JET Program Alternatives
There are many alternatives, such as private teaching companies like Interac Network and ALTIA Central for those who could not make it on the JET Programme but still want to go to Japan this year!
Remember, if you didn’t make the 2024 interview for the JET Program, it is not the only way to teach and live in abroad Japan.
Alternative companies usually offer an easier application process with location preference. Don’t give up if you can’t make it on JET! Check out my story from Dispatch Company to JET.
Dispatch ALTs
Dispatch ALTs are the rage now all over Japan because they don’t require much effort to hire and bring teachers to Japan. It also is more affordable for some BOEs, but that is questionable because dispatch companies take a large cut of the money given by BOEs. Dispatch companies are the “middlemen” who are given money to hire, train, and help house ALTs, so they can work for public schools.
Many schools in Japan contract dispatch ALTs because they cannot be bothered to deal with the paperwork or pay for JETS. It also makes ALTs more dispensable (sorry for the rude awakening, but it’s best to be clear about what dispatch companies are now, so you don’t misunderstand what you are getting yourself into later).
Companies like Interac, Borderlink, Altia Central, etc. will sponsor work visas for native English speakers to come to Japan and work.
The person is directly hired by the dispatch company and not by the school or BOE. Instead, the company assigns the ALT to school(s) to attend. When something with the ALT, the school notifies the company, and they handle the situation with the ALT.
FYI: Dispatch companies act as the middle-man between Schools and the BOE
I worked at a pretty “hardcore” school in Osaka. I won’t name it, but I had a very interesting experience, to say the least. If you have ever watched GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka, it was much like that but in junior high school. I don’t regret working there, but it was intense and stressful at times. Not all schools in Japan turn out like this.
Cons as a Dispatch ALT
- No contract minimum, ie. JET pretty much guarantees 2 years.
- Upfront moving cost – you pay for your flight to and from Japan and you inherit no apartment.
- Controlled by the company – whatever they say, goes.
- Less pay and more co-pay for benefits – you’ll pay more in insurance premiums because they do not want to foot part of the bill as the government says.
- Relocation, no guaranteed max of 5 years in one location – JETs, usually, never leave their placement. They can stay a maximum of 5 years unless they request a transfer and it goes through (this is rare).
Pros as a Dispatch ALT
- Easier application process – less paperwork! It only takes a few hours to complete, not months.
- A faster way to Japan – companies like to hire all year round!
- Flexibility on location – unlikely to be placed in the “sticks.”
- No 5-year maximum contract length – you could stay forever with companies like Interac and ALTIA.
- Relocate every year – companies like Interac will allow you to change locations at the end of your contract!
Eikaiwa Teachers
Conversation School Teachers or “Eikaiwa Teachers” are native English speakers who are hired directly by private teaching companies.
Companies like AEON, Gaba, NOVA, ECC, etc. will sponsor work (different than an ALT visa) for native English speakers.
Unlike ALTs, Eikaiwa teachers work in an office/classroom environment teaching English to anyone who pays for private lessons. Customers range from kids ~ adults in any age range. Lessons are held on weekends and when children are out of school. An Eikaiwa teacher’s goal is to make satisfied customers who return for more lessons.
Pros for Eikaiwa Teaching
- No school life – you won’t have a 9-5 schedule or worry about large classes.
- Clients interested in learning English – genuinely your learners are interested in
English because they want to become fluent. - Only one work location – no going to different schools but not always the case.
- Flexible location – big cities 90% of the time.
- All-year-round hiring – they hire 24-7 because they aren’t on a schedule.
- No contract minimum – like a private ALT, you can work Eikaiwa forever.
Cons for Eikaiwa Teaching
- Business attire – you might need to wear a suit every day.
- Office work – small building and cramped space.
- Strict rules for teaching – you follow their English style unless it’s a free-for-all all.
- Quotas to meet – you probably have to upsell lessons, so you get more kids.
- No weekends or holidays – you’ll have free time during the day and week but not weekends!
TL;DR
There is no right or wrong choice between Dispatch or Eikaiwa.
It’s all personal preference: small group/individual vs large classroom teaching vs free time.
I’ve taught in all settings: the JET Programme, Dispatch, and Eikaiwai. JET was my favorite hands down, but I did enjoy the large city setting with my Dispatch and the flexibility of not having to be at a school all day with Eikaiwai and a high level of English speaking ability from students. Being through all the different “grinds” has given me some invaluable experiences, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.
Since ESID, these two methods for coming to Japan can still lead to many great overseas experiences. Both take away from the long time frame required for JET, but there is the chance for less security. The best thing is you can always change jobs after your contract or by breaking the contract if things are utterly going downhill. There is no shame here for you doing. Your sanity comes first!