I've heard the sentiment of "go, do your job, leave on time" from previous JETs as well. They say it's good to set the boundary early because you don't want to get burnt out, you don't get paid overtime and it really doesn't impress the other teachers (you're still the foreigner lol). Plus, they said if you go there "doing the most" it actually might leave an expectation for incoming ALTs to follow that they possibly cannot/would not want to maintain, making them look "lazy".
My husband worked in a Japanese govt office. He told me that the boss actually WANTS workers to leave on time because the boss is always the last to leave. The longer you stick around, the longer he has to.
I'm a 2020 JET who JUST got to Japan :') Thankfully I already have some idea of what I'm getting myself into from my past experience teaching abroad, but you did a great job of laying out the challenges people often overlook.
I love how real you were in this video and it just goes to show how everything isn't always sunshine and rainbows and there are downsides to everything.
My first major was Japanese studies. My first career path was teaching English in Japan. I know that's a very weird career path. I love teaching in Japan. I taught there for 6 years over 20 years. I wish I didn't leave. But I decided to go into physics. I was a lot happier being an English teacher in Japan. But you are right teaching in Japan is not for everyone. You are right about it not being a forever job but it's a good starting point. You should work hard on your Japanese and look at all possible avenues. I was going to stay and open up my own school but I had to make a decision on what I wanted to do with my life at that point. Being an ALT in jet or in a private company does not pay much. It's even worse because Japan became saturated with people who did not know what they wanted to do in life so they just decided to teach in japan. They thought oh Japan is cool. I like anime and sushi. I speak English so teaching English must be easy.
In Vietnam you are the one in charge of the class. You are given an assistant some times to help you with language, photocopying etc. You cannot teach in schools, but you teach in "English Schools", usually private businesses. The pay is little, but it's adequate to live. You are respected, and cared about, and even honoured on Teacher's Day. The people, lovely.
I've taught in both vietnam and Japan. In both places I was making over $2000 a month. But when you factor in cost of living and other expenses, you actually get to keep more money in Vietnam. Overall I found Vietnam better than Japan for teaching and earnings. But Japan is a good experience if you are only doing it for 6 months to a year. Longer than that is counterproductive.
Thanks Tomi! Ima still go for it though ! I’ve been studying Japanese and I see myself passing the N5 in the future! Please keep up with the info videos and other videos (: I believe in you !
Tomi I got accepted for an interview thanks mostly to your help and tips. I love your videos and how realistic you are and how you mention all these important things that shouldn't be overlooked. Thank you so much.
This is so informative and helpful! I currently teach in Korea and I can say there wasn't too much of a support system with foreign teachers unless you have foreign teacher friends or Korean friends. However for the EPIK program for our offices of education we have a main coteacher but they just help us with moving banking etc. I applied to JET so I am definitely keeping this in mind!
Girl this is HILARIOUS! Your videos had got me thinking about the JET program in the next year or two, and now a couple of years later you come back with this?! 😭😭 but this is good information all of your points are what are very important to me when it comes to any job. So thank you for being honest, and saving me time and energy! 🙌🏾
🤦🏾♀️ I’m the person who came over and didn’t know jack shit and they made me teach whole classes ALONE. Was even asked to make an entire presentations course. At that time I have terrible stage fright. The trauma 😬
No, I don’t want to teach in Japan, but I just enjoy all the truthful info that you explain very clearly. Okay, you could probably talk about anything ……..doesn’t matter…..your videos are so good. I don’t care where you’ll go or do, I’ll be waiting for the next video …….Thank you for being you !
Teaching English in Japan is a way to travel and learn to speak Japanese for a year or two. I did it for a while. Teaching English as a Foreign Language doesn't have much career potential because as pointed out you're not a certified teacher. Also the pay is not very good anymore. Pay was relatively high in the 1990's because the Japanese economy and yen was so strong then. Japanese salaries haven't risen much in almost 30 years so you can't save much money to go back home. It's better to build up a career back home and find some internship or collaborative work that takes you to Japan for a project. Japan is a very modern country so they have many kinds of businesses to work with.
Thank you very much for this. I'm about ten years from retirement with my current job, and I've been kicking around the idea of killing that time by getting a degree in teaching and then retiring to Japan as an interpreter or English instructor. Always good to know the reality of the situation, so again, thank you.
I'm going back to Japan to teach in a couple months. I'm an experienced teacher and will be working in a university. My main concern (as an older person), honestly, is being able to cope with a full schedule--long days. Hope I don't get too run down!
