A Life-Changing Experience - Teach English in Japan with Interac

Working for Interac has been an enriching and fulfilling experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. Over the past three years, I've had the opportunity to delve into the vibrant culture of Japan while simultaneously growing both personally and professionally.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Interac has been the diverse cultural experiences I've encountered. From participating in traditional festivals to immersing myself in local customs, each day brought new insights and appreciation for the rich tapestry of Japanese culture.

Beyond cultural immersion, Interac has provided an exceptional level of support, both in living and working in Japan. Whether it was navigating the complexities of paperwork or finding the perfect accommodation, the company's unwavering assistance ensured a smooth transition and enabled me to focus on making the most of my experience abroad.

Moreover, the camaraderie among colleagues has been invaluable. Through collaborative projects and team-building activities, I've forged meaningful connections and made lifelong friends. The supportive and inclusive work environment fostered by Interac has truly enhanced my overall experience.

As I reflect on my time with Interac, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities it has afforded me. The invaluable skills I've acquired and the memories I've created are treasures that I will carry with me for years to come.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the prospect of continuing my journey with Interac. With a company culture that values growth, diversity, and innovation, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise while furthering my professional development.

In conclusion, working for Interac has been nothing short of remarkable. From the enriching cultural experiences to the unwavering support provided by the company, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and rewarding organization. Here's to many more years of growth and success with Interac.

As someone who has worked as both an ALT with Interac and previously elsewhere as an English teacher at a private cram school, I have found some great points about working through Interac.

First, Interac does a great job of offering support for living in Japan to the amount needed by the ALT. There are many guides and helpful staff members that are available for reference on everything from paperwork at city hall to classroom management.
For someone like me who has already settled in Japan before working for the company, Interac is also great at letting me handle my own life. The company is always there to help, but is flexible enough to allow for autonomy.

Most of the day-to-day work that goes on can differ greatly depending on the board of education and schools that an ALT is assigned to. Although this can mean that the resources available and level of prep needed at each school can vary, Interac provides a depth of lesson plans and guides that assist with putting together a good lesson.
Meeting the needs of the school and students comes first, but the way in which you approach your lessons can be done in a way that utilizes your strengths. This opportunity for creativity in lesson planning keeps the job fresh and allows for continued adjustments from year to year.

One of the greatest strengths of an ALT teaching position is that you work directly in a school. If you are interested in experiencing Japanese culture, this provides great immersion for trying many foods through school lunches as well as experience in Japanese formal ceremonies such as graduation. Japanese language experience is not required for the job, but if you are interested in learning or improving, being able to talk to other school staff is a great opportunity to both share your native culture and learn about the local area.

In addition, the scheduling for Interac is very friendly to traveling and exploring your town. Working for schools provides a standard Monday through Friday work week with daylight left in the day when finished. This is a huge contrast to working at an English language cram school, where days start and end very late to accommodate students that attend school during the day.
A standard yearly school schedule also includes summer and winter vacations, which typically have some work days and training days. These days are paid labor, so they are nice to keep monthly income from being too irregular.
Interac has always been extremely nice and encouraging about taking planned vacations and using sick days. I never feel pressured when planning things on my own, and staff is always cooperative when advanced notice is given, or during sudden emergencies that require absence.

Currently, I live near the beach in Wakayama, Japan, and it's such a beautiful area, especially during spring and fall. There are many natural areas you can walk around and enjoy hiking, so if you enjoy nature then you will likely have a fun time. Also I enjoy learning Japanese culture at schools during the year, including attending some interesting events. Sometimes you can also join club activities or lead an English speaking club. The enjoyment can really vary depending on placement and where you are, and sometimes teachers get placed in poor conditions. For me, I like being in charge of lessons at a high school, but some people are put in elementary schools and feel like they aren't as important. You should enjoy teaching for this job if you want a good experience and really engage with the culture. It's also important to make friends and ensure you have some good groups to spend time with, because you will feel very lonely at times without a good group. Overall, this year has been very enjoyable, and I will be continuing this position for another year or two, but beyond that I would probably not recommend.

