Job Discussion Forums

[flyer]

[jazznfox]

[Glenski]

Alternatives to JET Programme:

Well, let's see how we can define such alternatives.

If it's being an ALT, there is really only a couple of alternatives: Dispatch agency ALT, or direct hire ALT/AET. That covers the type of responsibilities, which are equivalent to a JET ALT. Nothing more. You will likely still have to visit more than one school.

If you are talking about salary, neither of them really pays the same as JET, I think. Any current ALTs from dispatch or direct hire have information to the contrary? Personally, I think JET will pay higher. If you look at non-ALT positions, most offer 250,000-270,000 yen/month (often less nowadays), so there's something to consider, too. There are some that pay similarly to JET, but they aren't all that common. I mention these types of things only because you said you don't want to have a job where you assist or are treated like a lower class teacher.

Dispatch agencies try to get out of shakai hoken. I don't think BOEs or JET will. So, there's another "equivalency" issue.

If you are outside Japan, JET is nice because it pays for your airfare. Most of the time, dispatch and direct hire jobs don't.

[Ikki]

Personally, there are few non-JET contracts(at least the ones that are advertised)I would accept. As long as Westerners keep accepting the ones on offer, employers will keep maintaining offers that feature low salaries and non-existent benefits.

Dispatch companies have become so notorious that working for a big eikaiwa seems a more desirable alternative(though not by much). During my heyday in Japan(a decade ago), non-JET ALT direct hire jobs were relatively common. The ones who held such jobs seemed generally content with their lot. I was under the impression, though, that direct hires have since gone the way of the do-do bird...sad to say.

[G Cthulhu]

[kita]

If you want to go the ALT route then JET or direct hire is the only way to go. Direct hire positions are more for people already living in a certain area though. My own BOE recently went from JET to dispatch to direct hire in the course of 2 years. Dispatch ALTs had the worst gig by far. Less pay, no health insurance, less of a connection with their schools and community, and little to no support from the dispatch. JETs had it the best. Apartment subsidy, health insurance, paid flight, good salary, more vacation days, no paying various taxes, dedicated helpers at school, and regularly asked to participate in various community events held by city hall. Direct hires have it good as well, just with fewer perks than JET. No housing subsidy, paid flight, or extra vacation and the hourly pay is better, but the hours worked are shorter.

I do see more and more direct hire positions opening up in my area. My own BOE is quite happy with the direct hire setup they currently have and are spreading the word. Private hires are cheaper for the BOE than JET and less trouble than dealing with a dispatch. Oddly enough, the BOE would never have thought to go the private hire route on their own. It was several out-going JETs, now direct hires, who facilitated the change.

[Ikki]

What kita said: yep.

But getting on JET is tougher than ever before(except, perhaps, during its initial few years). The participant tally has slowly but surely dwindled over the last decade or so and...it might not be around in a decade or so.