Best Dispatch Companies for English Teachers in Japan

If you're dreaming of working in Japan but don't know where to start, dispatch companies might be your way in. These private companies connect foreign English teachers with public schools throughout the country, offering one of the easiest and most accessible paths into Japanese classrooms—no advanced degree, teaching license, or Japanese skills required.

Unlike the highly selective JET Program, dispatch companies tend to hire year-round, which makes them ideal if you're applying from abroad or already in Japan and looking to switch jobs. Many companies offer visa support, initial training, and help with housing, making the whole process smoother for first-timers.

And while the jobs themselves might not come with the prestige or pay of government programs, they provide structure, flexibility, and a chance to live and work almost anywhere—from buzzing Tokyo suburbs to quiet countryside towns where you might be the only foreigner for miles. For many teachers, that’s where the real adventure begins.

🧑‍🏫 1. What Are Dispatch Companies?

Dispatch companies are private organizations that act as intermediaries between foreign teachers and Japan’s public school system. Instead of being hired directly by a school board or through a government initiative like the JET Program, you sign a contract with the dispatch company. They, in turn, assign you to a school—or sometimes several schools—where you'll work as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher).

Unlike eikaiwa (private English conversation schools) where you're teaching paying clients in after-school settings, dispatch roles place you inside actual public schools, supporting full-time teachers during regular class hours. Your role is to bring spoken English to life, assist with lessons, and offer cultural exchange.

It’s important to understand that your employer is not the school—it’s the dispatch company. That means they handle your pay, visa sponsorship, and work conditions. They also act as your main point of contact for training, support, and job-related issues.

📋 2. Pros and Cons of Working with a Dispatch Company

Working with a dispatch company has opened the door for thousands of foreigners to start teaching in Japan. But like any job route, it comes with trade-offs. Here's a balanced look at what to expect:

✅ Pros:

• Beginner-Friendly: Most dispatch companies don’t require prior teaching experience or Japanese language ability—making them perfect for first-timers.
• Visa Sponsorship: They handle your visa paperwork and can even help set up accommodation or guide you through arrival logistics.
• Flexible Hiring: Unlike programs with strict deadlines, dispatch companies recruit throughout the year, offering more chances to jump in.
• Nationwide Placement: Whether you dream of life in a Tokyo suburb or a small town in the mountains, dispatch companies can place you nearly anywhere.

⚠️ Cons:

• Lower Pay and Benefits: Compared to JET or direct-hire roles, dispatch teachers often receive less money, fewer perks, and limited paid vacation.
• Placement Control Is Limited: You usually can’t choose your exact city or school. Requests are considered but not guaranteed.
• Unpaid Holidays: Many contracts don’t pay during school breaks (summer, winter, spring), so budgeting is essential.
• Job Stability Varies: Contracts are typically year-to-year, and work conditions may shift depending on the company or school board partnership.

📌 3. Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Dispatch Company

Not all dispatch companies are created equal. Before you sign a contract and hop on a plane, it's worth comparing a few core factors that can make or break your teaching experience in Japan:

• 📍 Location Options: Some companies offer placements all over Japan, while others are concentrated in specific regions (like Kanto or Kansai). Decide if you’d rather be in a big city or a quieter, rural area—each has its own lifestyle and challenges.

• 📚 Training and Onboarding: Quality training can ease the transition into Japanese classrooms. Look for companies that provide structured orientations, classroom management guidance, and cultural preparation—not just a few handouts.

• 💰 Monthly Pay & Contract Terms: Compare salaries, pay schedules, and contract lengths. Watch for unpaid holidays and whether your contract guarantees a minimum number of working days each month.

• 🛂 Visa and Housing Support: A good dispatch company should sponsor your visa and help you with basic needs like finding an apartment or setting up utilities. Some offer furnished apartments or help with key money deposits.

