Time for a Career Change? Why Not Teach Abroad

If you’re looking for a meaningful career switch, teaching could be the fresh start you need.

But have you thought about becoming a teacher or teaching assistant overseas? Teaching English abroad can be a life-changing experience, combining travel with personal growth.

Here’s why teaching is such a rewarding mid-career change, and how to get started.

Looking for a mid-career change?

Sometimes, you reach a point in your career where you start wondering what else is out there.

Maybe you’re tired of the same daily routine, don’t feel appreciated, or want to try something new. If any of the below statements hit home, a career change might be an option for you!

“I want to feel excited about my job again”

“I want to feel challenged and learn new skills”

“I want to know that I’m making a real difference”

“I want work-life balance, not just a high salary”

“I want adventure and a change of scenery”

Whatever the reason, retraining can help you find purpose and feel happier in your life. For many people, becoming a teacher is a great way to share experience and be a positive influence.

“As a licensed teacher, I almost gave up my dream of teaching in Japan. Interac gave me the opportunity to inspire others and love my career.” Lorden (ALT since 2023)

Why teaching appeals to career switchers

Even if you haven’t studied education, everyone has experience of the school environment.

Returning to the classroom as a teacher allows you to use your existing life skills and develop new ones. You can make a meaningful impact and be the mentor you needed as a child.

If you’re considering a career change to teaching, you may already have the following:

• Communication skills: You can present information clearly and connect with others
  
  
• Leadership skills: You can guide, influence and inspire groups of young people
  
  
• Mentorship skills: You can empathise and support learners as they grow in confidence
  
  
• Organisation skills: You can manage your time, multitask, and make detailed plans

Already have these skills? Becoming a teacher could be a rewarding way to reinvent yourself.

Teaching doesn’t just use your existing skills; you’ll build patience and adaptability working in an unpredictable (but never boring!) school environment, and meet people from all walks of life.

Read our separate guide on transferable skills from teaching and how they can help your career.

Common fears about a career change to teaching

Switching to a new career like teaching can be exciting, but it’s natural to have some doubts too. Many of our ALTs had the same worries, especially if they were changing paths mid-career.

“Am I too old to switch careers?”

“Do I need to pay for new qualifications?”

“Will I earn as much as I did before?”

“Do I have the right personality for teaching?”

“What if I feel lonely or unsupported?”

If you’re teaching in your own country, you may have a long road ahead to become qualified.

However, teaching English abroad can be particularly suited to people making a career switch:

• You don’t need teaching experience to teach abroad. Many people at Interac come from different careers, from office jobs to hospitality, and have never taught children before.
  
  
• Many teaching programs offer structured training sessions, classroom guidance, and opportunities to practice their teaching skills before facing a full class of children.
  
  
• There’s a strong international demand for English teachers, particularly here in Japan. Motivated foreign teachers are valued for giving schools a more global perspective.
  
  
• We can help you get a visa, suitable accommodation, and ongoing networking opportunities. If you need a fresh start, moving abroad to teach could change your life.

One of the concerns people have is whether they will earn as much as they did before.

Although your salary might take a hit, you might find your new career more rewarding or meaningful. In some countries, the cost of living is lower than in places like America.

Watch our video below for a candid conversation about living on an ALT salary in Japan.

Is teaching abroad right for me?

It’s normal to wonder if teaching abroad is right for you, especially if you’ve never taught before.

Uprooting your life to teach abroad is a big decision. You’ll leave behind friends and family, and have to navigate a new language and culture. But it’s also an opportunity to grow and change in a way few careers can offer. You’ll make a real difference to children’s lives and your own too.

If you’re ready for the challenge, we can support you with essential practicalities like:

• Getting a visa to work
• Setting up your housing
• Getting a mobile phone

At Interac, we help hundreds of people train as teachers and enjoy a new life in Japan. Try our fast, free quiz below to see if teaching abroad as an Assistant Language Teacher is right for you.

We’ve had over 14,000 ALTs since 2010, and recruit motivated people from all over the world.

