- TOP
- FAQ
General Inquiries
- Q.What is the job of an ALT?
Your main job will be teaching English in a public school with a Japanese teacher as a team. This includes being able to make lesson plans and materials for the lessons. The job also includes interacting with the students and teachers outside of class in a positive manner as well as teaching them about your own culture.
- Q.Who can be an ALT?
As long as they meet the minimum qualifications, anyone can be an ALT. You do not need to come from a country where English is the native language to be an ALT as long as your educational history was done mainly in English.
It is important to understand though that teaching can be a mentally and physically demanding job. You must be in good health, financially stable and flexible with working conditions and placement. Further detail is provided throughout this FAQ page.
- Q.What are the minimum qualifications required to apply for a position?
1) Be a university graduate holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
2) You also need to have had 12 years of education where English was the main language of instruction used for all classes (i.e. all classes were taught primarily in English).
Both of these are necessary to be eligible for visa sponsorship, and are non-negotiable.
Please check the Immigration Services Agency website for more details (Japanese only).
- Q.How do I apply?
Start the process by clicking on either the "Apply Now" button or right here and choose the appropriate application based on your current location (in Japan or currently overseas).
- Q.In which regions of Japan are your positions typically located?
We have positions all over Japan! Please check our available areas on our website.
- Q.What level of Japanese language proficiency is expected or required for the role?
Japanese is not a requirement for the ALT position. However, since you'll be working in a Japanese public school and living in Japan, having some Japanese ability will make daily life and communication much easier. If you don't speak any Japanese yet, we recommend starting to learn the basics before you arrive.
- Q.Does Borderlink provide Japanese lessons?
Yes. Borderlink offers occasional beginner lessons with Japanese native speakers and basic learning materials before arrival. However, these are meant to supplement your own self-study, so we recommend starting on your own as early as possible.
- Q.Is prior teaching experience necessary to become an ALT with Borderlink?
No. Teaching experience isn’t required—Borderlink provides thorough training to prepare you. However, having a TEFL, TESOL, or similar certificate is increasingly preferred in Japan.
- Q.Does Borderlink have any agencies in other countries? Is there a fee required?
Currently, we only work with a partner agency in the Philippines. Citizens of the Philippines living outside of Japan can find their contact information here.
Note: We never charge any fees during the hiring or interview process.
- Q.I applied through the website and never heard back. What's my status?
After you apply through our website, you will receive an automatic response by email. This means that we have received your application.
Due to the high number of applicants we receive, only those who pass the initial screening will be contacted further within one week from their application. If you were unsuccessful in your application and did not hear back from us, you may reapply again the following year.
Hiring Process
- Q.When does Borderlink start the hiring process?
We hire all year round, so you are welcome to submit your application any time. For those already residing in Japan, we hire for both the next school year as well as immedate-start positions that may become available throughout the year. Please note that for those applying from overseas, our main hiring period is from May to December, targeting the new school year that starts in April. It is strongly recommended to apply early during this period.
- Q.What is Borderlink's hiring process like?
Initial screening → Application screening → Orientation and preliminary interview (online) → One-on-one interview (online)→ Reference check → Offer!
- Q.I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree but have not yet graduated. Can I still apply?
For April positions, we need your university diploma by the end of December for visa processing. If you’ll have it by then, you’re welcome to apply. Otherwise, we recommend applying for the next school year.
- Q.I am not a native speaker of English, but I have a high level of fluency. Can I still apply?
Yes. As long as you have the following, you can apply.
1) Have a bachelor's degree or higher
2) Have had 12 years of education where English was the main language of instruction used for all classes (i.e. all classes were taught primarily in English) and be able to provide proof of them
Both of these are necessary to be eligible for visa sponsorship, and are non-negotiable.
Please check the Immigration Services Agency website for more details (Japanese only).
- Q.Can I choose where to work?
While we do our best consider your preferences, we also must consider where our openings are. Placements may include rural areas and/or require driving. Urban areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are highly competitive and usually filled by candidates already in Japan. If your preferred area isn’t available, we’ll suggest an alternative placement.
In general, being flexible to work anywhere in Japan and open to the possibility of driving can increase the chances of being successful in your application.
- Q.When do I know my placement?
