When I first stepped off the plane in Japan, I carried with me a suitcase, a heart full of excitement, and an endless mix of curiosity and uncertainty. I had dreamed of teaching abroad for years, but I never truly imagined how much this experience would transform me—both as a teacher and as a person.

Teaching in Japan was far more than standing in front of a classroom. It was about learning to communicate beyond words, adapting to cultural differences, and discovering that teaching is as much about listening as it is about speaking.

At first, the language barrier felt daunting. Simple things, like ordering food or asking for directions, reminded me what it felt like to be on the other side of understanding. That perspective helped me become more patient and empathetic with my students, who were navigating English in much the same way. Every small victory—a student greeting me confidently in English, or using a new phrase correctly—felt like a shared triumph.

Beyond the classroom, Japan itself became my teacher. I learned the beauty of discipline and precision from the school system, but I also absorbed lessons from everyday life. Celebrating seasonal festivals with colleagues and students reminded me that education extends far beyond textbooks—it lives in culture, tradition, and human connection.

The company had us rent a car a week after arriving, and that made a huge difference. Having a car was incredibly convenient because it allowed me to explore nearby places and travel on my own time. My experience driving in Japan was memorable not only for the scenic routes but also because of how disciplined and considerate drivers were. It gave me a sense of independence and comfort, making everyday life and weekend trips much more enjoyable.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was attending a summer fireworks festival. The night sky lit up in dazzling colors, and for a moment, it felt as if time stood still. Surrounded by families, laughter, and the festive spirit, I realized how much joy comes from being part of traditions that bring communities together.

School life itself was filled with small but meaningful moments. Eating lunch with students was one of the highlights of my day. Those shared meals, filled with curiosity, giggles, and simple conversations, created a sense of belonging that no classroom activity could capture. Afterward, joining them during break time—whether it was a quick game of tag in the schoolyard or a quiet chat in the hallway—helped me see my students not only as learners but as vibrant young people full of energy and dreams.

There were challenges, of course. Moments of homesickness, miscommunication, and cultural differences sometimes made me question whether I was truly making an impact. Yet, in those very moments, I found growth. I learned to embrace mistakes as opportunities, to laugh at misunderstandings, and to see progress not in big leaps but in steady steps.

By the end of my journey, I realized that “teaching beyond borders” wasn’t just about crossing geographical boundaries—it was about crossing personal ones. It was about stepping out of comfort zones, building bridges between worlds, and recognizing that teaching is less about transferring knowledge and more about creating understanding.

Japan gave me far more than memories; it gave me a new perspective on education, culture, and life. And though my time there eventually came to an end, the lessons I carried with me remain timeless—reminders that learning never stops, and that sometimes the greatest classrooms are the ones found far beyond our own borders.

Becoming an ALT with Interac has truly been a life-changing experience for me. When I first arrived in Japan, everything felt unfamiliar—from the language to the customs—but Interac made the transition smoother than I ever imagined. From training and housing to lesson planning support, they’ve been by my side throughout.

Teaching has pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. I’ve become more confident speaking in front of others, leading classes, and even emceeing school events—things I never thought I could do! I’ve also made great connections with other ALTs and local teachers who’ve helped me grow both professionally and personally.

The job has its ups and downs. Pay could be better, and holidays are limited. But the support, the joy of teaching kids, and the cultural experiences make it all worthwhile. Every day I step into the classroom, I learn something new—not just about Japan, but about myself. I wouldn't trade this journey for anything.

My teaching experience working for Interac, the world’s greatest education leader has been absolutely magnificent. Additionally, the professionalism, and support received from everyone, including the marvelous job staff, and school faculty has been simply unimaginable. Being a kindergarten teacher in Japan, is truly a dream come true. Everyday, we engage in many fun filled game activities, using English to communicate together. Im so thrilled to see many of the students eager to play, dance, and chase each other around the playground area.

Being an ALT is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made so far in choosing a career. I am not just sharing my knowledge and skills to students but I’m learning as well. Everyday I learn, like the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity and the Japanese language.

I’m so thankful for all the things I experienced. This job helped me so much to get outside of my comfort zone. I used to be so shy in talking infront of many people but now I can say that I grow in so many ways and this is all because of the great support I received from Interac and my colleagues. From the time I started teaching in Japan up to this day, they are always there ready to assist and help me.

I already experienced doing emcees in our school events like English days and any english related events. The trainings, online meetings, online resources and support from my company made by job easier.