Travel the world – teach English abroad!

One of the most exciting parts of teaching abroad is how it opens up your life. Working as an English teacher gives you the chance to experience things most people only dream about:

• Amazing new food: From fresh sushi and steaming bowls of ramen in Japan, to vibrant street markets and local delicacies, teaching abroad broadens your palette for good.
  
  
• Better work-life balance: Many assistant teaching roles give you evenings and weekends free, leaving you the time and headspace to rest, recharge and explore.
  
  
• Cultural enrichment: Visit historic sites and attractions, or get involved with seasonal festivals and traditions. If you’re looking to “find yourself”, here’s your opportunity.
  
  
• Make new friends: Meet and socialise with other like-minded teachers from around the world, or make friends with neighbours, locals, or other English-speaking travellers.
  
  
• Discover a happier life: Switching careers to become a teacher isn’t a cure-all or an escape, but it can encourage you to see the world differently and feel inspired again.

“Working with Interac provides an authentic Japanese experience. You’ll be immersed in the culture, supported by your school, and connect with your local community.” Rich (ALT since 2016)

Retraining midlife to teach abroad isn’t just about a new career; it’s about expanding your worldview, making great memories, and being on a path that feels meaningful to you.

Worried about not being able to speak the language? You can learn Japanese while you work.

What you need to get started

Making a career switch to become an English teacher abroad might be simpler than you think. The exact requirements will vary depending on the country, but the basics tend to be the same:

• A degree: Most teaching abroad programs require a university degree. But, this doesn’t have to be in teaching! Some countries (not Japan) accept an equivalent qualification.
  
  
• A clean record: Working with children requires thorough background checks. If you have a criminal record, this will make it difficult for you to move and work abroad as a teacher.
  
  
• Training: Although formal qualifications may not be required, you’ll need adequate training to ensure you’re classroom-ready and understand your teaching materials.
  
  
• Planning: Moving to work abroad requires a lot of planning, from how you’re getting there to having enough money. Our program can help with visas and accommodation.
  
  
• The right attitude: It isn’t just about escaping your current career. Having a positive attitude and a genuine interest in teaching children and young people is essential.

Obviously, it helps to know the language of the country you’re moving to, but it isn’t essential. As you’ll be teaching English, it’s much more important that you can communicate in English.

Become an ALT in Japan with Interac

As one of Japan’s largest providers of Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), Interac makes the transition to teaching abroad as smooth as possible. Here’s how we support your career change.

• We help you get an Instructor visa, so you can move to Japan to teach as an ALT
  
  
• We help you find suitable accommodation in Japan, usually a comfortable apartment
  
  
• We equip you with a tried-and-tested training program to get you classroom-ready
  
  
• We give you ongoing support, a community, and career progression opportunities

Interac is the largest issuer of Instructor visas in Japan, and our visa system is very streamlined and efficient, with hundreds of teachers getting Instructor visas every year.

If you want to change careers and have always dreamed of living in Japan, get in touch today.

FAQs

Can I become a teacher mid-career?

Yes, many people make a mid-career switch to teaching. Existing skills, such as communication, leadership, and organisation, can be valuable in the classroom. Teaching is one of the most accessible and rewarding career change ideas for professionals looking for a fresh start.

Do I need teaching experience to teach abroad?

No, you usually don’t need teaching experience or formal teaching qualifications to teach abroad as an ALT or language assistant. Full training is provided to prepare you for teaching English overseas. What matters most is your enthusiasm, adaptability, and willingness to learn.

What qualifications do I need to become an ALT?

To work as an ALT in Japan, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in any subject, a clean criminal record, and a genuine interest in teaching and cultural exchange. Formal teaching qualifications (like a PGCE or TEFL) are not required, but can help improve your chances.

Why is teaching popular as a career change?

Teaching appeals to career changers because it combines purpose, stability, and personal growth. It allows you to use transferable skills while gaining new ones. For many, teaching abroad also offers the chance to travel and make a real difference in foreign students’ lives.