1 So you want to be an ALT?

A promised series of vlogs about life as an ALT in Japan. Any questions let me know and I'll try and answer them!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Japan
• ALT
• JET
• Interac
• teaching
• english
• vlog

[krayziesensei]

I was an ALT a few years ago and this is a GOOD video about some of the situations/frustrations you will likely face. I taught high school, but still a lot of what you said was true based on my experience as well.

[iamthemorningstar]

@krayziesensei Thanks I did try although I ended up giving up with the videos after getting some grief from my company due to content! Hope what I've done helps others though...

[karekora]

Hi I enjoyed your honesty in this video. I'm looking to apply to be an ALT for next year, however I'm worried when you say competition is getting tough. What kind of capabilities are they looking for do you think? I've got teaching experience in Japan, but maybe they would prefer someone completely 'fresh' that they can nurture?

[iamthemorningstar]

Thanks for the comment. To be honest I'm not 100% sure what their looking for. I was surprised I got in 'cos I have no teaching experience and had never been to Japan. I know with Interac a big focus is on 'Genki-ness' about looking happy etc. I say go for it, you never can tell what people are looking for! Good Luck!

[runeblade48]

What kind of ALT programs are out there other than JET? I have seen Interac and Teach Away. How is the housing situation? I have heard horror stories. I know they are small, but as long as they are decently clean and livable that would be fine.

[iamthemorningstar]

hmmm this is a tricky one. As you say every situation is different. I was lucky and got a new apartment but I had no furniture and the rent is a bit much. I have a friend who has rent a third! the size of mine but her apartments tiny and she has a squatty! Size can vary a lot, I have one of the biggest in the prefecture and sometimes I feel like it's a shoebox. My friend who lives near Osaka has a shoebox! but it's clean and there's enough space for the essentials, just not for wild frat parties

[TkyoSam]

Good vid :D I used to be an ALT in Chiba. Instead of making my own lessons, I used all the past ALT's and/or online shizzle. Then I spent the afternoons learning Japanese. Great starter job in Japan and gives ya time to study Japanese.

Good vid, diggin the Scottish accent ;) I don't hate the ENglish!  THEY'RE JUST WANKERS ,lol

[rokkowoods]

The Jet programme is competitive(understandably) with the superior work conditions. If your a native speaker of English and you want to be an ALT for a dispatch company it is not competitive particularly if you are experienced. In fact they prefer experienced ALTs.

[rokkowoods]

Just curious what problems did you have with Interac Yokohama? I worked with Interac Hiroshima and had no major problems. Every place is differerent I guess.

[rokkowoods]

Hi I enjoyed that, I am an ALT now ES but did do JHS for 1 year. What you said was true and this is an excellent video for newcomers. Your spot on about the English ability of JTEs in Japan. Some are not proficient in speaking but are qualified to teach it. The JHS ALT job is not clearly defined too. Each JTE may have different expectations. I much prefer being an ES ALT as the job is more clearly defined however there are still issues with ES english education too.

[takky9298]

I worked for Interac Yokohama for 9 months and all I can say is avoid them like the plague.