Being an ALT can be a solid way of getting to Japan but there are so many factors that can really impact your experience. I’m thinking of: the program that hires you to become an ALT, your placement in Japan, your school(s) and how you fare as a teacher.
I’ll talk about these things, how my experience has been and ‘non-native’ speakers that I work with!
In terms of programs, I’m talking about JET, Interac, NOVA, etc. Generally speaking JET program is the preferred route. They cover airfare, pay higher wages and provide overall better support (from what I read online compared to the others).
I’m biased for sure because I’m with the JET program. I’ve had support for getting my life started here, translation during medical visits and outside of class training. My rent is subsidized so I get a decent amount of my paycheck after deductions.
I do have a friend though, who was just fine on Interac and now lives in Tokyo.
Second is where you end getting placed in Japan. I think all routes to becoming an ALT don’t give much control over your placement. I really wanted to be in or near Tokyo but got placed in the countryside. It’s still a decently sized city and I actually prefer it now over Tokyo.
Third thing that can affect your experience is the school you get placed at. I love the kids that I work with at my school–but sometimes it’s rough having a full schedule and dealing with their behavior. Other ALT’s I have met have similar, slightly better or REALLY good schools compared to mine.
Last is whether or not you can hang with teaching in a foreign country, Japan specifically. It’s fun in the beginning because there’s so much newness, everyone treats you like a celebrity and it feels like being in an anime.
Soon after though, reality sets in. Japanese work culture can be difficult to understand for foreigners. Communicating with Japanese teachers can leave you like, “huh?”. Teaching English in a way that’ll actually benefit the students in the long run is a whole other thing in itself.
Then there’s the fact that you’re a foreigner in this culture.
I’ve hinted at some of the challenges I’ve encountered but I’ve had some of the most fulfilling and happiest moments on this program. It’s the first time in a while that I’ve had my own space. Despite some of the bumps, I love being in Japan and immersed in the culture. I don’t regret this decision at all and have hopes to be here long term.
As for ‘non-native’ English speakers, there’s a good amount! The ones I work with are from Jamaica and the Philippines (edit: both actually list English as one of or their only official language. To me, this means they could be native speakers. I’ve always though ‘native speakers’ was reserved from folks originating from Western countries. Apologies). I’d say they actually teach (their countries are more competitive for JET program) and know English grammar better than us ‘native’ speakers. For instance, I’ll know what sounds right in America but knowing what a grammar structure is called and why things are said a certain way will take me a second.
Hope this covers things!
