Job Discussion Forums

[brianhh]

I'm interested in becoming an ALT, but I don't know the difference between the numerous placement companies. Has enough one got experiences with working for Westgate, Interac, RCS, Altavista and the myriad of other firms that place ALTs in Japanese schools? How about someone who got work through the government? Decision time is nigh, so anyone with insight would be welcomed...

[campestre]

get the job with the board or govt less hassles.

[Nagoyaguy]

It is pretty difficult to get hired directly by schools or boards of education, especially if you dont live here. A couple of cities hire directly- Kurashiki in Okayama prefecture does, and so does Okinawa I think.

Most of them prefer to use the dispatch companies. It costs more , but to the government the cost is not so important. If they use a dispatch company, it gives them security in case the teacher doesnt work out/ does their job poorly/ does a runner/ runs raving through the school wearing pink underwear and throwing their feces at the staff.

Around Nagoya, Altia has a good reputation. They pay on time, leave the teachers alone for the most part, and even give you a company car to drive. Most of their jobs are in the Aichi area, though. A few in Shizuoka or Okayama I think. The others, I dont know. I have seen lots of jobs for very poor wages and conditions, ie being paid by the day only, no pay in summer holidays, that kind of thing.

[homersimpson]

If anyone wants to know about ALT jobs in Okinawa, PM me.