A lot of people say so but is this the case if your a simple person who only needs a simple lifestyle? I have no ambition so ALT is perfect for me

I’ll admit it: when I was in high school, I got annoyed. My friends were the class clowns and while I loved them on a personal level, I would get irritated at why the teachers seemed to enjoy their antics even though they would occasionally derail class.

I get it now.

Those hyperactive goofballs make my day so much better. I consider them my hype men & women (teens, but you get the idea). They always participate, always volunteer, always wave excitedly to me in the hallways. They match my energy Every. Single. Time. And I’m naturally high energy so it’s not an easy task. Maybe I have a soft spot for them because they’re loud and I’m American? Regardless, I’m showing appreciation for the crazy, loud, overly enthusiastic students that make even my textbook based lesson plans interesting somehow.

Thank you for being you 🙏

Would love to hear if others feel the same or have specific instances of their students making their day better.

For example, when one of my third years sees me in the hallway and immediately starts spouting the best English they can to strike up a convo and they’re clearly trying to be funny (“sensei, sensei. He points to friend is crazy”) it always cracks me up.

I'm coming from a place where teachers get paid around $300 by the government. Yes, $300, not $3k.

I got an offer from a dispatch company, they're paying $1500.

From my perspective this seems better than my current government salary. I'm a licensed teacher.

When I was filling out my preferences, I said I'd like rural Japan, or smaller towns. I've checked rental costs and it's possible to get housing for ¥30,000.

But all the Reddits I read about Japan claim I'll starve on ALT salary and I shouldn't do it.

I don't have to remit tax back home and I don't have student loan or any other debt.

So my question is, what aspect of small town/rural Japan life is so expensive that I won't survive on 5 times my current salary.

I'm genuinely curious.

I have a holiday in Nov/Dec 2025 for 2 weeks. I’m hoping to work at an academy or private school (I don’t want to be an ALT). Do you think it’s realistic that a place will hire me and allow me to have that time off or is my best bet to just work at Westgate and do a short contract?

Thanks in advance😊

Hello. I just want to ask for a bit of advice. I don't think this is a problem or anything close to that, but I guess some of you here could relate - where the people in your life would always come to you for advice (especially when you're older than them), only to realize that you can't get the same thing from them, it'll be too late.

I work in a private high school and this is my third year. I got used to it, people were all nice, and students are not the best when it comes to studying, but I grew fond of my high schoolers. Before this school year, I thought of asking my dispatch company to transfer me to another school. No other reason; just for new learnings and a new environment. Comfort zones somewhat have an odd effect on me, especially if I feel like I'm no longer learning anything new. That didn't come to fruition that's why I'm still here.

Today, I heard that my JTE (we work so close together, we both get our own classes as T1) is leaving. She told me another JTE is leaving next year. One of them is retiring, so we're basically losing 3 JTEs next school year.

Now I have heard a lot of warnings, red flags (for the lack of a better word) about my school, (things like the students here are apparently 'rejects' of other schools, that they hate studying, that teachers don't force them to study, basically like this is just a diploma mill for rich kids hence teachers shouldn't be doing too much), and yet none of them seriously bothered me that much. The last part didn't sit so well with me because I still think some kids REALLY want to learn English, they just need the right guidance.

But now people are leaving and it kind of bothers me. I don't like being emotional when it comes to work. I understand that change is the only thing constant, that none of these people are my friends - but some of them were like my friends. We talk about a lot of things outside of work - even personal ones. But I'm not sure if I'm missing some other red flags. I know if the good, drama-free people are leaving, then something is definitely going on that I am not aware of. I told my JTE that while I wanna be happy for her, I don't feel happy learning that people are leaving. She told me that my school needs me so I should stay. (although she told me we should keep in touch and she'd let me know of possible opening positions in the future)

I can't really say anything bad about my school because they treat me well. They trust me. The only thing that I don't like is the idea that I'm not learning anything new, I'm not growing, if that makes sense. (Although my Japanese did improve a lot here).

The other thing is that my visa is expiring, so I plan to stay until next school year. My company told me that (sometimes), immigration people consider the length of your stay at work and where you live when deciding the number of years they will grant you on your renewal. I just need another renewal next year for me to surely hit the 10-year mark then I can apply for PR. I feel like if I change jobs now, that might influence the number of years on my visa renewal.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid or confused, I don't know. but I think you guys (especially the OGs) are the best people I could ask advice from. We all do the same thing (almost) so I know you'd understand where I was coming from. I always welcome all kinds of advice or insights.

Thanks for reading and sorry if it's too long and wordy lol

I was wondering when the exact deadline to apply for Altia Central is? A professor of mine said they'd write me up a reference letter for them in about two weeks so I was wondering if they'll make it in time for me to apply.

