JET Program Alternatives: Other Ways to Teach in Japan

The JET Programme is one of the most well-known ways to teach English in Japan — but it’s not the only path.

Whether you didn’t get accepted, missed the application window, or simply want a different experience, there are plenty of other great opportunities to teach in Japan. From private language schools to public school ALT roles through dispatch companies, there are options for every kind of teacher — whether you're licensed, certified, or just getting started with a TEFL certificate and a sense of adventure.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top JET Programme alternatives — including companies like Interac and AEON, private language schools, and direct-hire positions. You’ll learn what to expect in terms of pay, support, lifestyle, and how to find the right fit for your goals.

Teaching in Japan can be just as rewarding outside the JET Programme — and for many teachers, these alternatives offer more flexibility, quicker start dates, and the same incredible opportunity to live, work, and grow abroad.

Why Consider Alternatives to JET?

The JET Programme is a fantastic opportunity — but it’s also highly competitive, with a long application process and limited placements. For many applicants, it can feel like a one-shot deal.

The good news? It’s not.

There are plenty of other ways to teach in Japan that offer great experiences, meaningful work, and the chance to explore the country while building your teaching career.

Here are a few reasons you might consider a JET alternative:

⏱️ 1. You Missed the Application Window

JET applications typically open in the fall (Sep–Nov) for positions that start the following summer — almost a full year in advance. If you're ready to go sooner, other options can get you teaching in Japan much faster.

🧑‍🏫 2. You Want More Flexibility

With JET, you have no control over your placement location — you could end up in a tiny rural town or a major city, and you won’t know until months after acceptance. Many private schools and dispatch companies allow you to choose your region or offer placements in urban areas.

📄 3. You Didn’t Get Accepted (Yet)

JET is selective — and many successful teachers start out elsewhere and reapply later. Alternatives like Interac, AEON, or private schools offer valuable classroom experience that can strengthen your future JET application (if you want to try again).

💼 4. You Want a Different Teaching Style or School Type

JET places ALTs in public schools, but some teachers prefer working in language schools (eikaiwas) with small class sizes, adult learners, or flexible schedules. Others want international schools, where the pay and structure are more like home.

Private ALT Dispatch Companies

If you liked the idea of JET — teaching in public schools, supporting Japanese English teachers, and experiencing life in a local community — but didn’t get accepted or want a quicker application process, private ALT dispatch companies are your next best option.

These companies contract with public schools to place Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), similar to JET, but with more flexible application cycles, less competition, and often faster start dates.

⭐ Interac

Interac is one of the largest and most well-known ALT dispatch companies in Japan.

• Places teachers in public elementary and junior high schools
• Operates year-round with spring and fall start dates
• Offers training, visa sponsorship, and basic relocation support

Pros:

• Faster and more flexible application process than JET
• More say over your preferred region
• Good stepping stone if you’re new to teaching abroad

Cons:

• Lower salary than JET
• Fewer benefits (e.g., no housing allowance, limited bonuses)
• Less support in rural placements

🏫 Other ALT Companies to Know

Altia Central

• Mid-sized ALT provider with strong support and professional development
• Primarily places teachers in central and western Japan

Borderlink

• Offers placements throughout Japan with a focus on new teachers
• Regularly recruits year-round with rolling start dates

Heart Corporation, JoyTalk, and Others

• Smaller regional companies
• Sometimes offer more personalized support but less consistent pay/benefits

If you want to get into the classroom quickly, gain experience, and still enjoy the public school ALT lifestyle, these companies are a great alternative — especially if you’re hoping to work your way into JET later or build your résumé in Japan.

Eikaiwas (Private English Conversation Schools)

If you're more interested in teaching conversational English to children, teens, or adults — or you're looking for something more urban, flexible, or fast-paced — an eikaiwa might be the right fit.

Eikaiwas are private, for-profit English schools located all over Japan, usually operating in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Lessons tend to be small group or one-on-one, with a strong focus on speaking and listening skills.

⭐ AEON

AEON is one of the most prestigious and structured language schools in Japan.

• Full-time contracts with competitive salary and benefits
• Training provided; students range from kids to professionals
• Schools mostly located in cities and suburban areas

Pros:

• Good salary and strong professional development
• Great for teachers who want a more formal or polished work environment
• Urban placements with predictable schedules

Cons:

• Work hours can include evenings and weekends
• Higher expectations for appearance, professionalism, and sales goals

⭐ ECC

ECC is another large eikaiwa chain with branches across Japan.

• Offers positions at conversation schools and in-company business English programs
• Often more relaxed and community-oriented than AEON
• Known for hiring both full-time and part-time teachers

🗣️ Other Language Schools to Explore

• Berlitz – Focus on adult learners and business English
• Shane English School – British-style curriculum, often child-focused
• Nova – Fast hiring process, flexible contracts, more mixed reviews

Eikaiwas are ideal for teachers who want:

• More schedule variety
• A chance to live in urban areas
• Smaller class sizes and adult learners

Whether you're looking to live in Tokyo, teach business professionals, or try something outside the traditional school system, eikaiwas offer an exciting and accessible alternative to JET.

