Teaching in Japan

classroom are not that big and the kids are very well behaved compared to england - in fact they usually greet you with a boy and happy face every time they see you... at Elementary and Junior High School you do need a bit more energy because they are children, they will want to play etc - also activities are usually more energetic and sometimes involves singing and dancing. 

i think what you mean is projecting rather than bellowing - bellowing will scare most people... just being able to speak in a loud clear voice is ok

and yes, you will have to cut your hair short - this is a job and with it comes company image - any business job you have to have short hair - ive known people not get jobs because theyve refused to cut their hair - the same with no tattoos or piercings (girls can wear earing but not advised - boys cannot...necklaces are advised against...watches are ok...rings, except a wedding ring, are not allowed)

As mentioned - ALT is more of an assistant, although some jobs you are expected to teach alone. In Japan teaching is easy, and with technology you are always in touch with other ALTs via facebook etc. If ever you need some ideas or help, you can ask other ALTs...there are plenty of training sessions throughout the year so you can network - and with interac most branches dont mind you asking for some advice.
When you first come to Japan you have induction training with nearly all companies - certainly with interac it is a week and includes orientation - they help you with your introduction lessons, go over planning, go over textbooks, help you get set up etc.

classes are gennerally 40 students - sometimes smaller

salaries vary from company to company - some companies can pay very little - interac have a base salary of 230,000 with bonuses added on top... other have a set amount and may add a bonus at the end of the contract...

you have to pay tax - usually between 5-10%...you have to have national insurance... and you pay city tax (which goes up in the second year) - however, compared to UK tax or American tax (+health care) Japan works out cheaper

Thanks everyone! That's a lot clearer.

Ok, now I would like to ask some other questions please:

- Being an ALT sounds a great way to start for a beginner but how fast do you learn? Are all new teachers employed as ALTs across Japan? What about learning and becoming a teacher yourself?

- How big are the classes?

- What salaries do you get btw, and are they tax free?

- Will I have to bellow like British actor Brian Blessed, when I'm a teacher? (This is worrying me a little!) I have been practicing speaking clearly but I haven't got on to bellowing yet.

- Finally, will I have to have a short hair cut? I have a short ponytail at the moment which I'm very fond of!

Dan

Most people work for dispatch - interac is the leading company and the biggest and pays the most... they dont have an age limit and i know many teachers in their 30's and 40's.

Most teachers do not have previous teaching experience, many dont even have TEFL (so this is a bonus) - when you say you were a carer if you mean similiar to a health carer then the skills here will apply (after all you have to 'care' for the kids and help them)

Remember - in Japan you are an ALT - ASSISTANT Language Teacher. For most jobs you share the class time with the japanese teacher - normally you do activities (singing, dancing, games etc), in school we use textbooks, for interac they have worksheets you can use as well as flash cards - schools provide the textbooks etc.

Employment history could be a slight problem BUT if you use your skills as a carer (which you will have many that cross over) show that you are adaptable, ready for a change, ready for a new challenge - then you will be ok.

Being flexible where you live and what age you teach will also help too - dont expect a big city etc

Hello from Japan - I've been teaching here for over 2 years, so hopefully I can shed some light.

First, in Japan there are a variety of different kinds of teaching jobs - (some will not be open to you). These are:

Dispatch companies (Interac, Aeon etc) - you are employed through them, they create the contracts with the schools, you then go teach at the schools - contracts are a year (April to March - if you start in August, contract is only till march) but renewable, they offer loans (to cover set up costs), provide Japanese helpers (for setting up, doctor etc), you teach in government schools (usually elementary or junior high school with some special needs or high schools)

Language schools - These are private companies. Some advertise online others you have to apply within the country. Most require previous experience in teaching and living in japan - usually they dont offer support for setting up, doctors etc.

Direct hire - this means you are employed directly by the Board of Education (they govern the schools) - usually though you need experience, to live in japan etc

International school - this is just like a school back home - you will need a university teaching degree for the correct level (elementary and junior high school / high school level)... these are very hard to get into.

Hi Dan,

I'm not too sure as I've not heard much in regards to employment history. However, I get the impression that gaps in your employment past might not be as big a deal as it is at home. It does depend on where you apply. If you try and get a job before moving out there (Interac, Aeon, ECC etc) then they may ask, but at least you can freely explain in English. I think if you are interviewed in Japan then they may care more about your qualification and experience. I would call it more 'learning as you go' rather than on the job training. You will need to take a fairly pro-active approach to improving on your skills rather than hoping the school will take time to train you. Their main goal will be on student satisfaction and money.

There is a small degree of ageism, but I would hardly call 34 old. Also, it should be fairly easy to extend a contract as long as the school is happy with your work.

Good luck!

Craig