Frequently Asked Questions

While we prefer applicants with teaching experience, especially ALT work or other teaching experience in Japan, we also accept other teaching backgrounds such as ESL teaching, language tutoring, volunteer work, and language exchanges. TEFL or similar certifications are highly valued and can be a great supplement for those with limited experience.

We often hire individuals with the right skill set and attitude, believing they have the potential to become great ALTs, even without prior experience. In these cases, other factors—such as Japanese language skills and relevant studies—become even more important.

We do not typically require a degree in English or Education, though we do hire many new ALTs from these fields. For overseas applicants who are fresh out of university with little or no teaching experience, we generally look for relevant degrees or minors. This includes fields such as Japanese, Asian Studies, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), etc. Combinations such as a BA in English with a minor in Asian Studies are also very attractive.

We also consider applicants with TESL/TEFL or similar certifications, conversational Japanese language skills, and some experience living in Japan, such as through a study abroad program, student exchange, or similar experience.

Absolutely! Overseas applicants will need to go through a lengthy process to obtain a working visa before coming to Japan, so we recommend checking our website for the best time to apply. For overseas applicants, we place significant emphasis on previous experience working with young children, relevant degrees such as those in Japanese or East Asian studies, participation in exchange programs, and prior ESL experience in Japan or your home country. We generally do not bring over applicants who have a combination of limited relevant background, little experience, and low Japanese skills.

For overseas recruits, finances are often a big concern. Your first salary will be paid on the 20th of the month following your start in school (e.g., if you start in April, your first salary will be paid on May 20th). We typically recommend that you arrive prepared with approximately 250,000 - 300,000 JPY, not including your airfare to Japan, to help you get through the first few months comfortably. Costs you will need to cover include:

• Airfare to Japan
• Transportation costs to your O/T venue
• Normal daily and food expenses
• If staying in an ALTIA CENTRAL apartment, the first month’s rent (You can opt to have this withheld from your first paycheck, but note that your first paycheck will be smaller if you do, as the first two months of health care/pension payments will also be deducted)

ALTIA CENTRAL will cover the following costs:

• Your hotel stay during O/T
• Transport costs from O/T to your placement location
• Apartment key money
• (For driving positions) ALTIA CENTRAL supplies a company car and covers all upfront costs

If you already have your own apartment or plan to find your own place to live, that's perfectly fine. However, it can affect the positions we can consider for you. School groupings are often adjusted very late by the BOEs, so if your apartment is on one side of the city and a school group change results in schools being located on the other side, it could significantly increase your commuting time.

We prefer that no ALT has a daily commute longer than 1 hour each way. Anything beyond that can cause unnecessary stress and would not be fair to you. Long commutes also make it harder to ensure punctuality, and if something were to happen that caused you to be late or unable to make it to school, it could negatively affect the students as well.

It’s absolutely fine to have your own place—many of our ALTs do—but it may limit the number and variety of positions we can place you in. For overseas recruits, it’s generally much easier for us to arrange an apartment in a suitable location for you, ensuring a more manageable commute and greater flexibility in placement options.

The simplest format for documents is PDF. For photographs and similar files, JPG or PNG formats are the easiest for us to open and use. Other formats, such as .pages or .odt, can be more troublesome. Compressing your PDF files into a .zip file is also perfectly fine.

Yes, we can certainly accept a letter of recommendation in Japanese. If you have worked with Japanese public-school teachers, had Japanese managers at your English conversation school, or studied with a Japanese language professor at university, and they prefer to write the letter in Japanese, that is perfectly fine.

Additionally, we will ask our Japanese staff to contact your referees by email after a successful interview, so contact information will also be required. At the interview, we will request this information, so no extra letters will be necessary—just the contact details will be sufficient.

The easiest way to submit your Letter(s) of Recommendation is as PDF attachments with your initial application. Alternatively, you can have your referee(s) email the letters directly. Just make sure they include your name in the subject line of the email so we know who the letter is for.

If your referee(s) prefer to send the letters "sealed" in an envelope via post, that is also acceptable, but sending them digitally is generally preferred.

Typically, contracts are for one year, starting on April 1st and ending at the conclusion of the school year in March. It’s imperative for ALTIA CENTRAL, our client BOEs, and schools to have all ALTs work through to the end of March, regardless of when they start with us. Depending on your start date, your contract may be shorter or longer than a full year (for example, if you start in December, we may offer a 15-month contract running through to March of the following academic year).

While the contract duration is important, the commitment to the students is paramount. The students deserve to have the same ALT for the entire school year, so we prioritize long-term dedication to the role.

Generally, no. We do not offer part-time or shortened contracts. However, in rare cases, such as filling in mid-year for an ALT who had to leave due to a family or health emergency, it may be possible to work for a shortened term through to the end of the school year.

