What Is An Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) In Japan?

An ALT is a native or native-level English speaker who works in Japanese public schools and supports a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE).

ALTs typically teach at elementary, middle, or high schools—sometimes at one, sometimes splitting time between several, depending on the contract.

What’s interesting about this role is that ALTs act not only as teachers but as cultural ambassadors, exchanging information about their home countries with their students. This cultural exchange spills over into extracurricular activities and school events. 

ALTs have a diverse role. 

ALTS need to:

• assist with classes,
• team-teach with the JTE, 
• model the target language (especially pronunciation), 
• motivate students to learn English,
• create teaching materials and worksheets,
• grade essays,
•  do progress assessments, 
• help maintain a clean classroom, and
• assist with extra-curricular activities, like English speaking contests. 

But, above all, ALTs share their culture to promote English and give their students an international perspective to make English learning more meaningful.

The ALT is one of several teaching roles in Japan. There are also eikaiwa teachers and private tutors. Each role differs in its schedule, class size and teaching approach. 

Read more: Ways to Work in Japan as a Foreigner

ALTs work a standard Monday–Friday school week while eikaiwa teachers follow a Tuesday–Saturday block schedule with breaks. Private tutors set their own hours if self-employed, while tutoring companies assign students and set rates. 

Tutoring is usually one-on-one, whereas eikaiwa teachers teach small groups and ALTs teach regular-sized classes of up to 40 students. 

Eikaiwas provide structured materials while private tutors and ALTs have more flexibility in their lesson planning and teaching approach.

A day in the life of an ALT at a public school might look something like this: 

⏰ Morning routine & commute (6:30 – 7:50)

• Wake up, get ready, and travel or walk to school.

🏫Homeroom (8:10 – 8:30)

• Help out with homeroom or lead a revision quiz.

📚 Morning classes (8:40 – 12:30)

• Teach 3–5 lessons a day.
• Use free periods to do lesson prep, grade or rest.

🍱 Lunch break (12:30 – 13:10)

• Eat lunch at your desk or school cafeteria.

🎓Afternoon classes (13:10 – 16:00)

• Engage sleepy students during the post-lunch afternoon slump. 

📝After school (16:00 – 16:30)

• Admin and/or chat with students.
• Assist with extracurricular activities.

Recruiters are definitely on the lookout for some key personality traits. 

The model ALT has excellent English language skills, is open to new experiences, is flexible, friendly and emotionally (and mentally) stable. You need to be okay with being on your own for extended periods of time, should you be placed in a small town or rural location. 

Japanese work culture can be quite different to what you are accustomed to. It can be quite challenging to adjust when you first arrive.

Here are some ways you can adjust to Japanese work culture: 

• Respect the hierarchy within your organisation and community. In Japan, age automatically earns respect.
• Be professional at all times, with a good work ethic.
• Avoid confrontation, especially in public.
• Be punctual. 
• Practice patience and understanding.
• Learn some Japanese. 

Read more: Teach English in Japan

ALT jobs are a popular path to working in Japan due to benefits like flight and commute allowances, housing and visa support, paid leave, teacher training and social insurance. ALT jobs offer a unique cultural immersion experience. 

What can you earn as an ALT? 

Salaries are competitive if you’re outside of a large city like Tokyo. On average, JET ALTs earn a higher starting monthly salary of ¥335,000 ($2,300). This increases each year you are on the program.

Dispatched ALTs earn an average of ¥205,500 ($1,400) a month. Direct hires are able to better negotiate their salaries and may earn around ¥350,000 ($2,400).

Although this is lower than salaries in international schools or universities, it’s generally higher than teaching in eikaiwas. ALTs in Japan are able to live comfortably and even save.

What other benefits can ALTs expect?

Benefits differ between employers, which affects things such as leave, vacation days, travel stipend and healthcare. 

The JET Program is extremely competitive due to the extensive support and attractive salary it offers its employees. Public school ALTs enjoy more leave days, around three to four weeks in August and another two weeks in December. 

Dispatch ALTs may have prorated pay during vacation time and need to budget around this, but enjoy flexibility in their placement and variety in teaching locations.

