My Journey as a New ALT in Japan

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.