A full school year commitment is essential in this role. The commitment to the BOEs, schools, teachers, and, ultimately, the students, is paramount and is something we take very seriously at ALTIA CENTRAL. If you are looking for a short-term position, it’s unlikely we will be able to assist you.

That’s the million-dollar question! The general process begins in the fall and continues throughout the winter for April-starting contracts, which make up more than 95% of all our contracts. By the end of January, we typically have a good idea of which expiring BOE contracts will be renewed and which areas will require new proposals or presentations. By late February, we should have a clear picture of the majority - but not all just yet - of our contracts. At that point, we can fairly confidently add that information to the plans of our current ALTs—whether they are returning or moving on—and begin making hiring decisions and filling open positions.

By early-March, most of our BOE contracts are decided, and the vast majority of our positions are filled, except for a few special cases. We do continue to hire for remaining openings, sudden changes, and contracts that are decided very late by the BOE, through to the end of March, if necessary.

You can apply to ALTIA CENTRAL at any time throughout the year. However, our busiest placement periods are April and September, so the months leading up to these times are the main recruiting seasons.

For April positions, we begin accepting overseas applications in September. For in-country applicants seeking April positions, the best time to apply is from December onwards.

Throughout the year, we occasionally have positions become available, so be sure to check our Available Positions page or look out for our job ads on gaijinpot.com or jobsinjapan.com.

We are primarily concentrated in the Chubu region of Japan, with our head office located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Our contracts are mainly based in central Japan, primarily in Aichi, Gifu, and Shizuoka Prefectures. We also have a number of contracts in Shiga, Mie, Nagano, and Fukui, as well as a strong presence in Okayama and Hiroshima. Additionally, we have a very limited number of positions in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, and the greater Kansai area.

If your focus is solely on Osaka, it’s likely we won’t be able to assist you. Please also note that we DO NOT have any positions in the greater Tokyo area.

Our clients are local town and city Boards of Education (BOEs), which typically manage junior high and elementary schools in their respective areas. Public senior high schools are generally managed at the prefecture or national level, and we do not currently provide many ALTs for these types of schools.

While a growing number of our ALTs occasionally visit local kindergartens, we might have just a few senior high school positions each year, and these are typically only available at rare city-operated high schools.

Most ALTIA CENTRAL ALTs are assigned to junior high schools, elementary schools, or a mix of both. In some cases, they may visit kindergartens a few days per month.

To work as an ALT in Japan, you need an Instructor’s Visa. To qualify, you must be from a native English-speaking country or have completed at least 12 years of all-English education. And note that Japan Immigration focuses on your educational background, not your fluency.

For overseas applicants, or some rare in-country applicants who may need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), ALTIA CENTRAL will assist you in obtaining a COE, which you will need to apply for the Instructor’s Visa through a Japanese consulate or embassy abroad.

Alternative visa options include Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, Permanent Resident, and Long-Term Resident. If you're already in Japan on a Specialist in Humanities, Student, or Cultural Activities visa, we can apply for a Change of Status to an Instructor’s Visa as well.

Non-native English speakers face challenges in qualifying for the Instructor’s Visa, but may find it easier to apply for positions at Eikaiwa schools with a Specialist in Humanities visa.

ALTIA CENTRAL works with public schools in Japan, where the school year starts in April. April accounts for upwards of 90% of our new hires, and these positions for the upcoming school year are typically filled by February. Positions for an April start are slightly more predictable, with more notice, and we begin filling them after we confirm contracts and receive responses from current ALTs in mid-January.

For September start positions, though it is our second biggest hiring season, we tend to hire fewer than 10-15 new ALTs, and we usually know about these unexpected or sudden openings around mid to late July. If you're applying between April and June, you may be considered for a September start, though it’s possible we may consider you for later in the fall, winter, or even the next April as well.

Interview slots are available on a 2-week rolling basis, with the earliest you can book being 24 hours in advance and the latest being 2 weeks ahead. As other applicants book their interviews, some slots may fill up quickly. If you don’t see a preferred time or day available, you have a few options:

1) Check back regularly: Slots may open up if there are cancellations.

2) Wait a few days: More slots will become available as the schedule rolls forward into the next week.

3) Contact us: If you need to book an interview sooner than what's available, please reach out to us at recruit@altiacentral.com.

We understand that not everyone is available during standard Japanese working hours. In such cases, we may be able to arrange interviews outside of the usual time slots, though availability is limited. This could mean a later-than-usual 6:00 pm JST start, or an early 8:00 am JST start, depending on our availability. We also conduct interviews on Saturdays, but typically only during our peak interview season, from December to March.

Please reach out to us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule.

Yes, we understand that plans can change and you might need to reschedule your interview. If your initial interview was booked through the Google Calendar system, here's how you can do it:

1) Change your attendance status: In your confirmation email or within the Google Calendar event, change your attendance to "No."

