Job Discussion Forums

cheryl · Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 119 Location: Japan

i've heard of some JET's being Ken ALT's instead of city ALT's. What's the major difference? Do Ken ALT's simply have more schools? Do they have better "perks"? I'm going to another information session and will definitely ask my JET coordinator, but i'd prefer getting the scoop from those of you residing in Japan.

I welcome any information!

Cheryl

homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

cheryl · Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 119 Location: Japan

thanks for your response Homer!

ne01 · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 23

i'm working as an alt in a town and it's much better than working in a big city. i never see the head office or hear from them. if you live near the office you have to visit them regularly and "check in". my school life in good and i'm basically my own boss. but the downside with a small town is the language. but that's ok, it makes you learn it faster.

Celeste · Posted: Fri May 30, 2003 2:17 am Post subject:

Most JET ALTs are based in the kens, or prefectures. I know some ken ALTs who live within the city limits. Many ken ALTs are based in one small town, often at one school. I am a city JET ALT, and I teach at many schools all over the city. My office pays for my transportation costs. For the prefectural ALTs who are required to travel to different schools, often a car is provided for them to use. I even know of some boards of education who will only take JET ALTs who have a driver's license because they will have to drive to many distant schools.

There are no "norms" in the JET programme. Each contracting organization (board of education) interprets the ALT job differently. They are always telling us that every situation is different. I was recently at the recontracting conference in Kobe, and from talking to the other JET ALTs, I could really see that there is a huge range of job descriptions out there, depending on who your supervisor happens to be.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2003 6:58 am Post subject:

That, Celeste, was one of the most confused and badly worded posts about JET I've ever seen. :?

Seriously, OP, if you want to figure it out or have it explained clearly, go over to bigdaikon.com and ask there. don't waste your time asking about JET here.

Celeste · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2003 9:50 am Post subject:

Sorry, I have been dealing with a lot of mombusho documents - their circular way of speaking is rubbing off on me.

To summarize every ken and city uses it's JET ALTs differently and offers different perks. (Isn't that clear and helpful? Shocked

)

cheryl · Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 119 Location: Japan

OP? is that in reference to me? *holding my hand out like a balance scale* OP....Cheryl...OP....Cheryl...i don't get it...

anyhow, i don't think it's a waste of time asking in these forums, even if ppl post circular msgs, i can still take away from them what i need..and leave what i don't Smile

Celest, i understand that every JET's experience is different, my question was about what the difference is or might be, generally speaking. There must be one commonality between the duties of a Ken ALT and a City ALT. I actually think you answered me too. Ken ALT's TEND to work in a lesser number of schools.

Thanks everyone for trying to answer my question. I posted this msg before i got my package from Saga (just received it this week) so i'm no longer in the dark.

Cheryl