JET Program Reviews

There is not much standardization in the program. ALTs are generally expected not to make waves and are not given much support. There is no advancement and even after years of working in the role the ALT is still seen as the lowest in the hierarchy. Despite the contract stipulations many ALTs are forced to work a lot overtime without compensation. Despite the program being advertized as a cultural exchange program many schools do not really care about this and do not know what to do with the ALT. Schools can use ALTs any way they like which can mean anything from having the ALT solo teach 6 classes a day with no planning period to the ALT sitting at a desk all day. Many ALTs wind up desk warming and wasting time instead of being included in something productive. The workplace system is extremely hierarchical and since the ALT is the lowest it is generally looked down upon if the ALT takes initiative during desk warming time. Many JTEs do not want to work with ALTs or are envious of the ALT contract. Your experience depends almost entirely on your JTEs and how they view the ALT role.

Depending on your situation, it can be really hard to build relationships with co-workers and local people. "Every situation is different", so you can't plan for many things ahead of time. Communication can be an issue.