The ALT’s Unexpected Journey to Japan

Posted on 02/17/2023 Last updated on 01/11/2024

“It’s a dangerous business… going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

Okay, so maybe not everyone reading this is a Lord of the Rings geek like me, but I think it’s safe to say that this quote encapsulates life in Japan for the vast majority of us ALTs living abroad. From the very moment I stepped onto Japanese soil, my life has been an exciting, unpredictable adventure that continues to stimulate my growth as an educator, student, and perhaps most importantly: as an individual.

Photo by サヤキさん

It is my sincere hope that you will find this article to be more than just a collection of my thoughts and personal experience. While there have been many incredible articles written about the various places to visit in Japan, the foods to try, or the activities you can experience, I hope to offer you a reflection about the various ways in which living abroad can enrich your life and change your perspective about the world we live in.

My first official day in Japan was certainly one to remember as I’m sure many of the ALTs you’ll meet will attest to. As I left the airport and made my way to the train station, I suddenly found my phone without service.

I arrived at the Hamamatsucho station without access to my GPS, calls, texts, or internet. I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Tokyo commuters, my lack of proficiency in the Japanese language, and of course my inability to use my phone that we, as a society, rely so heavily on.

After about an hour of using what little Japanese skills I have to ask for help, I found a kind, young woman, who helped me to call a cab and get safely to my hotel accommodations. My intention in sharing this story, is not to frighten or scare you off from coming to Japan. For me this experience will become a treasured memory marking the start of my time in Japan.

From the kindness of the stranger I met, who helped me get safely to my destination, to the confidence I gained in having to navigate Tokyo alone without the help of smart phone technology, I confirmed to myself the subtle yet powerful inner strength that each of us possesses.

Photo by sawadyさん

I’d like to say that every day since my first experience in Japan, has been smooth sailing, but I believe that would be an injustice to not only my own, but also to the many ALTs who have overcome the obstacles that come along with living abroad.

Before I go any further, it’s necessary for me to say that life in Japan is filled with amazing people, beautiful scenic nature, exciting places, and of course some of the most delicious food you will ever try, however, I think that the difficulties play an integral part in the incredible adventure of life in Japan.

The life of an ALT is one filled with so much excitement. While it’s true that we have earned the title of educator, it’s equally true that we too are students here in Japan. Every day I learn something new from the people around me. Perhaps my most important teachers have been the very students I teach each day.

I’ve learned that communication is more than simply language. While it’s true that language is one of the most important facilitators we have in building relationships, I’ve learned that its not the only way that we can communicate and create lasting friendships.

When I interact with my students each day, they remind me of this important fact. The children I teach approach me with such openness and desire to communicate. It’s beautiful and humbling to see how much effort they will put in to include me in their games of onigoko or dodgeball despite the language barrier we share. Every recess, I become a participant in their games, a member of their social circle, someone they can laugh with, someone they can share in the same experience with.

Photo by mascoccoさん

As an ALT in Japan, I believe your perception of communication and friendship will change tremendously. You will experience life in a way you have never experienced it before. You will witness the profound beauty in discovering how similar we as human beings truly are.

For those of you who have yet to come to Japan, I’d like to encourage you to continue your pursuit of living and working abroad in Japan! If you have the passion to come in Japan, I can say with confidence that this experience truly will be once in a lifetime.

You will find yourself learning new perspectives about life, about communication and friendship, and about yourself. You will face difficulties at time, but these obstacles will provide you with an inner strength and confidence that will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Ready to begin your ALT adventure? Apply now for an April 2023 start if you’re in Japan, or later in 2023/early 2024 if you’re overseas!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: croissant.さん on PhotoAC

1 サヤキさん on PhotoAC

2 sawadyさん on PhotoAC

3 mascoccoさん on PhotoAC