Hi everyone. For anyone with experience at Peppy kids club, when they say you’ll be teaching alone do they mean you’ll be alone in the entire facility?? Or do they just mean I’ll be the main teacher, but with other people present in the facility? I hope this makes sense please help😭

I hope you’re all doing well. I wanted to ask if anyone has suggestions for activities or games where students can converse with me. I’m planning a review session since my students have exams soon, but the JTE requested a speaking-focused activity to give them some conversational practice. Conversation questions would be ideal for this.

If you have any ideas, I would be very grateful for your help. Thank you so much in advance!

If let's say, you've been at your school(s) for a year or so and the school(s) really likes you (let's assume you're exceptional). Do you have a chance before the end of your contract to ask the BOE/schools directly if they'd hire you through them and not your dispatch company? Is that a long shot? Has it worked for anyone? Is there a certain time of year to ask to make that chance more likely before they start discussing with the dispatch? I'm assuming you'd have to tell them "don't tell the dispatch I asked" LMAO or you might not get recontracted. From what I've heard, it seems direct hire jobs are usually obtained if you know someone who is leaving and are replacing them. (you're rec'd by them) I'm mostly just curious.

So my friend said she had students being inappropriate around her and just decided not to go to that class for the rest of the year. Understandable.

but, when she said that, another friend casually said yea, and he has even done that before in a non chalant way.

Third friend said he had only done that when he had gnarly headache and took a nap in the nurse’s office.

I have never missed a class in 7 years lol made me wonder

Is it okay to study/keep busy at your desk with your current employer? I was reading a comment here that mentioned that you're not allowed to study Japanese or anything non-lesson planning related at your desk at Altia. Is that really true? Those who have worked for them, did you follow that rule? Those working at other companies, does such a rule exist or are you free to do things like studying/etc so long as it's not clearly inappropriate like playing games or something? I also recall reading that the dress codes are more strict, you can only use 5 of your 10 PTO days freely, etc. I'm wondering if that's the dispatch norm. I'm able to study, wear what I want so long as it's not jeans and use my PTO whenever. Curious about everyone else's situation. Are there any rules at your company you don't care for?

So I have an interview with NOVA and have to pick either employee or IC contract beforehand.

I would love to live in a larger city and it seems IC is the only surefire way to do that through NOVA.

Has anyone got any personal experiences working for NOVA under the Independent contract agreement they could share at all?

What is life like for you? Where in Japan do you work? Is this feasible work to survive on for a year?

Thanks in advance

I have paid leave but I am not allowed to use it unless I send the request 30 days in advance? Ha? What a load of BS. What about spontaneous events or just want to take that time off? It's my paid leave. So now I just have to take the day off and not get paid? What? Do the Japanese teachers have the same strict rules as well?

More and more I really want to get out of this job.

Edit: I am an ALT at a JHS. Edit 2: Contract says up to 30 days notice must be given. Wow, what a load of BS.

I’m an Italian, but I speak English pretty fluently, to the point where I was mistaken for British from English-speaking people… My mom’s friends are English, and they’ve spoken to me in English since I was a toddler, making me pretty much bilingual. I have a C2 certificate, and previous teaching experience (although in different fields). I was thinking of applying to be an English teacher (yes I am aware I’d be wasting my Master’s degree and that English teacher in Japan make a horrible salary), I love working with kids. However, most positions require your education to have been conducted in English for 12 years, which, having grown up in Italy, is a requirement I cannot fulfill. Does anyone know of any similar programs that do not require this? I was also thinking of getting TEFL if necessary. I would also be ok with working in English language schools that are private or something like that…

I have just finished my 120 hour TEFL certification. I have a U.K. degree. I was wondering if it would be possible to do a few months maybe 3-6 in Japan and if anyone had any good recommendations.

Money isn’t my main concern but liveable would be good. I know a lot of people ask questions so thank you very much!

Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice on my job here in Japan. The company sponsored my visa, and I was really excited to come over, but there have been so many red flags since I got here (and even before). I know I could have questioned things earlier, but now I’m just trying to figure out what to do. Sorry in advance for the long post—there’s a lot to explain.

Background: The company is a pretty big English school chain in this area with about 15 branches across two cities. It’s been run by the same owner for 30 years, and they’re very well-funded. They even have government contracts, sponsor local sports teams, and advertise all over the place.

P.S. It took 4 weeks of interviews to get accepted, and I asked a lot of questions—more than any staff member I’ve talked to here did, probably twice over. I also spent literal days studying the region’s laws, cost of living, social norms, services, and reading about others’ experiences working here to understand how to grow and not get stuck in the same job for years. I tried my best to be as informed as possible but clearly fell short when it came to asking specific questions about the company itself, which I acknowledge as my mistake.

