If you’re considering becoming an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan, you’ll quickly encounter two main paths: the JET Program and private ALT dispatch companies.
Both routes place ALTs in Japanese public schools, doing the same day-to-day work. However, the experience of working as an ALT can differ significantly depending on who employs you and how the system is structured.
Understanding those structural differences makes it much easier to decide which option makes sense for you.
The Two Main Paths to Becoming an ALT
Most ALTs working in Japan’s public school system are hired through one of two routes:
- The JET Program, a government-sponsored initiative to place ALTs with local Boards of Education
- Private ALT dispatch companies, which also contract with Boards of Education to place ALTs
In both cases, ALTs teach in public elementary, junior high, or high schools and support English education and cultural exchange. What differs is the employment relationship, and that difference shapes pay, support, placement, and oversight.
What Is the JET Programme?
The JET Program (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program) is the official Japanese government program for bringing foreign educators to Japanese public schools.
JET recruits and interviews candidates on behalf of local Boards of Education (BoEs). If you are accepted as a JET, you will not be working for JET itself, you will be employed by the BoE of the city or town where you are placed.
Because the program is government-funded, JET positions typically offer:
- Higher salaries than private dispatch roles
- Greater job stability
- Often stronger benefits, such as housing or travel subsidies
- Access to a strong alumni network
This government backing is what makes JET the most attractive ALT option for many applicants.
Why JET Is So Competitive
JET positions are limited, and the program attracts a large pool of qualified applicants every year.
While experience and qualifications matter, JET hiring is not purely merit-based. Local Boards of Education submit specific requests based on their needs, and those requests can vary widely from year to year.
As a result:
- Strong candidates are sometimes rejected
- Less experienced candidates are sometimes selected
- Outcomes can feel unpredictable
This doesn’t mean the process is unfair. It simply reflects the fact that JET is matching people to specific communities with specific expectations. Luck plays a role, so rejection does not mean you are unsuited for ALT work.
What Are Dispatch Companies?
Private ALT dispatch companies contract with Boards of Education to supply ALTs. Instead of hiring and managing ALTs directly, many BoEs outsource that responsibility to private companies. Today, the majority of ALTs in Japan work through dispatch companies, not JET.
Dispatch ALTs perform the same classroom duties as JETs, but they are employed by a company rather than the BoE.
How Dispatch Companies Operate
Dispatch companies function as service providers, with schools as their clients. Their business model requires balancing two priorities:
- Keeping schools satisfied
- Retaining enough ALTs to meet contractual obligations
Because they are not government-subsidized, dispatch companies generally offer:
- Lower salaries than JET
- Fewer guaranteed benefits
However, many dispatch companies also invest in:
- Stronger standardized training
- Stronger onboarding support
- More options for transfer to other areas
Quality varies widely between companies, but reputable dispatch companies are able to provide a more consistent level of support. JETs are more at the mercy of the luck of draw when it comes to local BoEs and what support they are willing to offer.
Support and Oversight: JET vs Dispatch
One of the most practical differences between JET and dispatch lies in who supports you when problems arise.
JETs work directly for a BoE. Support quality depends heavily on the individuals in that office and their English ability.
Dispatch ALTs have an employer whose job includes handling HR issues, mediating disputes, and providing emergency support when needed.
Neither system guarantees a smooth experience. Some JETs receive excellent support; others are largely left to manage on their own. Some dispatch companies are highly professional; others are poorly run. And regardless of your BoE or company, who your direct supervisor is and how much they’re willing to help is going to be the biggest factor.
As with most aspects of ALT work, every situation is different.
Which Option Is “Better”?
JET is the better option for most people. It pays more and is considered more prestigious (despite the element of luck involved in selection).
Dispatch companies, however, are more accessible and predictable. Many successful ALTs begin their careers through dispatch and have positive experiences.
Neither path is inherently superior in all cases. They serve different roles within the same system, and both exist because of how public education is structured in Japan.
A Third Path: Direct Board of Education Hire
Some Boards of Education hire ALTs directly without using JET or dispatch companies. These roles typically:
- Require prior ALT experience
- Require strong Japanese language ability
- Offer higher pay but far less support
Direct hire positions generally do not accept overseas applicants and are better viewed as an option if you want to continue ALT work after a few years in JET or with a dispatch company.
What to Read Next
If you’re deciding how to apply, these articles may help:
Basic Requirements to Become an ALT – eligibility essentials
What Recruiters Are Looking For – how candidates are evaluated
Interview Prep Basics – what interviews actually assess
For a deeper discussion of application strategy and how to manage the risks of each path, those topics are covered in detail in So You Want to Be an ALT.
ALT Roadmap 