing experience that will stay with you forever.