Here’s what’s been going on:

Weird Financial Advice: Before I came, the lead contact told me to bring only 100,000 yen, saying that’s “all I’d need.” I ignored this and brought more (thanks to advice from others online). But when I got here and bought myself a few basics like plates, a small table, and a chair, the lead seemed kind of mad, saying new teachers “should have to suffer” for a while before they can afford these things. It made no sense to me—I didn’t come to Japan to suffer; I came to get work experience, explore, and work on my master’s degree.

Health Insurance Problem: My contract says I’m a full-time employee working 40 hours a week, but the company doesn’t give Shakai Hoken (employee insurance) to foreign teachers—only to Japanese administrative staff. Instead, they had me sign up for National Health Insurance, which even surprised the city hall worker helping me. One of the lead teachers hasn’t even paid for NHI in five years, and he just brushes it off. This whole setup seems pretty sketchy.

Training Delays: I was told training would be two weeks, but after arriving, they changed it to 4–8 weeks without much explanation, even though people here said I was ready to start after two weeks. It felt like unnecessary delays and left me in limbo.

Accommodation Issues: They placed me in an old, unclean building (around 15 sqm) without providing any financial breakdown or lease agreement. The building is from the 80s, poorly maintained, and unclean, with visible mold, leftover hair in the bathroom, and even a dirty plunger. I found out the previous resident’s cleaning was done last-minute by the lead using just water and a bathroom towel. It felt unwelcoming and unprofessional.

Overpriced Rent: I’m paying a flat rate of 57,000 yen for this tiny place, which includes car insurance and parking but not utilities. I found other nearby apartments that are three times the size and newer for the same or even less rent. But when I brought it up, they insisted it would be “hard” to rent on my own and that I’d likely get “scammed.” In reality, these places were being advertised on GaijinPot and Wagaya Japan with minimal requirements—much easier than they made it sound.

Delayed Company Car: I was told I’d get a company car on arrival, but this got pushed back repeatedly—from after training to when I move to a new city (still TBD). It just feels like another thing they’re not delivering on.

High Turnover and Red Flags: The first thing the lead said to me in person was that the last three hires had “run away” within a week, which was kind of unsettling to hear right away. Then he mentioned that some left because of issues like drinking on the job. After speaking to people, I found out two employees quit before I arrived, and three more plan to leave by December. It’s starting to feel like there are deeper issues with the company.

Bank Pressure: They really pushed for JP Post Bank, saying it’s “easier,” even though I preferred SMBC Prestia, which turned out to be easy to set up anyway and fits my needs better.

Location Misleading: They made it sound like I’d be in a “small city,” but it turns out I’m actually in a suburb about an hour’s walk or two train stops away from the city center, which was never clearly explained.

Unexpected Roles: My job title is “English Instructor,” but I’m also expected to hand out flyers, help with manual tasks, pack supplies, and do custodial work—all things the Japanese staff don’t do. The owner just doesn’t want to outsource these tasks, and it wasn’t what I signed up for.

Limited Communication: Foreign teachers like me aren’t allowed to talk directly with the Japanese staff. We have to go through two lead Western teachers, which creates a barrier to resolving any issues or asking questions.

I came here genuinely wanting to work, learn, teach, and study for my master’s while saving a bit. I was fully committed to staying for a year, but with everything I’ve learned, seen, and been told, it feels overwhelming. I know there are other options out there, both here in Japan and elsewhere, that might be a better fit.

If anyone here has been in a similar situation or has experience working in Japan, would you recommend sticking it out for a year or looking for something new? Any advice or thoughts would really help. Thanks for reading, and I appreciate any comments whatsoever, even if it’s just calling me dumb or providing legit advice—anything is welcomed.

Hi, I recently got an offer for a Nova interview. I’ve been on this subreddit for some time and understand how awful the company is in many ways and yes I still wish to work for them lol.

My question is to any current or former nova employees -

Is it true that independent contractors will be placed in larger cities and employees placed in smaller cities? (As their website directly states)

It sounds like some bullshit to me to try and get more people to sign away labour rights by choosing the contractor option with the prospect of living in Tokyo, Osaka etc; but I’m curious.

Which contract did people choose and where were you then located in Japan?

Thanks!

So I work at 2 JHS. At one, the jte is having 3rd years describe and write about pictures she shows. Obviously I have to correct their mistakes. But I don't see the point because students aren't given time to look over their mistakes. We don't talk about it in any way.

What's the point? They just keep making the same mistakes and I correct them.