• ⭐ Reputation and Teacher Reviews: Word-of-mouth matters. Check forums, social media, and job review sites to see what current or former teachers say about their experiences. A friendly recruiter is great—but follow-through is more important.

• 📈 Growth and Renewal Opportunities: Some companies offer career progression, such as head ALT or training roles. Others allow yearly renewals or transfers to different regions if you’re planning to stay in Japan long-term.

🥇 4. Best ALT Dispatch Companies in Japan (In-Depth Profiles)

If you're considering teaching English in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), these dispatch companies are among the most respected and widely used. Each has its own strengths, quirks, and ideal teacher profile—so take the time to see which one suits your lifestyle and teaching goals.

✅ Interac

• Overview: Japan’s largest and most established dispatch company. Interac places thousands of ALTs across the country, particularly in public elementary and junior high schools.
• Pros:
  • Extensive support network with training and onboarding
  • Visa sponsorship and help with housing setup
  • Accepts applicants without prior teaching experience
• Cons:
  • Teachers are employed by Interac, not the school
  • Less control over placement location
  • Unpaid holidays and occasional reports of inconsistent communication between branches
• Best For: First-time teachers looking for structure and nationwide placement opportunities.

✅ JIEC

• Overview: A smaller Tokyo-based dispatch company with a reputation for personal placements, particularly in kindergartens and early primary school roles.
• Pros:
  • Focus on younger learners and early childhood education
  • More personalized onboarding and long-term support
  • Strong school relationships in the Tokyo area
• Cons:
  • Primarily focused on Tokyo and surrounding regions
  • May require in-country demo lessons or interviews
• Best For: Teachers who love working with small children and want a supportive, community-driven environment.

✅ JACPA Corporation

• Overview: A unique organization that integrates English language instruction with physical education. They place teachers in kindergartens and nursery schools across urban Japan.
• Pros:
  • Emphasis on movement-based learning and young learners
  • Deep roots in early childhood education
  • Active, playful classroom environments
• Cons:
  • Requires high energy and comfort with active teaching
  • Less suited for teachers interested in older students or academic-style lessons
• Best For: Energetic teachers with a passion for early childhood development, games, and physical activity.

🗾 5. Regional Dispatch Companies Worth Knowing

While national companies like Interac dominate the ALT landscape, there are several solid regional dispatch companies that offer competitive alternatives—especially if you’re already in Japan or have a specific area in mind. These companies tend to have smaller teacher pools, stronger school relationships, and more localized support.

✅ Borderlink

• Coverage: Kanto, Chubu, Kansai regions
• Overview: Known for mid-year hires and flexible entry, Borderlink is a reliable option if you're already in Japan or looking for faster placement outside the traditional hiring cycles.
• Pros:
  • Easier entry for in-country applicants
  • Flexible hiring periods and contracts
  • Good for those with some Japan experience
• Cons:
  • Less structured than larger companies
  • Pay and benefits vary depending on placement
• Best For: Teachers looking for flexible options, especially those already based in Japan.

✅ Altia Central

• Coverage: Chubu and Kansai regions, especially cities like Nagoya and Gifu
• Overview: A respected mid-sized company that prioritizes teacher preparation, classroom support, and school compatibility.
• Pros:
  • Strong focus on training and ALT success
  • Excellent reputation for staff support and communication
  • More stable and consistent placements
• Cons:
  • Smaller hiring window and more selective than some peers
  • Regional limitations for those wanting to live elsewhere in Japan
• Best For: Teachers who value professional support and want to work in central or western Japan.

✅ Heart Corporation

• Coverage: Primarily Eastern Japan
• Overview: A good “foot in the door” company with a reputation for giving new teachers opportunities, especially those already in Japan.
• Pros:
  • Low barrier to entry, even for candidates with minimal experience
  • Occasional part-time and short-term positions
  • Opportunities for teachers looking to gain experience
• Cons:
  • Lower pay compared to other dispatch companies
  • Less structured training and onboarding
• Best For: First-time or part-time teachers based in Japan who are looking for experience over high pay.

