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Originally Posted by Xlll
How do you exactly become an ALT, is there some type of program you join with everyone else, or do you just get hired on the spot by a current employer that gives you this title, and when you become an ALT are you also in the "JET Progamme"? It just seems being an ALT is like a field trip to Japan and teaching English, and I don't quite get it, so please explain.
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ALT means Assistant Language Teacher. ALT generally refers to someone in the JET Programme, but really, its a pretty generic title that would probably apply to workers of the many other English teacher employers in Japan. You apply to the JET Programme as an ALT, and they place you in a location in Japan to teach at. They let you pick a 'preferred' location, but most people don't end up where they picked. Most ALTs work at two or three schools at a time (but there are some who work at many more). The initial contract duration is one year, but it can be renewed up to two more times (I believe this limit is being raised, however). Most ALTs do end up renewing their contract.
How much work you do as an ALT is a gamble. Some ALTs just end up going to a classroom or two a day and assist the English teacher by reading English for the class (see 'human tape player'). Other ALTs get more responsibility, they may get to do actual teaching and so on. Many ALTs complain that the work is not very challenging. That said, the majority of ALTs all say they enjoy their job, and like I said, most do opt to renew their contract after their first year.
Many people use the JET Programme to get a foothold in Japan. It's one of the easiest ways to start getting work experience in Japan.