Placements are announced about one week before arrival, as school openings aren’t confirmed until closer to that time. We match candidates based on school needs and requests.
- Q.How much money do I need to bring to Japan?
We strongly recommend bringing a minimum of ¥600,000 JPY to Japan AFTER flight costs.
Approximately 60% of this (350,000 JPY to 450,000 JPY) is the estimated amount that would be required up front to sign a lease and secure keys to an apartment. Please keep in mind that this money is for you to live until the first paycheck at the end of the following month.
- Q.Can I bring my partner/children to Japan with me?
While possible, the process is complex and will be entirely your responsibility (securing their visa application and appropriate housing, etc). In addition, unless you have a strong command of Japanese and understanding of the laws of Japan, bringing your children can be extremely difficult and costly.
We strongly recommend waiting at least a year until you’re settled before bringing over dependents.
- Q.I want to bring my pet with me, what do I do?
It is not recommended to bring pets, as most rentals in Japan don’t allow them and pet-friendly housing is limited and expensive. Borderlink is unable to provide support with this.
- Q.Will Borderlink assist with the visa application process? What are the typical steps and timelines involved?
Yes, Borderlink handles the visa application for overseas candidates. We’ll guide you through each step and request necessary documents. For those starting in April (start of the school year), the visa application process usually begins in the summer before the school year.
Arrival Procedure
- Q.Am I responsible for booking my own flight to Japan, or will Borderlink arrange this?
ALTs are responsible for booking their own flight to Japan. Any financial matters related to your flights, housing and visas will be your responsibility. Borderlink will be sharing further information regarding their designated arrival airport and training facility.
- Q.Will I need to find my own housing?
No, you won’t have to. Borderlink works with an affiliated real estate agency to help arrange your housing. While you can choose to find your own apartment, we strongly recommend using our service, as it’s challenging to rent in Japan without a local address or Japanese skills. For those already living in Japan and looking to relocate for work with us, we are also able to assist you with finding housing.
Please note, Borderlink cannot serve as your guarantor or emergency contact.
- Q.When should I arrive in Japan?
Overseas candidates joining the new school year should arrive in mid-to-late March. The final intake date will be confirmed by the recruiting team once finalized.
- Q.If I need to book my own flight, are there any recommended arrival airports or specific timeframes I should aim for?
Borderlink will have prepositioning trainings in East Japan and West Japan. We will be sharing which training you will be attending in advance along with a designated arrival airport and date.
Contract and Compensation
- Q.What is the duration of the contract? Is there a possibility of renewal?
In general, the contract period is for one year from April to March. Contract renewal is subject to your evaluation results.
- Q.What is the salary range?
Salaries for full-time positions start from 220,000 yen and up. When calculating your salary, we take into account factors such prior ALT experience, Japanese ability, teaching certificates, and other factors.
- Q.What are the working hours?
In general, it will be a shift falling between 7:45 am to 6:00 pm. The exact working hours may vary depending on the working location.
- Q.What is the payment schedule?
Payment will be made on the last business day of the following month. In Japan, this is the most common payment system.
- Q.What are the social insurance benefits in Japan?
The social insurance benefits include health insurance, pension and employment insurance. Borderlink will provide you with the necessary information and enrollment procedures.
- Q.Is there salary raise?
Yes, and it is subject to your evaluation results.
ALT Role
- Q.Could you describe a typical day for an ALT working in a Japanese public elementary or junior high school?
You can learn a lot more about typical day for an ALT right here!
- Q.Can I use my phone at school?
No, personal electronic devices—including phones, tablets, and laptops—are not allowed at schools.
This is due to strict rules protecting students’ privacy and personal information.
- Q.Can I eat lunch outside?
No, you are not allowed to leave the school to eat lunch outside (e.g. convenience store or restaurants).
Please join your students or school staff in eating Japanese school lunch as it is part of Japanese culture and a chance for you to bond with your teachers and students
- Q.Is transportation covered?
Yes. Regular transportation is factored into your salary. For irregular transportation (work duties outside of your assigned schools, e.g. substitutions or trainings), transportation will be fully reimbursed.
- Q.What do I wear at school?
Generally, you can wear business casual. You may also want to bring sportswear to change into if you are participating in school athletic club activities with your students. You will also need a suit for official school events. Be sure to wear it when you first visit your school!
