Job Discussion Forums

[kozo]

Other than the JET program, does anyone know of any companies or programs that mainly offer ALT positions? Thank you.

KoZo

[kimbo]

Hi, yes there are.

Rather than me writing a response, it may be more beneficial for you to read the FAQ section and then to have a read through the job journal section.

[kozo]

Yep, did that already. Which is why I'm asking in here now. I didn't find anything titled, "List of companies that specialize in ALT" or otherwise. There's mention of Altia but unless if there's a thread that specifically tells about all of the various smaller companies that deal mostly with ALT's, then I didn't see it. But maybe I overlooked it before I posted here. Sorry. I'm still looking though.

KoZo

[Glenski]

Have you tried/considered Interac?

http://www.interac.co.jp/recruit/

[kozo]

I've looked into Interac, but it appears I must live in Japan (with a valid working visa) or interview somewhere overseas. Nearest is Toronto, but not until mid October, a bit longer than I can wait.

Their website says in order to apply at a specific branch, you must currently reside in Japan. Do you know if they would even entertain an application from overseas...? say if I were to apply directly to the Hiroshima branch? I guess I should just do it and find out.

Anyhow, thanks for the post Glenski. Anyone know another?

KoZo

[guest of Japan]

I'm sorry, but the small companies don't generally hire from overseas. Your options seem to be limited to the JET program and Interac. The city you live in now may have a sister city arrangement with a city in Japan. If that is the case then you may be able to secure a job through that arrangement.

On a side note, do you speak any Japanese? If you have some ability then you may be able to function in a Japanese school through a small company. If you don't then you will definitely want the kind of support that a large program like JET can provide.

Working as an ALT isn't as easy as it may seem in print. Yes, there is great vacation time and you get daytime hours. But, you have to function in a traditional Japanese work environment. You are isolated. Your students generally have very little interest in studying English. You don't have the power to discipline misbehaving students. You team teach. This could mean that you do almost nothing in the classroom. If you do get the power to run your own class, as is the case with most private high schools, there is still another teacher in the room observing and judging you.

If you have never been to Japan before than I cannot recommend that jump into a small company ALT job. They provide very little in the way of support and services. They generally don't assist you with finding and securing housing, they don't often offer health care, they are not around to offer the day to day assistance that newcomers to Japan often need. The school or schools that you work in don't want to do this either (which is why they hire through a company rather than do it for themselves).

If you still have your heart set on an ALT position then you should be aware of the following things:

- The major hiring season is February and March for jobs beginning at the start of the school year in April.

- Experience in teaching Japanese students is expected.

- An MA is prettier than a BA, but teaching experience is the prettiest thing on a resume.

- The salary per month is equivelant to an Eikaiwa salary. You may or may not be paid for vacation time. If you have a relevant MA then you can expect a higher salary.

- They are not easy jobs to get. Due to the vacation time, daylight hours, and diversity of teaching duties they are sought after positions.

- If you haven't already been doing so then have a look at ohayosensei.com

This sight does a biweekly update of job postings and lists whether or not you have to already be in Japan.

Good luck.