• Life & Culture

Network & Collaborate as an ALT in Japan

Japanese city at night with light up signs

Understanding the Japanese Networking Culture 

Networking can greatly improve your experience as an ALT in Japan and the TEFL community as a whole! Making connections with new people can open up a range of opportunities, from exploring new places to meeting influential people in the local community.

 

Understanding the Japanese networking culture is essential; the key difference is that it’s built on a culture of building relationships before business. In Japanese, it’s known as “Kizuna,” which translates to “bonds.” This highlights the importance of building bonds and establishing trust with people first, before approaching them directly for business.

 

ALT Networking: Real Life Experiences of ALTs in Japan

 

As demonstrated by the ALT’s experiences of networking in Japan, personal connections and word-of-mouth referrals are important in Japanese culture they not only allow you to progress in your current role, but also help you to build long-term meaningful connections that continue long after you’ve moved on!

 

“Through an English teacher at school, I was introduced to the local Lion’s Club as well as the Chamber of Commerce. I attended their meetings as well as participated in all of their activities.  I visited various businesses in town, collected trash with the Lion’s at the local lake, and made deep connections with members of both groups, some of which I am still friends with today.” Brian McDonough, Recruitment Consultant at Interac

 

Overcoming Common Networking Challenges

1. Navigating the Language Barrier

 
It’s no secret that living and working in a new country can come with its challenges. Navigating the language barrier can be difficult, but start with learning a few simple phrases first. You are not required to be fluent, but it is respectful to show a willingness to learn the language.
 
Most ALTs have found that they pick it up pretty quickly as you are immersed in the culture. Japanese schools love getting new ALTs, as they place a high value on learning the English language. Japanese teachers may be quieter and more formal and students expect the ALTs to bring energy and creativity to their English lessons.

We cover this in more detail in our blog, what makes the Japanese teaching style so different to other countries? 

 

2. Key cultural differences

 

There are a few, key cultural differences in Japan to get to grips with in the beginning, but remember this is what makes being an ALT in Japan such a memorable experience. You have chosen to immerse yourself in a completely new culture! 

 

Start by observing your colleagues in the beginning to understand the key cultural differences. These include the importance of hierarchy and more indirect communication styles. There is a high value placed on respecting titles, age and experience of your colleagues within the school.

 

In terms of communication styles, colleagues may imply things rather than stating them explicitly, but this can vary based on areas of Japan, so it’s best to shadow your colleagues and observe. Your colleagues will completely understand that you are not used to these differences in culture and will be accommodating when you are new to the school.

 

A group of multicultural students smiling looking at a laptop screen together around a table.

How to build long-term meaningful connections in the school community

 

Building relationships will come naturally as part of the process when starting as an ALT, as Teachers and colleagues are excited to get to know you and hear about your experience. It’s an important part of your role as an ALT to share your culture and promote the English language.

 

The eagerness to exchange experiences will help you to start to build connections with lots of new people, and these help to generate longer-term  meaningful connections with people that you can stay in contact with well after you’ve left!

 

Your colleagues will also play a key part in teaching you Japanese, so you can start to feel more familiar as you explore the city you are placed in. This helps to widen your teaching experience and immerse yourself in the culture. Being multilingual puts you at an advantage when it comes to networking in Japan and building long-term meaningful connections. 

 
A group of Japanese students sitting in the classroom being taught by a male teacher

Take the first step towards teaching in Japan with Interac

 

Do you want to experience a new culture and see yourself making a difference? Then teaching English in Japan could be the perfect occupation for you, inspiring students while living in Japan, it’s the perfect way to do both!

 

We are here to start your journey with our connections to trusted schools, providing the right support to begin your journey of teaching English as a foreign language in Japan!

 

At Interac, our ALTs’ Lessons support students with learning English but also encourage them to explore and be independent, building their confidence. You will make a difference to students by teaching lessons that are engaging and student-centred, teaching skills that help to develop students as individuals and shape their future.

 

We are here to start your journey with our connections to trusted schools, providing the right support to begin your journey of teaching English as a foreign language in Japan!

 

Apply Submit your application today, or visit our website to learn more about our available ALT roles.