2) Let us know: After canceling the interview, please email us at recruit@altiacentral.com to confirm your cancellation.

3) Rebook your interview: Use the original booking link to schedule a new interview at a more suitable time.

If needs be, we can also try to assist you in finding a new slot.

All interviews are scheduled between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm Japan Standard Time (JST). However, the Google Scheduling system automatically converts these times to your local time zone or the time zone set in your Google account. This may cause available slots to appear at unusual times that don’t align with our stated hours.

Please double-check the time zone when booking, especially if you’re using a VPN, to ensure the times are showing in JST or the correct time zone for your location. While the times may seem unusual in your location, they should still fall within standard working hours in Japan.

For the first part of the interview, there’s nothing specific you need to prepare. Once the first interview is successfully completed, we will outline the next steps, which include recording and uploading a demo lesson, confirming references, and gathering a short list of documents. These documents typically include:

• A copy of your passport
• Your visa (if applicable)
• A copy of your diploma/degree
• A recent passport-style photo

We will guide you through these steps after the first interview, so there is no need to scan or send anything further in advance.

If you "pass" the interview, we will get in touch with you shortly to discuss the next steps, including any potential placements. We may need to collect additional documentation, apply for a Certificate of Eligibility or Change of Visa Status, confirm your preferences and timetable, and keep you updated on position availability.

However, please understand that due to time constraints, we may not be able to contact every candidate who is not moving forward after the interview.

Yes, but only if you are based overseas. As part of the hiring process, all overseas-based recruits will be required to submit a background check before they can officially be hired as an Assistant Language Teacher with ALTIA CENTRAL. This requirement aligns with recent measures introduced by the Japanese government to enhance protections for children in public schools.

The background check is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of students, and it must be completed before any final hiring decisions can be made. For more information, please refer to our policy on background checks [here].

Orientation Training at ALTIA CENTRAL is a structured and supportive program designed to prepare you for success as an ALT in the Japanese public school system. Our training process is divided into several key phases to ensure you're confident and well-equipped for your new role.

The process begins with Pre-Orientation Training (Pre-OT)—a comprehensive online course where you'll learn essential skills, techniques, and foundational knowledge about teaching in Japan. This self-paced component ensures you're fully prepared to get the most out of the in-person sessions.

Next, you'll attend a 2-day, in-person Orientation Training seminar, where you'll build on what you learned in Pre-OT. Through workshops, hands-on activities, and interactive sessions, you'll apply your knowledge in practical ways, explore classroom scenarios, and get familiar with our teaching materials and resources.

After Orientation, our support continues with Post-OT sessions—follow-up training opportunities designed to deepen your understanding and help you apply your skills more effectively in the classroom. These sessions are complemented by ongoing support and training throughout the year, including school visits and additional professional development opportunities.

Our experienced training team is made up of native English-speaking supervisors and trainers, most of whom have over 10 years of experience teaching in Japan. They’re dedicated to helping you succeed and will be available to guide you throughout your journey.

You'll also have the chance to connect with fellow new ALTs, ask questions, and enjoy a collaborative, engaging environment. We consistently receive excellent feedback about our training program—from both first-time teachers and those with prior ALT or JET Programme experience—and we're confident it will set you up for a successful start.

ALTIA CENTRAL will reserve and cover the cost of a local hotel for all new ALTs during the Orientation Training event. We will also subsidize your lunch each day throughout the training.

While we are unable to cover travel costs to attend Orientation Training, we will reimburse your travel expenses from the training venue to your placement location, whether by highway, train, or even the shinkansen.

As a teacher in a school environment, dressing smartly is essential to making a positive and professional impression. While you are not required to wear a suit and tie every day, formal and professional attire is expected when meeting the school staff, especially the Principal, for the first time or when attending formal school events such as graduation ceremonies or parent observation days.

A good rule of thumb is to dress one level above the teachers at your school. For men, this typically means a collared shirt with long trousers or khakis (no jeans or denim). For women, a blouse or nice shirt/sweater with slacks or a conservative skirt, along with tights/stockings, is common.

Additionally, a change of clothes for more casual or outdoor activities, such as recess or after-school sports clubs, is often encouraged, particularly during the hot months of the year.

Yes, all ALTs are required to undergo a health check every year before starting their contracts with ALTIA CENTRAL. Known as 健康診断 (けんこうしんだん) in Japanese, this is a legal requirement for individuals working in the public school environment.

ALTIA CENTRAL will provide you with a form outlining the basic medical checks needed, including a chest x-ray. For new recruits, the cost of the initial health check is covered by you, but we will reimburse up to a set amount for any subsequent health checks required for new contracts you are offered with ALTIA CENTRAL.

ALTIA CENTRAL typically places new recruits in LeoPalace apartments, which come fully furnished with a table and chairs, fridge, microwave, air conditioner, washing machine, and TV, along with instantly accessible internet. While the apartments may be small and compact, they are clean, convenient, and easy to move into.

