What is it like being an ALT in Japan?

ALT definition: An Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) is a foreign national serving as an assistant teacher (paraprofessional educator) in a Japanese classroom, particularly for English.
This article will cover the basis of what being an ALT entails in Japan.

Do I have the qualifications to be an ALT?

The only qualifications you need are:

1.A higher education (Bachelors/Masters) in any field

2. 12-15 years of spoken English education (if you are from a non-native English country, please provide a written notice from your high school/university stating that all classes were done in English)

3. Basic Japanese conversation level (although this is not necessary for all schools)

4. A go-getter attitude

Voila! You’ve gotten an interview!

Now come to the big questions. You might ask this during the interview or contract stage.

How much do ALTs in Japan get paid?

Let’s talk about one of the most important: Salary.

Depending on the company, an average ALT makes 180,000-250,000 yen per month (roughly $1300-1800) . Albeit a bit low, this is considered a livable wage, especially if you live in the suburbs outside the main city. You can negotiate with your company for benefits or bonuses during contract signing.

What are ALTs working hours?

When signing the contract, the company will usually have a section detailing which school(s) you will go to and both the starting time and ending times. An average workday is from 8:30-4:00. This is a strict timetable that you must follow. The good news is that after these hours, you do not have to take work home with you! You’re totally free to do anything!

What are my responsibilities as an ALT?

This is quite the grey area. By definition, you are considered an assistant. But if your school does not have a Japanese English teacher, you will be making lesson plans, delegating homework, photocopying worksheets and doing the job of a full-fledged teacher. This is not to deter you, however because these tasks can be done easily and within the timeframe of your time in school.

If you do have a Japanese English teacher, you may be subject to less work.

Other responsibilities during school may include interacting with the students, making sign boards, eating with the students during lunch and supervising cleaning times.

Being an ALT, there might be a lot of responsibilities and rules, but the main thing an ALT inspires in the kids is: joy. Joy in speaking, joy in interacting. Making silly inside jokes, comforting them when they’ve given up. You are not only here for the paycheck. It’s something you want to infer into the students long after you are gone.

What school do I go to?

This may come up during contract signing. The company is responsible for delegating you an area in Japan within their jurisdiction. They will send you to the city/town and settle you in there before the school term starts. Depending on the size of the school, you could get 1-3 schools in a week, and a timetable on how to balance them.

Now you’ve completed the interview and contract, Hooray!
You are now an ALT!

In conclusion, being an ALT can sometimes be difficult. There are times where you burn out, over-stress and try to do too many things at once. But, it can also be rewarding and fun. What you do during this time impacts the students.

The last question is: What’s it like being an ALT?
Answer: Fun!