Start your Japan journey: ALT positions open at Interac!

What is an ALT?

ALT stands for “assistant language teacher.” As described by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), an ALT is a native-level English speaker working in the Japanese classroom. In almost all cases, Interac ALTs are not members of the school staff but are employees of Interac who are under the guidance of the company.

What do ALTs do?

Formal explanations aside, Interac ALTs are English teachers who have the unique opportunity to educate Japanese students directly in the classroom. By teaching and helping in the classroom, ALTs have the chance to influence and educate students of all ages.

Because ALTs are often students’ first point of contact with a non-Japanese native, they are as much a cultural ambassador as they are a teacher, helping give students a window to the world outside Japan. The best ALTs do much more than teach English: they teach students about the world around them.

Interac ALTs teach in elementary schools, junior highs, and high schools in Japan. In most cases, ALTs will teach in a mix of elementary schools and junior highs with the bulk of the lessons being done in the junior high English classes.

While each school is unique, typically ALTs teach English lessons on their own with a native Japanese teacher in the classroom to help manage the students. More than just teaching English, ALTs’ enthusiasm and attitude give students the motivation and opportunity to gain a better understanding of the world.