Moving costs and utilities are the responsibility of the ALT. After receiving the first month’s rent up front from the recruit, subsequent months' rent will be deducted directly from the ALT’s monthly salary and paid to the real estate agent by ALTIA CENTRAL. Although we cover the key money and other deposits upfront, there is a small management fee of 4,500 yen per month. This fee helps cover overhead costs, including fire insurance, maintenance, and cleaning fees.

Some ALTs may have their own apartments or choose to find their own accommodation, but in such cases, all upfront costs and paperwork will be their responsibility.

Since most public schools are located in residential areas and ALTs typically teach at least 2 or 3 schools, the majority of our positions require driving. During your interview, we will ask about your preferences and confirm whether you are legally able to drive in Japan.

Yes, you can request a change or transfer to a driving position (or vice versa) during your second contract, if necessary. However, you will need a valid Japanese driving license (as an International Driving Permit is only valid for the first year). You must have the license in hand before we can consider you for a driving position, but a change is possible.

For our typical full-school year contracts with full benefits, we do not pro-rate an ALT's salary during the summer and winter breaks, unlike what many other companies do. We continue to pay the full salary, even during months like August, when there are usually very few, if any, school obligations.

In this highly competitive industry, however, many companies lower their rates to BOEs, which often results in lower ALT salaries across multiple months. Additionally, as some BOEs reduce the number of working days throughout the year, we face increasing pressure to balance things fairly. As a result, a small number of our contracts in select cities may have fewer working days and, therefore, lower annual income.

Supporting our ALTs is one of the core strengths of our company. For most positions (excluding locations like Osaka and Nagoya city), we arrange for you to live in a company-sponsored, semi-furnished LeoPalace-type apartment and cover the upfront costs. If your position requires a car, we provide that as well—no leasing required, unlike some other employers.

We sponsor your visa, provide high-quality training before you start, and offer access to a wide range of valuable teaching resources. Our team communicates regularly with you, listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and visits your school to provide ongoing support and classroom advice.

Additionally, we handle your taxes, arrange your visa, manage your schedule, and, overall, ensure that you are treated professionally and respectfully.

ALTIA CENTRAL was founded over 25 years ago to provide educational ALT services to Japan’s public school system. Originally a division of a predecessor company that provided educational services to both private and public institutions, our history of supplying ALTs to public schools spans over 30 years.

Over time, the ALT Division expanded and eventually became independent. The company is now co-managed by both Japanese and foreign management and board members, all of whom have extensive experience in the field and with ALTIA CENTRAL.

In recent years, the company has grown steadily and continues to expand, thanks to our expertise and commitment to children’s education. In 2018, we were seamlessly integrated into the Z-Kai group of companies. Today, we have over 350 ALTs teaching successfully in a dozen prefectures across Central and West-Central Japan, playing an active role in the development of tens of thousands of children every day.

At ALTIA CENTRAL, we offer a consistent monthly salary, paid in full and on time every month, along with outstanding support from our friendly staff and experienced supervisors. Our supervisors are highly dedicated and spend a significant amount of time communicating with their ALTs by visiting them at their schools to provide advice and support. They are also available to assist with personal questions or non-work-related emergencies.

We provide industry-leading training to ensure you become a successful ALT, including top-notch teaching resources that new employees are often impressed by, both in volume and quality. Additionally, we supply company cars without requiring you to lease them, offering flexible driving plans to suit your needs.

Our ALTs enjoy working with us and value the support and guidance we provide. A large number of applicants each year are referred to us by friends and former co-workers who have worked with ALTIA CENTRAL. The benefit of working with us is that, rather than working "for" a company, you work "with" us at ALTIA CENTRAL.

All of our recruiters, supervisors, trainers, and lead teachers at ALTIA CENTRAL's head office were previously standout ALTs who advanced from within the company. ALTIA CENTRAL places a strong emphasis on training, support, and the professional development of our ALTs, as we aim to utilize the diverse skill sets of our excellent ALT base. This has included opportunities for involvement in projects, talks, camps, professional events, and teacher training, among other initiatives.

However, managerial positions within the office are limited, so they may not be a primary factor when considering career progression during the interview and hiring process. Once you are with us, we encourage you to excel in your role, and as your skills and dedication are recognized, there will be opportunities for head office openings in the future. Ultimately, we hire capable people to be ALTs and expect you to perform well in your assigned schools first and foremost.

Yes, we do! We currently use social media to highlight what our ALTs/supervisors are doing during the school year and what the company and the recruiting department is involved in.

You can explore our social media pages with the links provided below.

YouTube: ALTIA CENTRAL Youtube Channel

Twitter: @AC_Recruiting

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/altia-central

Instagram: @altiacentral