Since graduating last July, I've been watching these Filipino ALTs who got to Japan through JET and none of them said anything negative, which for me doesn't sound right (they've got to be having a hard time too). I've read articles about how hard it is to get into JET but not anything like this. I'm the kind to list the pros and cons of doing things so when things go right, then I celebrate, and when things go wrong, the damage isn't too bad. Anyway, I was literally watching this another video about JET when I saw your video on the recommended and I'm blown away by how honest your points were. It wasn't a eureka moment to have finally found something realistic, but it was relieving to know that there's finally someone who was able to share important notes to consider before diving into anything JET-related or working as an ALT in Japan.
I was so nervous to watch your video this week, because I really DO want to teach English in Japan! Those are all super good points though! Thank you for the video.
very informational. I'm working on my bachelors degree in English to work for JET. Hoping to stay 5 years and to be able to find a good job afterwards. Hoping for the best and thanks for the video. It eased a bit of my concerns as well
Hi, KorSoupp, how long until you earn your Bachelor's degree? I'm a ways away yet. I plan to move to Japan in the next 5 years. What about you? Where are you at in your journey? I'm 35 years old. How old are you?
@@korsoupp6450 Now I wonder if you got an interview. You might even get a better job a year after JET! You don't have to stick with it for a whole five years. There are good jobs to be had, especially if you have an English degree.
@@korsoupp6450 Aw, do you know why you were denied? Wishing you luck if you try again someday. Congrats on getting your degree, that's a huge accomplishment!
I'm actually considering going the Eikawa route teaching in Japan but I'm not opposed to doing ALT work, so I'm really looking hard into the pros and cons of both to really round out my decision so thanks providing these sorts of video, Tomi!
great video tomi!! i love that you mentioned the work life balance because i think it's important to stand your ground when it comes to things like that- especially since ALT's don't get overtime.
Hi! I actually learned from my PA's just yesterday that ALTs can apply for overtime pay it's called like daikyu..... though you have to apply during the same month you do the overtime.
I got accepted into JET and videos like yours and like these are super helpful in tempering expectations! Too many people, I think, go to Japan starry eyed and with wrong expectations. I’m excited for Japan, but I’m prepared to set boundaries. I’m not staying too long lol I want to teach but I want work life balance and I have a lot of stuff I want to do there.
They're are no Labor Unions overseas which is not good. I've been teaching English at juku(Cram school) since April 2009. I started teaching at a private high school in April 2019. I still teach juku at afternoons and night. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, i teach Business English for the same Juku school program for Japanese adults working at the ship yard. Ive been here in Japan since May 96 as a former US Navy here in Sasebo, Japan in Nagasaki Préfecture. I never left.haha😊 That's how much i love it here. Even my parents been here 6 times since October 2003. As for payment, my Juku was paying me 1,000yen per class when I 1st started, now here in 2023, Im making 2,300 yen per class. For my Private high school i make 3,000yen per class plus 5,000 transportation allowance a month since i do have a car and it takes 45-50 mins to commute from home to school. My juku pays me 1,000 yen per day that i teach because Japan doesn't have allot of free parkings which i think it's silly. They let me make the lesson plans for my classes at the high school which It all good. Plus they tell me to teach however I want cause they're just following me. I get allot of love and support on both my Juku and my private high school. Even my students right me messages on their papers in English.❤It all depends on what you like to do and who your contacts are. Love this video. New subscriber here from Saga Prefecture, Japan 🗾🇯🇵 stay safe out there and happy teaching btw, we just got back Singapore at the end of August for school trip. We will return there in Mid March with other students.
I love your realness! I'm considering Japan as one of my options to venture to and teach in the near future. It's good to know the upsides and downsides. I appreciate your videos and I recently subscribed! 😊
Amazing video as always Tomi! Very helpful and definitely cracked me up 😂😂 I’m gonna be submitting my application for the April 2022 intake this Friday and I’m very ready to be asked ‘how they do it in America’…despite not being from the US 🤩
I saw a video that it's hard to get promoted from an ALT to a much higher position especially when you don't speak japanese or shift careers. So for me I think learning the language is a huge advantage esp for interacting with students and maybe get promoted where you can control you're class.
This is a very informative and honest appraisal of being a foreign English teacher in Japan. Also, I love your little "Donald Duck" voice to emphasize certain points. And lastly... I love the Jamaican English!!!
I’m hearing that you love control, and hate adapting to other personalities in a team. Not that there isn’t fairness to what you’re saying in general, but it still could be something notable.
Spot on! You do a great job of preparing folks. Still, a great adventure. One thing to remember is because you have no support you really have to leave on time because it will take you longer to do your daily tasks, being unfamiliar with how to pay your bills, your municipal tax, getting healthcare, etc.
