What are ALT companies in Japan?

Looking to work in Japan, but not sure where to start? There are many options if you would like to teach English. 

Learn more about the ALT role and how to get a position with an ALT company in Japan below.

What are ALTs?

ALT stands for Assistant Language Teacher. ALTs work in public elementary, junior high, and high schools. They help Japanese teachers in English lessons

What do ALTs do?

An ALT’s job is to support the homeroom teachers of Japanese English teacher(s) provide English instruction in the classroom. ALT duties may include:

• Assisting with English pronunciation

• Creating lesson plans

• Making fun activities, such as online games and powerpoints

• Preparing the study room and tidying/cleaning it up afterwards

• Decorating the english room with a dedicated English Board

• Helping students with activities and checking their understanding

Junior High School ALT may also help students plan and prepare for annual Speech contests.

What is an ALT dispatch company?

An ALT dispatch company is responsible for recruiting ALTs. They also find good school placements to match the ALTs skills and experience. 

ALT dispatch companies are contracted by the Board of Education (BOE) within the prefecture. The company acts as a intermediary between the BOE and its ALTs.

What is a Direct Hire ALT?

A direct hire ALT is recruited directly by the prefecture’s Board of Education or the school.  Your contract will be negotiated and signed by the BOE or school staff.

Direct hire ALTs may be able to negotiate higher salaries, but be careful. These positions come with high expectations and can be extremely competitive!

Benefits of working for a Dispatch Company in Japan

• Dispatch companies can assist with managing your visa, finding accommodation. They also help you with day-to-day issues, such as paying bills or taxes. 

• Placements are less competitive than direct hire positions.

• Local commuting costs and often covered by the dispatch company.

• Dispatch companies can mediate any issues between ALTs and their schools. This helps to avoid any miscommunication due to language barriers. Also, ALTs have trained HR staff to explain their situation to the school and negotiate on their behalf. 

• More flexibility on location. A dispatch company will work with ALTs to transfer them to another area. This is great if you want a change of scene or need to move for personal reasons.

Is JET a dispatch company?

JET is a placement program managed by the Japanese government. It is not a dispatch company. You can learn more here. 

Benefits of working for RCS 

• RCS was the first ever ALT dispatch company in Japan. We have a strong reputation and are committed to building long-term relationships with our ALT and their schools.

• For full-time ALTs, we offer 10 days paid leave per school year (after your first 6 months with the company).

• We can offer Visa sponsorship and management

• Transport reimbursement to help with commuting costs.

• Friendly and reliable HR staff support. 

• Don’t like calling on the phone or sending emails? You can chat to our staff by instant message on our company app.

• Send your documents or monthly reports / timesheets on our app (no more fax machines!).

• Employee recognition. We offer bi-annual performance evaluation so you can receive regular feedback and appreciation. 

Dispatch companies are ideal for those who want to work in Japan (but also want a little support!). At RCS, we want all our ALTs to feel valued and recognised for their hard work. 

Want to learn more? View our APPLY page and let’s get started! We look forward to meeting you.