🧠 6. Common Misconceptions About ALT Dispatch Work

For many first-time teachers, ALT dispatch work in Japan sounds like a dream come true—and it can be. But there are a few myths and misunderstandings that can lead to disappointment if you're not prepared. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Not all schools are the same
  Your experience will vary based on where you’re placed. Some schools give ALTs a lot of freedom and welcome creative lessons. Others stick to strict scripts or limit your classroom involvement. The dispatch company doesn't control school culture—just your contract.

• You're not always the "teacher"
  Many new ALTs imagine themselves running the class solo. In reality, you'll often be co-teaching with a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE). That means your role might include assisting, modeling pronunciation, leading warm-ups, or just observing while the JTE leads the lesson.

• Vacation time isn't always what it seems
  School holidays don’t always mean time off. In some contracts, long breaks (like summer or winter) are unpaid, or you may still be required to show up at school—even if there are no classes. Dispatch companies vary widely in how they handle this.

Understanding these realities helps you set better expectations, prepare for a smoother transition, and choose the right company for your goals.

💼 7. What to Expect from the Application Process

Applying to a dispatch company is usually straightforward, but knowing what to expect can help you stand out and avoid delays. Most companies have similar hiring pipelines, with a few regional or company-specific quirks.

• Typical application documents
  You’ll usually need a CV/resume, cover letter, and a copy of your degree. Some companies also ask for a passport scan, a recent photo, and letters of recommendation. A criminal background check (from your home country) is often required later in the process—especially for work permit applications.

• The interview process
  Interviews may be in-person, over video, or even conducted at international hiring events. Expect a mix of questions on teaching scenarios, Japanese etiquette, and how you’d adapt to local culture. A demo lesson—live or pre-recorded—is commonly required.

• Other requirements
  Some companies (especially JET or JIEC) may request a health check, Japanese residency documents (if you’re applying from inside Japan), or a short essay about why you want to teach in Japan.

While the process is competitive, dispatch companies often have rolling applications and hire year-round—especially for spring and fall semester starts. So even if you miss one window, another opportunity is likely just around the corner.

🚀 8. Tips for Success as a Dispatch ALT

Working as a dispatch ALT is often a teacher’s first experience in a Japanese school—and that comes with a learning curve. The more prepared and adaptable you are, the smoother your transition will be.

• Be flexible with placement and schedule
  You might be placed in rural schools, rotate between multiple campuses, or have sudden schedule changes. Treat it as part of the adventure—flexibility is your biggest asset.

• Build a strong relationship with your JTEs
  Your Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) will be your daily teaching partners. A good relationship here makes everything easier—ask how you can support them, follow their lead, and collaborate where possible.

• Prepare engaging activities for short teaching slots
  Many ALT lessons are only 40–50 minutes long, and you may only get a few minutes per class to lead. Keep activities fun, simple, and focused on speaking. Games, songs, roleplays, and visual aids go a long way.

• Take initiative—but respect school culture and hierarchy
  Japanese schools are structured and tradition-oriented. If you see ways to improve lessons, share ideas respectfully and follow your JTE’s lead. Enthusiasm is welcome—ego is not.

A successful ALT isn’t just a good teacher—they’re a good guest, coworker, and role model for students. Show up prepared, stay curious, and let your personality shine.

📝 Conclusion: Finding the Right Dispatch Company for Your Teaching Adventure

Dispatch companies offer one of the most accessible ways to start teaching English in Japan—especially for newcomers without teaching credentials or Japanese fluency. They provide structure, visa support, and a soft landing into life in Japanese schools.

The “best” company will depend on your personal goals. Do you want to work with younger children? Start in a specific region? Have strong training and support? There’s a dispatch company that can meet those needs—you just have to find the right fit.

Approach the job with flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt, and you’ll be set up for a rich, rewarding experience in the classroom and beyond.

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