Job Discussion Forums

[JMcinlay]

Hi there,

I've had a look through the stickies and used the search function, but some of the stuff I would like to know isn't really covered.
I would just like to ask a few questions about ALT work. I know a fair bit about eikaiwa conditions so I would like to get my information from making comparisons between the two.

Generally, if you work at an Eikaiwa you don't *need* to know Japanese and you can cope fine. Is it basically the same when working as an ALT? I can't imagine it would be easy without some nihongo skills. I know some basic Japanese, but it is rusty - would I struggle? And am I right in assuming that it is not such a taboo to speak in Japanese with the students from time to time - even during classes - as opposed to working at an eikaiwa?

Eikaiwas generally give some sort of training and provide you with materials and a teaching plan etc. This is very good for someone who has never taught before (ie. me). From what I understand ALT dispatch companies don't provide any of that. Is this correct? I've read on this forum, and others, that your level of participation in classes will vary from class to class, but...Do you pretty much show up at a school with your own pre-planned lesson and run with that? Or does the Japanese staff member/teacher already have the lesson planned out and you just follow their instructions?

Do dispatch companies generally offer much assistance in the way of setting up bank accounts, organising utilities at your apartment etc - the little clerical things that the larger eikaiwas would help you out with.

What are the major differences I should look for between the larger dispatch companies, like Interac, and smaller ones like MIL and Fifth Wings?
I did a search for Fifth Wings but not much came up - which I suppose is both a good and a bad thing. There's nothing negative, but anything that is written is very vague. Has anyone had any contact with this company? Any information at all?

That's it for now, though I'm sure I'll have more questions as time goes on.

Thank you very much for your time.

Edit: Sorry, I'd just like to add a quote by superstevieg from one of his threads that really applies to me. "I'm not desperate for money and it's not really my intention to teach as a long-term career, so I'm going for the experience, learn new skills, as opposed to making money and embarking upon a career change."

[Glenski]

[Glenski]