- Q.Will I be working independently, or will I always be paired with a Japanese teacher?
Yes you will be paired with a Japanese teacher. While you may be given different responsibilities depending on the class, such as leading some sections or activities, in general ALTs will always be working with a Japanese co-teacher.
- Q.What kind of support or resources will be provided for lesson planning and classroom management?
Borderlink regularly provides training to ensure our ALTs are always up to date with new teaching trends and methods to be used in the classroom. We also have an online database full of resources for ALTs to use to make lesson plans, flashcards and other materials.
- Q.Are there opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities or school events?
Yes! School events such as sports day and music festivals are very common in public elementary and junior schools in Japan. In junior high schools, extracurricular activities in the form of clubs such as sports clubs, English clubs and music clubs play a major part in students school lives. Should you be given the opportunity, we do encourage you to take part in events and extracurricular activies to be able to interact and build a relationship with the students outside of the classroom too!
- Q.How many schools will I be assigned to?
It will depend on the position. ALTs may work at more than one school during the week.
- Q.Can I change my school(s) mid-year?
No. Once you’ve started, your assigned school(s) are set for the full school year. Changing schools mid-year can disrupt students’ learning and consistency. Your students, fellow teachers and school will be expecting and relying on you. Our capable Borderlink staff will support you throughout to help ensure a positive experience.
- Q.Can I stay in the same schools/areas after completing the contract?
It depends. While various external factors can affect the outcome, ideally ALTs are encouraged to remain in the same school(s) for consecutive years.
- Q.Is there a chance for career growth in the company?
Yes, based on evaluation. After gaining a few years experience as an ALT, there may be opportunities for those who wish to progress in their career and support other ALTs within the company. In fact, many of our HR staff started out as ALTs with Borderlink.
Living in Japan
- Q.What is the typical cost of living in Japan?
The cost of living in Japan can vary depending on whether it is a rural or urban area. The housing rent for rural countryside areas to be as low as 30,000 yen but also get up to 60,000 yen per month for a particularly spacious or lavish apartment. For more urban city areas, rent can range from 40,000 yen to 85,000 yen or more.
- Q.Are there any cultural differences or customs that I should be aware of before arriving in Japan?
During your time in Japan you may notice different customs to that of your home country. Cultural differences that are commonly experienced are greetings, dining etiquette and mannerisms in public. We strongly recommend you do some research on cultural differences in Japan so that you have a better idea on what to do and what not to do while living in Japan. A great place to start is our blog MUSUBI, which features articles from our own ALTs about this very topic.
- Q.Do I need to enroll in health insurance?
Yes. All residents of Japan are legally required to have health insurance. There are two types: National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, kokumin kenkou hoken) and Social Insurance (社会保険, shakai hoken). The type you enroll in depends on your working hours. Full-time ALTs are enrolled in the Social Insurance system, where Borderlink matches your monthly contributions.
- Q.Is electronic money accepted in Japan?
Yes. While Japan is still largely a cash-based society, electronic payments have become widely accepted in recent years. Prepaid systems like PayPay, as well as credit cards, are commonly used at major stores and restaurants. However, it’s still a good idea to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller shops or rural areas, because there are still "cash-only" stores.
- Q.Can I bring my electronic devices to Japan?
Yes, bringing electronic devices to Japan or having them sent later is generally fine. Just be aware that Japan uses 100V electricity and "Type A" outlets, so you may need a voltage converter or plug adapter.
For mobile phones, make sure your device is SIM-free or compatible with Japanese SIM cards, as some foreign models may not work and you will need to obtain a Japanese phone number.
- Q.Is Japan a safe country?
Yes. Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a high standard of living. That said, it's still important to exercise common sense, as natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons are possible. We strongly encourage preparing an emergency kit. Safety guidance is also provided during your orientation and training.
- Q.What's the weather like in Japan?
Japan has four distinct seasons plus a rainy season during early summer. Winters can be cold and windy, althougfh snow is less common outside of the northern areas. Summers can be extremely hot and humid, while Spring and Fall are more temperate.
- Q.What is rural Japan like?
Rural Japan offers a high standard of living with more space and generally lower living costs (lower rent, food prices). While public transport is available in some areas, driving is often the most convenient way to get around.