My ALT Journey in Japan

Living in Japan as an ALT has been a mix of struggles and beautiful moments that I’ll never forget. Japan itself is such an amazing country. I truly admire the discipline of the people and the way they respect each other in everyday life. Even though my Japanese is only at a basic conversational level, many people try to meet me halfway by speaking English, which has made my daily life a little easier and less intimidating.

Work has also been a fulfilling part of my journey. The education system here is very organized, and it’s clear that the government puts effort into supporting schools and communities. My co-teachers are respectful and welcoming, and I always feel like a valued part of the team.

That said, I want to be honest—my first three months here were very tough. The cost of living in Japan is high, and even now, after seven months, I still find it hard to save anything. My salary is enough to pay the bills, but housing expenses take up so much that it leaves me living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes I wish Interac could help us ALTs with cheaper housing options, especially for those of us assigned to countryside schools. Even a small difference would mean a lot.

But despite these struggles, what makes my stay special are the people at my schools. My principals and vice principals always include me in school activities, and my co-teachers invite me to join in events like Sports Fest, the Choir Competition, and even local traditions like carrying the Omikoshi during Matsuri. Since I love music, they often encourage me to help with performances, which makes me feel like I belong.

Looking back, I realize that while life here isn’t easy financially, the cultural experiences, friendships, and professional growth I’ve gained are priceless. Japan is truly a wonderful country, and I feel grateful for the chance to live and teach here.