If you are looking to get your start in Japan, this is a good option. Even with little teaching and Japanese language experience, you can work for Interac and build your skills over time. I've met many wonderful people through this job, and I'm very happy with the school I was assigned. Sometimes it is luck of the draw with your school placements, as there is a wide range of experiences amongst ALTs. Overall, Interac is a decent company to work for. But, I would be prepared to add a second job or find a new one after the first year, as the pay is quite low.

I’ve been with them for about 7 years and I do really enjoy teaching elementary students. My schools are pretty much close to where I live which is really nice. The staff are really helpful. Most of the lessons at schools are guided and the HRTs are supportive. You get to teach 5 to 6 classes a day and sometimes just 4. Some schools will ask you to eat lunch with kids but some don’t.

I do sometimes help with club activities and it’s always fun. Apart from teaching, some areas have unique school event such as English Village or English Day which is exciting as you get to interact with other ALTs in the area and do fun and short lessons together.

Having a family here in Japan makes this job ideal for me. My regular work schedule is from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays. This routine allows me to manage household chores and spend quality time with my family. We also have vacations in the summer, winter, and fall. These extended breaks help me recharge, enabling me to return to work feeling refreshed.

I have had wonderful experiences as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher). The kids are a joy to teach. Sometimes, they can become overly excited or rowdy in class, but managing the students is not too difficult since I am team-teaching with a Japanese teacher. While there have been challenges, this job is undoubtedly rewarding and fulfilling.

Besides teaching English, I actively participated in school clubs and events. I also engaged in activities outside my schools, such as cultural exchange programs and camps. In these events, I had the opportunity to represent my country, explore Japanese traditions and culture, meet university students from various countries, and many more. These experiences added fun and excitement to my journey as an ALT.

Why Interac?
I’ve been with Interac for several years now, and everything has been great! They provide great resources, including detailed lesson plans, job training, and even Japanese language courses that we can utilize in our work. Furthermore, they also make an effort to host social gatherings for ALTs and staff, which is a great way to connect and have fun together.

The management team is very professional, yet they are also friendly and supportive. Although I only see some of them during training sessions and class observations, they are always just an email or a phone call away whenever I have questions or need assistance.

I had a keen interest in visiting Japan as early as my third year of high school, in Jamaica. In May of 2019, my dream of being in the “Land of the Rising Sun” came through. Upon commencing a two-week training session, prior to my first day in the classroom, I was very fortunate to be assigned to the Kitakyushu branch, in Fukuoka. It has been a very rich and memorable experience for me. I am most grateful for the warm reception and support that I have received throughout my tenure there. In addition, the overwhelming support from all the schools and local communities that I have taught and worked in, is a special gift that I had never expected. I was able to gain valuable experiences as an Assistant Language Teacher of English and learnt from everyone. The positive interactions with the students and encouraging feedback from the teachers have been quite memorable and useful.

Just before arriving in Japan, I only knew how to say few expressions, such as: “Hello!” and “How are you?”, in Japanese. Without a doubt, I knew that in order to have a rewarding experience whilst in Japan, I had to have a good grasp of the language. I was very surprised to learn that it has four writing systems, namely: Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Romaji. Also, there are two different ways to read Kanji: On’yomi and Kun’yomi. For me, this was simply incredible. Inevitably, I had to study hard to acquire a solid foundation of the language. I tried my best not to worry about making mistakes, because there can be no true progress without the passage of failure. I am very humbled to say that I have been successful in a being a Japanese Speech Contest finalist, in 2022; and passing the intermediary level (N4) Japanese Language Proficiency Test, recently. Moreover, there is a popular saying among the local people that I have embraced a lot: “Fall seven times, rise on the eighth!”

Two of my favorite hobbies are athletics and hiking. Interestingly, I never dreamt that I would become a member of an athletic club in my hometown, in Iwakuni city, Japan. I was introduced to the team by one of its members, by a mere miracle, or, at best by fate. The track club comprises of awe-inspiring members who have been pivotal to the many positive experiences that I have had and will always cherish. I shared with them my favorite saying, and they even adopted it as the team’s motto: "Teamwork, Makes the Dream Work."

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to live and work in this beautiful country; study Japanese, raise a beautiful family, and enjoy running and go hiking with treasured friends. I am very enthused and thankful to say that my fulfilled dream of visiting Japan has given birth to priceless memories for a lifetime.