I'd just like to mention that in addition to all the wonderful benefits this site provides, it has also allowed me to secure a full-time job working as an ALT in Susono, Japan.

It was after reading a post by Mr. Andy C. (aka. Synewave) where he mentioned that the company he worked for were looking for staff. I contacted Andy and he very kindly helped me get in touch with the right people. A month (or so) later I was gainfully employed!

So I'd just like to say a big thankyou to Andy for helping me out with the job & Fabrice for creating the forum (and the site) without which, none of this could have happened.

どうもありがとうございます！

おめでとー

What is ALT? Congratulations.

Assistant Language Teacher

Basically means I assist a Japanese English Teacher.

[ファブリス]

Congratulations Christoph!

I assume you are a native english speaker? Did you reside previously in Japan?

All the best with your new job!

Cheers Fabrice,

yes, native English speaker.

I was actually already living just 30mins (by car) away from where the job is located, although I am moving to Susono itself this coming weekend, as they provide a furnished apartment with the job as well.

You hit the jackpot. Good luck.

Congratulations.

I'm working for a Japanese company in Australia. They tend to favour people learning a bit of Japanese culture and language as it helps mutual understanding.

Anyway, good luck and let us know how you get on.

Raichu-
What kind of work do you do? (no worries if you'd rather not post personal info on the net)Ill be leaving Japan soon and my wife loves Australia. Id love to use my Japanese, or maybe a better way to word it, Japanese is really the only "specialist skill" I have so I need to use it. I know Australia puts out a bunch of Japanese speakers (I work with a few of them, actually) so maybe there is no room for Americans in the market, but I don't know. Any advice?

I'm a software engineer. I mostly do low-level computer graphics software.

As for the demand for Japanese/English speakers in Australia, I really don't know. We had a guy here that was so good, but unfortunately he left, but we haven't tried to replace him, probably as we already have a couple of good English-speaking Japanese people who help with translating and such.

If you're interested in employment opportunities, try searching job sites:
http://jobs.careerone.com.au/
http://mycareer.com.au/
http://www.seek.com.au/
http://www.jobsinoz.com.au/

I had a quick search and there are many places but some do need additional skills. Anyway it's worth a look.

Raichu-
Thanks- I appreciate your help. Ill take a look at the pages- if it leads to employment Ill buy you a beer and/or your favorite beverage of intoxication in Australia.

How does an ALT work? Do you have to plan with your teacher or do you just show up? What is your time commitment going to be? I'm thinking of moving to Japan with my wife so I am interested.

taijuando Wrote:How does an ALT work? Do you have to plan with your teacher or do you just show up? What is your time commitment going to be? I'm thinking of moving to Japan with my wife so I am interested.

The best answer is on the JET homepage. It is not the ONLY explanation, some ALTS are not JETS, and vice versa, but it is a good place to start.

http://www.jetprogramme.org/