Working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan is often seen as an easy way for native English speakers to live abroad. But the job is more complex than it seems. The duties of an ALT can change depending on the region, the employer, or even the school.

Here's what you should know if you're thinking about becoming an ALT. I'll share the job's rewards and challenges so you can decide if teaching English in Japan is the right choice for you.

What Does an ALT Do?

The daily tasks of an ALT can vary greatly. What you do depends on the expectations of the local Board of Education (BOE), the school you're assigned to, and the Japanese teachers you work with. Many Japanese teachers aren't trained to work with ALTs, and some don't even want an assistant in their classroom.

At some schools, ALTs might be expected to lead English lessons on their own. In these cases, the ALT has to create lesson plans, manage classroom activities, and do everything a regular teacher would do. This can be a great way to develop teaching skills, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for new ALTs with little experience.

At other schools, an ALT might only be asked to read aloud from a textbook or pronounce vocabulary words. The Japanese teacher runs the class in these cases, and the ALT plays a much smaller role.

Sometimes, you might even be sent back to the staffroom before the lesson ends when the teacher feels your help isn't needed.

Many ALTs experience spending a lot of time in the staffroom, especially in junior high schools. This is lovingly called "desk warming." While this time is supposed to be used for preparing lessons, it can feel like wasted time if you're not allowed to be more involved in the classroom. Some ALTs use this downtime to retrain for another job or work on side projects, like writing articles.

The typical workday for an ALT starts at 8:00 AM and ends between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM, depending on the employer. However, because many ALTs are part-time workers, their income might not match the time they spend at school.

Who Does an ALT Work For?

The conditions of an ALT's job, including pay, contract length, and how often they change schools, depend on their employer. There are three main types of employers for ALTs: dispatch companies, the JET Programme, and direct hires by city Boards of Education.

Dispatch Companies

Most ALTs work for dispatch companies, which are temporary staffing agencies. These companies hire ALTs from overseas and send them to different schools within a district. The working conditions can be inconsistent, and new hires often have to pay their own airfare and bring extra money to cover the first few months before getting paid.

ALTs working for dispatch companies often work at multiple schools each week. Some might work at one school for years, while others visit several schools, sometimes only once every two weeks. The pay for dispatch ALTs is usually low because Boards of Education award contracts to the lowest bidder.

The JET Programme

The Japanese government runs the JET Programme and offers better pay than dispatch companies. Participants' salaries also increase every year. However, the program is very competitive, with only about 5,000 positions available across Japan, and participants can only stay in the program for a maximum of five years.

The JET Programme is more about promoting Japan to the world than teaching English. After the end of their contracts, JET participants are expected to return to their home countries and share their experiences. For Japan, Jeremy Hunt, a former JET participant from the UK who went on to become the Chancellor of the Exchequer under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak is the goal.

Direct Hire

Direct hire positions are when ALTs are employed directly by city Boards of Education. These jobs usually offer better pay and more stability than other ALT positions. Direct-hire ALTs are also considered public employees, which can be helpful beyond just the salary since it's seen as stable employment by banks, real estate agents, and others.

These positions are only available to people already living in Japan and who meet certain qualifications. For example, some cities require candidates to move to the area before accepting the job. Direct-hire ALTs are often expected to take on more responsibilities, like designing lesson plans, leading lessons, and participating in school activities outside of class.

No matter who they work for, many ALTs are moved between schools often, making it hard to feel like a permanent part of the staff.

ALT as a Step Toward a Career in Japan

For some people, being an ALT is a way to start a long-term career in Japan. But this isn't guaranteed. While the skills you gain as an ALT can help you move into other fields, many ALTs find themselves stuck in teaching jobs they didn't plan on. This can be frustrating and may lead to them returning home without moving forward in their careers.

Since the COVID pandemic, tech industry jobs have become a more promising way to work in Japan. These jobs often offer higher salaries and better career prospects than teaching. However, moving from an ALT job to a tech job can be challenging. ALTs must pursue additional training or professional development in Japan to make this transition easier.

Conclusion

Being an ALT in Japan can be a rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges. While the cost of living in Japan is lower than in many other countries, it's rising, and many ALTs struggle to make ends meet.

The job requires a mix of teaching knowledge and soft skills, and while formal training might be lacking, those who put in the effort can find satisfaction in their work. But the job can also feel thankless at times.

Ultimately, your experience as an ALT depends on what you make of it. If you have realistic expectations and are willing to adapt, spending time in Japan as an ALT can be fulfilling. But if you're looking for long-term career prospects, it's important to have a plan for what comes next, whether that's further education, skill development, or a move into a different industry. Having a clear path can help you navigate the ups and downs of the role.

Even though the job can be challenging, I've had the chance to work with great teachers and students and gained insights into Japanese culture that I wouldn't have otherwise. But for some, the challenges might not be worth it.

Why Becoming an ALT in Japan Could Be the Best (or Worst) Decision of Your Life

Longform essay about working as an ALT

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