International Schools & Direct Hire Jobs

If you're a licensed teacher or have several years of classroom experience, you might consider applying directly to international schools or private institutions in Japan. These schools follow international curricula (like IB, AP, or British systems) and offer some of the highest salaries and benefits in the country.

Unlike JET or dispatch companies, direct hire roles typically offer:

• Full-time contracts with higher base pay
• Comprehensive benefits (housing allowance, health insurance, flights, etc.)
• Smaller class sizes and more structured academic environments

🎓 Who These Jobs Are For

These positions are best suited for:

• Licensed or certified teachers (QTS, PGCE, state-issued credentials, etc.)
• Educators with experience in primary, secondary, or subject-specific teaching
• Teachers looking for long-term opportunities or career advancement in Japan

💼 Where to Find These Jobs

• International school websites (direct listings)
• Recruiting platforms like Search Associates or TES
• Occasionally posted on TEFL job boards and local Japanese sites

🧭 Tip: These roles are more competitive but can be incredibly rewarding — both professionally and financially. Expect higher expectations and more classroom responsibility.

If you're seeking a more structured career path — or already have formal classroom experience — teaching at an international school or direct-hire private institution may be your best alternative to JET.

Freelance / Private Tutoring & Online Teaching

If you're already in Japan or prefer more freedom in your teaching schedule, you might consider freelance English teaching, private tutoring, or combining in-person and online teaching work.

While these options don’t offer the structure or visa sponsorship of programs like JET or Interac, they can give you greater flexibility, especially if you're:

• On a working holiday visa
• Married to a Japanese national
• Holding a visa through a different job or school
• Already teaching and looking to supplement your income

🧑‍💻 Online Teaching Platforms

Many teachers combine life in Japan with online teaching through global platforms:

• Preply, Cambly, italki – flexible, conversation-based lessons
• VIPKid, Palfish, or AmazingTalker – often focused on children or Asian markets
• Some platforms allow you to set your own rates and hours

🤝 Private Lessons in Japan

Freelancing in person is common, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka:

• Teach business professionals or students one-on-one in cafes or offices
• Set your own rates (usually ¥2,000–¥5,000/hour)
• Find students via word of mouth, flyers, or tutoring websites like Hello Sensei

Pros:

• High flexibility
• Potentially high hourly rates
• Full control over your teaching style and content

Cons:

• No visa support
• Unstable income if you're just starting out
• You’ll need to manage your own taxes, scheduling, and marketing

💡 Freelancing is best for teachers who already have legal residency in Japan or want to supplement income from a main job. It’s also a good stepping stone while waiting for a full-time position.

Comparing JET vs. Other Teaching Jobs in Japan

While the JET Programme is well-known, many teachers find that JET alternatives offer similar — and sometimes better — experiences depending on their goals, background, and preferences.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide what path might be the best fit for you:

Feature	JET Programme	ALT Dispatch Companies	Eikaiwas (Language Schools)	International Schools
Job Type	ALT in public schools	ALT in public schools	English conversation teacher	Subject teacher (licensed)
Salary	High (¥3.3M–¥3.9M+/year)	Moderate (¥2.4M–¥3.0M/year)	Varies (¥2.5M–¥3.5M/year)	High (¥4.0M–¥6.5M+/year)
Benefits	Excellent	Basic to moderate	Varies widely	Excellent
Placement	Assigned by government	Some location preference	Mostly urban	Usually urban or international
Start Time	Once per year (summer)	Rolling year-round	Year-round hiring	Academic school year
Requirements	Bachelor’s + native speaker	Bachelor’s, often TEFL	Bachelor’s, often TEFL	Teaching license + experience
Training	Yes (Tokyo orientation)	Usually provided	Usually provided	Yes
Visa Support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

🧭 Choosing What’s Right for You

• Want structure, prestige, and stability? → JET Programme
• Want to start quickly or gain experience? → Interac or dispatch companies
• Want to live in a big city and teach adults or kids? → Eikaiwas
• Want a long-term career in education? → International schools
• Already in Japan or need part-time work? → Freelance or online teaching

There’s no one-size-fits-all option — but there’s almost always a path forward if you’re passionate about teaching and living in Japan.

Final Thoughts: The Right Fit for You

Not getting into the JET Programme — or choosing not to apply — doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to teach in Japan. In fact, many teachers find that JET alternatives offer more flexibility, faster hiring, or a better fit for their goals.

Whether you want to teach kids or adults, work in a school or a private setting, live in a rural town or right in the heart of Tokyo — there’s a path for you.

Before choosing, ask yourself:

• Do I want structure or flexibility?
• Do I care more about location, salary, or support?
• Am I looking for a short adventure — or a long-term career?

Once you know what you value most, it becomes easier to choose the route that makes sense for your lifestyle and ambitions.

💼 Ready to explore what’s available now?
Browse English teaching jobs in Japan — from eikaiwas and ALT positions to international schools and flexible part-time gigs.

JET isn’t the only way to live, teach, and grow in Japan — and for many teachers, the alternative ends up being the experience of a lifetime.