Teachers, classes, periods, relationship between teacher and student, social norms, etc. I especially wanted to confirm something about a, rumor? Fact? that i heard. Accentually someone wrote that homeroom teachers aren't required/don't actually teach the students, but do the job of more akin to a counseler or a second more professional parent (doesn't remember the exact wording, but something like that) where they decide who teaches the students while handeling the behind the scenes paperwork and perent teacher meatings.

My wife and I recently came into some inheritance, and are considering taking a year to live in Japan. As some background, I worked at Nova for some parts before it imploded in ‘07, and I speak Japanese fairly well.

My wife is a stay at home mother for our 3-year old child, and we would ideally like to move there and continue that arrangement. I know the pay is not great (I was surprised to see all the big players are still paying basically what I made 20 years ago), but we have a good financial cushion to make it work. My questions are 1: is it even possible too have my wife and daughter there for a year, visa-wise? Second, what would health insurance look like? I know I would have to pay into shakai hoken, but I’m less sure about how insurance for my wife and child would work. Would it just be travelers insurance? I remember that’s basically what Nova’s health plan used to be, as they somehow exempted their teachers from shakai hoken.

I’m aware housing might also be an issue. Looks like Aeon is out as an option, but I understand JET might be feasible. I think ECC allows you to arrange your own housing as well. Does anyone have any experience setting up housing from overseas? I only ever moved apartments while living in Japan before, when I moved there originally it was into a Nova apartment.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Hello! Do you have any information about the Amity branch in Kanagawa Prefecture? I'm assigned there and would like to get an idea of what the manager and co-teachers are like. Thanks in advance!

I’m from the UK and recently applied to Interac for an ALT position in Japan. Unfortunately, I just received a rejection email with no specific feedback. Has anyone else been in this situation? I’m really passionate about teaching in Japan, so I’m wondering if it’s worth reapplying.

I had heard on a independent contract you can freely decide how much time to take off and what days or weeks you dont want to work. Is this true they dont push you to work or threats?

And I heard they charge you penalty fees if you are late for a lesson or miss a day. Is this true and how much?

Finally I heard they dont pay for training, is that true and is it legal?

Hi guys, I’ve accepted a job offer from ECC and I’m wondering about consecutive vs. split days off and if anyone has experience with it. Looking online, most people with split days off seem to be retail shift workers with inconsistent days off, which really messes with them, but (theoretically) days off at ECC are stable so their experience doesn’t quite apply.

I’m told that I will most likely be able to get consecutive days off only on weekdays; if I really want Sunday off, it most likely will mean having split days off due to scheduling. I want to have time to spend with my husband, who is aiming for an office job with more regular working hours, and if I take the consecutive weekdays off, I might never get to spend time with him, so I’m considering asking for the split days with Sunday off. But he’s worried about the effect split days would have on me, so I’m wondering what people’s preferences are.

(I have already worked in Japan for another competing eikaiwa so I’m already familiar with the general job and everything, don’t need advice in that regard. Just want to know people’s opinions/advice re: days off scheduling.)

Thank you!!

I’m being bullied by 1 student in class and I’m cool about it cause he’s a kid but sometimes it gets really annoying though. I try to fight him back but it makes me look immature and I might get fired about it or not lol idk. Tell me what are your experiences and how did you manage it?

Greetings, I am trying to find some information on the Everybody Up series by Oxford. I plan to use these in the next school year for small classes. However, I can't find really any practical review or overview on these (especially for a Japanese audience) no matter how much I google.

I see that the 3rd edition is coming out this year and it doesn't seem like they have CD options. For anyone who uses Everybody Up, what are your thoughts on the Everybody Up series? Do most students use the CDs for 2nd edition? Is it better to just buy 2nd edition instead of waiting for the new 3rd edition? 3rd edition boasts a lot of digital materials and classroom presentation tools but I can't see myself using those in the classroom. From my own personal experience at various Eikaiwas, most students opt for the CD versions of the curriculum.

I'm gonna keep looking around the webs but seems like there isn't much, which surprises me.

Thanks

Discuss the state of the teaching industry in Japan with your fellow teachers! Use this thread to discuss salary trends, companies, minor questions that don't warrant a whole post, and build a rapport with other members of the community.

Please keep discussions civilized. Mods will remove any offending posts.

Does anyone have experience or knowledge of the above online distance learning programmes? I'm especially keen to find out which of them support developing robust research skills. Ideally I want to move towards being able to publish papers. My long term goal is to attempt a move into university positions.

And how did you landed your job as a foreigner.

I’ve got my 3rd grade middle school Halloween time tomorrow. I only have 15 or so minutes to do a Halloween activity. What are some activities you got up to this year? Any advice?