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.
🏫 1. The Basics: ALT vs. Eikaiwa Explained
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.
đź•’ 2. Schedule and Working Hours
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:
- Prefer a regular routine and holidays off? ALT might suit you best.
- Want a later start and don’t mind weekends? Eikaiwa could be the better match.
👨‍👩‍👧 3. Who You’ll Be Teaching
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:
- Kids enrolled in after-school conversation classes
- Adults who want to travel or relocate abroad
- Business professionals preparing for meetings or presentations in English
That means more variety in age, background, and motivation—which some teachers find refreshing and more rewarding.
🎯 4. What You’ll Actually Do in the Classroom
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:
- Help with pronunciation and speaking activities
- Lead warm-up games or cultural segments
- Reinforce vocabulary and grammar already taught by the JTE
- Occasionally lead a class, but usually under direction
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:
- Delivering structured conversation lessons
- Encouraging student interaction and confidence
- Managing classroom flow and time
- Adapting to different student goals (business English, travel, exams, etc.)
Eikaiwa teachers generally have more freedom, but also more responsibility. Expect to stay energized through back-to-back lessons, often with little downtime.
đź’¬ 5. Teaching Focus: Curriculum and Goals
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:
- Supporting textbook-based lessons
- Emphasizing reading, writing, and grammar
- Reinforcing vocabulary and classroom English
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:
- Practicing fluency, listening, and speaking
- Teaching travel phrases, workplace English, or casual conversation
- Encouraging confidence, not perfection
In short: ALT = school-style English; Eikaiwa = real-world English.
đź’Ľ 6. Salary, Contracts, and Benefits
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:
- Unpaid school holidays, meaning your income might dip during long breaks
- Set yearly contracts with the option to renew
- Visa sponsorship, orientation training, and sometimes help with housing
Eikaiwa roles usually offer slightly higher and more consistent monthly pay—typically ¥250,000 to ¥300,000 ($1,700–$2,100 USD). Expect:
- Year-round pay, including summer and winter
- Scheduled vacation time, though it may be limited
- Stricter contracts, often with penalties for early termination
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.
đź“Ť 7. Location and Lifestyle
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:
- Fewer foreigners and less English signage
- Deeper integration into local life and culture
- Quiet surroundings, nature, and a slower pace
Eikaiwa jobs are generally concentrated in urban and suburban areas, often near train stations or shopping districts. This offers:
- Convenience, nightlife, and access to public transport
- Easier access to expat networks and modern amenities
- A more international, fast-paced lifestyle
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.
🧑‍💼 8. Company Culture and Work Environment
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:
- Follow school norms and participate in events (like Sports Day or Culture Festival)
- Collaborate closely with Japanese teachers and staff
- Dress and behave conservatively to match a traditional school environment
In contrast, Eikaiwa schools are private businesses, which often feel more corporate. Here, you may:
- Be expected to maintain a polished, professional appearance
- Follow strict lesson pacing and performance metrics
- Occasionally be involved in sales pitches, trial lessons, or student retention strategies
ALT roles are rooted in education and cultural exchange. Eikaiwa roles treat teaching more like a service industry job—efficient, polished, and customer-focused.
🧗 9. Career Growth and Long-Term Potential
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:
- You might become a senior ALT, mentor, or trainer for new hires.
- Some transition into direct-hire positions with schools, gaining better pay and benefits.
- It’s also a common path toward certified teaching or international school roles.
In Eikaiwa companies, there’s usually a clearer internal promotion track:
- Move up to head teacher, trainer, or even school manager.
- Larger chains may offer roles in recruitment, curriculum development, or business operations.
- Skills gained in student-facing roles often translate into corporate English training or adult education.
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.
🧠10. Personality Fit: Which One Is Right for You?
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:
- Prefer a structured workday with weekends and holidays off
- Enjoy working with children or teens in a team environment
- Value being part of a school community and experiencing traditional Japanese life
- Are okay with a supporting role and following set curricula
Eikaiwa jobs suit people who:
- Are outgoing and energetic, especially in one-on-one or small group settings
- Want to work with a variety of age groups, from kids to business professionals
- Don’t mind evening and weekend shifts
- Enjoy teaching independently and building rapport with students
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.
📝 Conclusion: ALT or Eikaiwa — Choose Based on Your Goals
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.