A gamble depending on where you end up - Assistant Language Teacher - ALT JET Program Employee Review

2.0
May 21, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

+ Great opportunity to travel. + Fast track into Japan. + Best salary out of all ALT jobs

Cons

Where you end up decides absolutely everything. Once you're in your host city, JET leaves you in the care of either a Board of Education (BoE) or with a contracting private school. My situation had a very inexperienced BoE that took on way too many JET applicants and didn't know how to deal with all these foreigners. The JETs themselves were mostly fresh out of university and quickly started bullying one another as if they were back in high school. In addition, the JETs were considered subordinate to local ALT's that were hired 5+ years ago, who then began to have a management power trip over us despite having little to no training or experience as managers. A *lot* of problems came from one of those particular people, including sexist comments and workplace discrimination and harassment, yet our city's BoE did nothing.

Explore other reviews about JET Program

5.0
Sep 15, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great entry point into Japan Positively affect lives of students Sharpen communication skills

Cons

No real growth within company aside from CIR role

4.0
May 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

JETs have support from CLAIR , their Board of Education, and local AJET chapters. CLAIR provides training, orientations, and even funding for teaching certifications.

Cons

Some ALTs co-teach actively and feel valued; others get stuck reading from a script. Your school, co-workers, and Board of Education make a big difference.

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