Job Discussion Forums

becmaha · Joined: 10 Jun 2004 Posts: 14

I am interested in learning about the history of ALTs in Japan, and hearing statistics on how many of us are here, where we are from and all that. Anyone know where I can find that information from a credible source? Thanks!

King of Babylon · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 24 Location: Brisbane, Australia

I just came back from a JET information seminar in Brisbane, Australia. We all received a brochure about the program, with statistics on JET participants according to type of position (CIR, ALT or SEA), country of origin and year (1999 - 2003). Also, there are stats on the 2004-2004 participant numbers by host prefecture/designated city.

If there is anything in particular you would like to know, ask and I'll try and find it.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Current data on JET participants
http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/outline/statistics.html

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

buy Importing Diversity: Inside Japan's JET Program
by David L. McConnell

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0520216369/ref=sib_dp_pt/002-0228502-5961639#reader-link

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

I might add those ALTs refer only those ones on the JET program, you also get many more who are working as dispatch teachers (team-teaching with JTEs?) and those working in elementary schools, where JET doesnt have a presence. The actual number of ALTs would be much higher. ALTs in one form or another have been around since the mid-late 1980's when Nakason was Prime-Minister and the JET program took off in 1987.

becmaha · Joined: 10 Jun 2004 Posts: 14

Thanks for the suggestions. PaulH is right, I am looking for info on the total number of ALTs in Japan, but total number of JET participants is a good start. There seem to be a lot of private companies or sister programs that hire ALTs too.

I am asking just out of curiosity, so any interesting history or statistics anyone has to offer will be welcomed. I just got to Japan two months ago, and I guess I am a bit surprised at the lack of responsibility I have. That made me wonder if schools choose to have ALTs, or if there is some sort of mandate either by the national government or by individual cities to utilize ALTs. Sometimes it seems like there is a bit of a communication gap between whoever decides that an ALT would be useful, and the teachers who actually have the chance to make us useful. I've also wondered recently if there is any chance that English ALTs could be some 15-year-fad that could be replaced by, say, Chinese ALTs in the future...

As for the statistics, again I am just curious. I thought there may be some official breakdown of all the ALTs in Japan, but maybe researching each individual company is the only way to do it. Thanks for the info anyway.

Dr.J · Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 304 Location: usually Japan

I think that local governments can decide whether they want an ALT or not. Most of them want one because they think their school needs one, but there is a certain element of pride/prestige as well.

As far as lack of responsibility goes...I never got the impression that I was being forced on the school, just that they had no idea what to do with me. Kind of like getting a grand piano when you are tone deaf.

Well, it's not THAT bad.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 7:42 am Post subject:

ALTs have been employed in Japan since the mid 1960's, at the latest. Iwate ken has had ALTs since 1964, for example. Given how conservative Iwate is compared to the rest of Japan it seems a fair bet that ALTs have been floating about in various names and actual roles for quite a bit longer than that.