The work-life balance of a public school ALT is enviable compared to that of a private English language school teacher who will face difficulties socialising around a block schedule and weekend work. They work during the day, with nights and weekends free—perfect for networking, socialising, learning Japanese, or just some well-earned Netflix and chill. 

Many ALTs are placed rurally, offering the opportunity for an authentic Japanese experience away from the noise of the big city. A healthy dose of curiosity is key to living like a local. 

ALTs can immerse themselves in the local culture simply by doing everyday activities like shopping at the local supermarket, eating out, using public transportation and socialising with students or the local community. 

Rural ALTs enjoy lower living costs, close-knit communities, and unique local experiences like rice harvesting. They also deal with more language barriers, increased isolation, as well as limited amenities and transport.

Urban ALTs benefit from better resources and technology, diverse networking opportunities and a fast-paced lifestyle, but the cost of living is high, and it can be harder to form deep relationships. 

Most ALTs are hired through the JET Program, while others are hired through dispatch companies. You can apply directly to a specific city’s Board of Education (BOE), known as a direct-hire.

What are the requirements to be an ALT in Japan?

• A native-level English speaker with 12 years of schooling in English, 
• a Bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited university or a teaching certification,
• a clear criminal record,
• in good health
• and be under 60, which is the retirement age in Japan.

Depending on where you’re applying, there may be extra requirements. 

For example, the JET Program prefers candidates who demonstrate flexibility, a strong interest in Japanese culture and a willingness to learn Japanese.  Having a driver’s license, teaching experience, a TEFL qualification, Japanese speaking skills, and a cheerful outlook can strengthen your application. 

Read more: The Pros And Cons Of The JET Program

Application times vary depending on whether you’re applying during peak season, whether you’re inside or outside of Japan, which BOE or dispatch company you’re applying to and what type of visa you’re applying for.  

Some companies hire throughout the year, while others have specific intake periods. For example, the JET Program has one intake window from late September to mid-November. 

If everything goes smoothly, the process from application to arrival can take about 3-4 months. However, applications have been known to take as long as 6-10 months. The JET Program has a longer application process overall compared to dispatch companies.

Let’s bust open some of the wildest myths about being an ALT in Japan. 

Japan is not the only teaching destination to offer ALT opportunities. 

Similar to the ALT role in Japan, Spain’s Language and Culture Assistants act as classroom assistants under the government’s Auxiliares de Conversación Program. Other programs include NALCAP, Meddeas and UCETAM. 

But Japan is arguably the most popular option for ALT applicants. And what it comes down to is the benefits. 

With regular work hours, a manageable workload, a generally welcoming environment with tons of support and even your own car, being an ALT in Japan is a good deal. 

But don’t take our word for it. Let’s hear what a past TEFL Academy graduate says about his experience in Japan.

“My experience teaching English on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program was so rewarding that on my return, I completed a TEFL qualification.”

You can see Sean’s full story here. 

I had very little expectations – and certainly very little practical classroom experience. Nevertheless, I packed away my nerves and boarded a bus to my Japanese elementary school. 

When I first discovered that I was being placed in Kumamoto, a rural Japanese prefecture far, far away from the bright neon lights of bustling Tokyo or Osaka,  I was terrified.

But my first impression was wonderful. The staff and students had lined up to greet me. I was welcomed by smiling elementary school children and beautifully decorated cards. 

I didn’t anticipate dealing with my newfound celebrity status. As the new foreigner in town, I was thrust into the local spotlight and often had to sign autographs at the end of my lessons.

For most of the students and staff that I worked with, I was the only foreigner that they had ever spoken with. As the only foreigner in the school, you’re instantly liked by the students because you’re so alien to them.

My time in Japan was a remarkable life-changing experience that has changed my worldview and provided me with many opportunities.”

With its iconic sakura blossoms to the graceful koi fish, Japan offers a blend of timeless beauty and fascinating culture, where the demand for English teachers continues to grow.

If becoming an assistant language teacher in Japan sounds like your vibe, check out our job listings and find your fit. Still unsure? Visit our blog and read more about teaching in this fascinating country.