If you're dreaming of sushi lunches, cherry blossom commutes, and helping students confidently speak English, Japan might just be calling. And when it comes to getting started, two routes dominate the scene: becoming an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in public schools, or joining a private eikaiwa (英会話) conversation school.
Both paths open doors to life in Japan with visa sponsorship, training, and full-time work. But they offer very different experiences—one rooted in the rhythms of the school system, the other more flexible and conversation-focused.
The right fit depends on how you want to spend your days: leading fun one-on-one lessons in city classrooms, or collaborating with Japanese teachers in rural junior highs. Whether you're in it for cultural immersion, teaching experience, or just the adventure, understanding the differences is key to choosing your best path.
At a glance, the biggest difference is where—and how—you teach.
ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) work in Japan’s public school system, typically alongside Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs). You're there to support lessons, model natural pronunciation, and bring energy and cultural flair to the classroom. Most ALTs are placed through the JET Program or dispatch companies, and assignments are usually in elementary or junior high schools.
Eikaiwa teachers, on the other hand, work in private English conversation schools. These schools cater to paying students—from toddlers to retirees—looking to improve their speaking and listening skills. Lessons are more informal, interactive, and often one-on-one or in small groups. Teachers are employed directly by companies like NOVA, AEON, GABA, and ECC.
If ALT work feels like being part of a traditional school day, eikaiwa is more like personalized coaching at a language studio.
Your daily rhythm will look very different depending on whether you're an ALT or an eikaiwa teacher.
ALT jobs follow a traditional school schedule—you’ll generally work Monday to Friday, from around 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Most weekends and public holidays are off, giving you predictable downtime and opportunities to travel or relax.
Eikaiwa jobs, in contrast, cater to students outside school or work hours. That means you’ll likely work afternoons to evenings (e.g., 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM) and often on weekends, with days off typically falling mid-week. Some teachers love this flexibility, especially night owls or those who want mornings free.
The right fit depends on your personal rhythm:
The type of students you teach plays a huge role in your daily experience—and there’s a clear difference between ALT and eikaiwa roles.
ALTs teach in public schools, usually working with large classes of 20 to 40 students. You’ll mainly be assisting with English lessons for elementary, junior high, or high schoolers. Most students are there because it’s part of the curriculum, not necessarily by choice—so your challenge is to make English feel fun and engaging in a formal classroom setting.
Eikaiwa teachers work with paying students, often in small groups or one-on-one lessons. Your students might include:
That means more variety in age, background, and motivation—which some teachers find refreshing and more rewarding.
Your role in the classroom varies significantly between ALT and eikaiwa jobs.
As an ALT, you’re in a support role, working alongside a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE). You might:
Lesson planning is often minimal, and your input depends on the JTE’s style—some are collaborative, others prefer strict control.
In an eikaiwa, you’re the main teacher, and the lesson is yours to manage from start to finish. That includes:
Eikaiwa teachers generally have more freedom, but also more responsibility. Expect to stay energized through back-to-back lessons, often with little downtime.
One of the biggest differences between ALT and eikaiwa teaching lies in the purpose of the lessons.
ALT roles revolve around Japan’s national English curriculum. The goal is to help students pass exams and meet academic standards. That usually means:
Creativity is welcome, but within the limits of what the JTE allows and what the school needs.
Eikaiwa jobs, on the other hand, prioritize practical communication. These lessons are conversation-driven and tailored to real-life use. That includes:
In short: ALT = school-style English; Eikaiwa = real-world English.
When it comes to pay and perks, both ALT and eikaiwa jobs offer a solid starting point—but the structure can vary.
ALT positions typically pay around ¥220,000 to ¥280,000 per month (roughly $1,500–$1,900 USD). This often comes with:
Eikaiwa roles usually offer slightly higher and more consistent monthly pay—typically ¥250,000 to ¥300,000 ($1,700–$2,100 USD). Expect:
Both routes provide enough to live comfortably in most parts of Japan, especially with smart budgeting and shared housing. But if reliable monthly income and paid time off are priorities, eikaiwa might have the edge.
Where you live can shape your entire Japan experience—and the kind of job you take plays a big role in that.
ALT positions often place teachers in rural or semi-rural areas, especially through dispatch companies. This can mean:
Eikaiwa jobs are generally concentrated in urban and suburban areas, often near train stations or shopping districts. This offers:
If you're seeking immersion, traditional community life, and natural surroundings, ALT work might suit you better. But if you’re drawn to city lights, weekend getaways, and coffee shop culture, eikaiwa will feel more like home.
The work environment plays a huge role in how much you enjoy your teaching job—and there’s a noticeable difference between ALT and Eikaiwa settings.
As an ALT, you'll work in Japanese public schools. Expect to:
In contrast, Eikaiwa schools are private businesses, which often feel more corporate. Here, you may:
ALT roles are rooted in education and cultural exchange. Eikaiwa roles treat teaching more like a service industry job—efficient, polished, and customer-focused.
If you're thinking beyond a one-year contract, both ALT and Eikaiwa roles offer different kinds of long-term potential.
As an ALT, growth often depends on your company or local board of education:
In Eikaiwa companies, there’s usually a clearer internal promotion track:
If you’re after rapid upward movement, Eikaiwa may offer faster promotions. But for deeper teaching experience and school-life integration, ALT work may provide richer development over time.
The biggest factor in choosing between ALT and Eikaiwa might be you—your personality, teaching style, and what kind of lifestyle you want in Japan.
ALT roles are a great match if you:
Eikaiwa jobs suit people who:
Ask yourself:
Do you thrive in a collaborative school setting, or prefer having autonomy and a more corporate-style environment?
Would you rather spend your days in a local school with students who greet you at the gate, or in a sleek learning center where adult clients come in after work?
Your answer will help point you toward the right path.
When it comes to teaching English in Japan, both ALT and Eikaiwa jobs offer a meaningful way to explore the country, meet locals, and grow personally and professionally.
If you're looking for a structured schedule, deeper ties with local communities, and a classic school setting, the ALT route might be your best fit. It’s ideal for cultural immersion and a more predictable day-to-day life.
If you’d prefer variety in students, a more urban lifestyle, and the challenge of keeping energy high through evening lessons, Eikaiwa schools can be an exciting and fast-paced option.
There’s no “better” path—just different ways to experience Japan depending on your personality, goals, and sense of adventure.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.