It was a great year to be honest and I was able to get out of my comfort zone as I became T1 for the schools that I am taught. For the most part, there were adjustments but I was able to overcome challenges with the help of the HRTs and JTEs making the classes fun and very interesting. I just do hope that I will be able to continue teaching with the schools that I am with this year for continuity purposes and consistency/relationships to students and teachers. I guess with this in mind, I would love to be a part of the schools that I am assigned with as the comfortability is also a great factor but nevertheless, to SUM it ALL UP, the SCHOOL YEAR WAS A BLAST.

Assistant Language Teacher in Japan is really a fun experience for me. I love kids and this job is giving it to me. That feeling of happiness whenever I get to see their happy faces and excitement during our English classes. Most of the Japanese students know zero English. Some of them really want to learn, but some of them have no intentions to learn at all. This job is not easy, but if you know what you're doing and you can get your students attention, it will be really fun. This job has a lot of challenges, but hey all jobs have their own challenges right? We all can do it!

As a foreigner teaching English with Interac in Japan, I can wholeheartedly say that it has been an enriching and rewarding experience. Winning the Motivation Instructor award at the Interac ALT Awards was truly an honor and a testament to the dedication and support provided by the organization.

Interac has provided me with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students in local schools. From fostering language skills to promoting cultural exchange, every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth.

The support and resources provided by Interac have been invaluable. From comprehensive training programs to ongoing professional development, I have felt supported every step of the way. The sense of community among fellow teachers and staff further enhances the experience, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.

Living and working in Japan has allowed me to immerse myself in a rich and vibrant culture. From exploring historic landmarks to indulging in delicious cuisine, there is never a dull moment outside the classroom.

Overall, my time with Interac has been nothing short of transformative. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of Interac's teachers and to be a part of such a dynamic and fulfilling program.

I highly recommend Interac to anyone looking for a rewarding experience teaching English abroad. Joining Interac has been one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I am excited to continue making a difference in the lives of students in Japan.

Thank you, Interac, for this incredible opportunity.

A click on an interesting advert has given me the opportunity to meet and teach some of the most wonderful kids you could ever meet and the chance to explore one of the most beautiful, culturally rich places in the world. In Hokkaido, which I lovingly call the frontier, things are a bit slower than life in other big cities. But, admittedly, it isn't for everyone's liking. But, from my time here, I can say there is something for everybody - with the added benefit of smaller crowds for you to really enjoy the experiences. Be it food, nature or cultural experiences. It requires a little effort to find something you love. For me though, the best part is the job. Everyday I get to spend with my students is a literal blessing. Watching their eyes light up the moment they see me walking towards their classroom never gets old. And, knowing I get to make an impact in their lives in one way or another is icing on the cake for me.

On the negative side, again, things here are slower than in Tokyo or Osaka. So, most things here close at 9pm - except for the convenience stores (of course) and the odd fast food restaurant. So, depending on where you are in the Sapporo (or Hokkaido generally) 10pm can literally be a ghost town. I'll admit, that was an adjustment - even as someone who prefers the quiet. The biggest challenge however I would say are the occasional stares. Not menacing in anyway; but, certainly inquisitive. Most times, I understand it. It is very rare to see someone of African descent (Black) here in Sapporo; I accept it as natural to want to figure me out (except Japanese culture doesn't encourage direct confrontation). But, it can be daunting and uncomfortable at times. And, there are days when it is just really annoying. That said, I have no other major complaints.

So, if you want to try something different, certainly Japan offers that in abundance.
If a slower pace and colder place is your ideal fit, I really think you'll love Hokkaido.
If you love working with children, then this job will suit you perfectly.

I have not been in the program for long, but I have had a great experience so far. Moving to Japan was really difficult but the staff helped me through it and were patient with my mistakes. This is my first time teaching in a classroom, and everyone has been very understanding of my shortcomings. The most difficult part of the program was figuring out how to get to my placement location, since I had to get from the airport to location on my own.
Adjusting to the move has also been difficult. It was expensive to furnish my apartment, so it is important to be aware of the cost.
However I have had a great time traveling around Japan, trying new foods, meeting new people, and learning how to be a better teacher and member of Japan.