I'm American, and I'm pretty sure we never colonized Jamaica as you say at 12:29 . Must be some kind of alternative history, lol. Perhaps you mean Jamaica was 'influenced' by the US?
This video has become informative and enlightening for me. For the next year, I have set a goal for myself to go to Japan to teach English. In my home country, I work in a school, but in recent years, I have been wanting to change my surroundings and explore my options. Thank you for the informative video!
Tomi this is a fantastic video, you are very objective whilst still giving your own personal experience and opinions - top notch (btw I love Jamaican patties)
Hi Tomi. All the backlash you receive from people are either: 1) ignorant, or 2) are choosing to ignore the truth and only see Japan through rose-colored glasses. Everything you say is true. I’m a white male from Canada 🇨🇦 teaching for over 10 years in Japan and I’ve experienced much exploitation, discrimination, racism, double standards, conflicts of interest, labour-law violations, etc. and even corruption, bribery and extortion here. Yes, there are some positive aspects of Japanese culture (the reasons I’ve stayed) but there also exists a dark side most people wish to not think or talk about. My main reason for wishing to leave Japan now is the endless, ongoing social isolation. I’ll be glad to finally escape and get out of this country.
@@tonyahrary1693 Hello Tony. First, to better understand, unlike in Canada or the USA where labour law favors employees, labour law in Japan protects and favors employers. The problem is, only very minimal benefits are required by law, so employers make darn sure to only provide the absolute minimum and no more. They have lawyers on payroll to ensure this and devise ways to avoid paying anything extra on a regular basis. Working conditions can often be severe. Plus there is minimal enforcement. Some examples: forced to work all National Holidays with no extra pay or compensation, forced to sometimes stay at the office 9 hours on a day off - even when the business is closed and there is no work to do - just to satisfy an hourly work requirement for the year, forced to use vacation time when too sick to work (vacation time only 10 days/year) so if by chance you get influenza employees are forced to stay home for 3 days and lose 30% of their annual vacation leave, forced to make up work days with no extra pay when company closed for several days during Golden Week or Obon, forced to join a labour union that was actually on the company payroll, severe/unrealistic professional performance criteria that are intentionally impossible to attain so the company never has to pay bonuses or promote employees, etc., etc. , etc. Do you want more examples? Or is that enough? You could get lucky and work for some good companies - this has just been my experience. I haven’t discussed bribery or extortion yet. Discrimination is generally throughout society often in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. I don’t necessarily blame the Japanese since Japan is predominantly a monocultural society. It’s just the way it is. You get use to it, but that doesn’t mean you like it. It gets old real fast. I enjoy my hobbies, etc. and growing fruit and vegetables in my food forest. This is what gives me enjoyment along with doing my job and helping others.
I should've waited till the very end of the video. Sorry love! Anyways, I was called lazy and asked loads of times to change the accent and to spell the words like the American as if it were something you could just switch. I love Japan I really do but they do have a long way till they can actually tell they are an international environment.
Lol Tomi when was that? I do believe that Jamaica has adopted alot of American terms and pronounciation but we were never colonized by them . It was the Spanish and then the British.
I would love if you could go through a lesson plan with us, as well as experience with ur rude and best students. Also explaining classroom management strategies. I'm wondering about ALT and how much work is actually needed
A highlight for me, as an American, was getting to meet other teachers from England, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand (never met anyone from Jamaica). I wonder how they felt about "what would they do in America?" On the other hand, some Japanese people I met just (very rudely) assumed that as an American, I know no British English at all, like I don't even know what the word "cinema" means. I should've said, do you know what the word "duh" means?
I should be going on interac next year and a friend of mine just came back from the JET program. She told some of the same things and I’m more nervous now but I’m trying not to wuss out.
I enjoyed the authenticity in this video and just the realness and how you aren’t negative but you letting us know this isn’t some fairlytale dream 😭😂 because that’s the mindset I had lol!
@Tomi thanx for the video, you hit the nail on the head with this one. I for sure have worked with as an Alt through a dispatch company and I can attest to the fact that you will literally feel like a tape recorder to a robot at times depending on who your JTE is. One thing I definitely did not like was to be told that is not how they say it in America, that did not sit well with me because I was like I'm not American!! Why should I sound like something I'm not, it is obvious that they only prefer American over English. They should only hire Americans then!
I knew you were Jamaican. I'm entering my first year of college as an English and Social Studies major at a teachers college in Jamaica. I've never really considered Japan, I've always looked China but still looking around. Thank you for the video.
Hi Tomie, you have an extreme amount of patience. Its unbelievable that these teachers don't let you take over the class! Not only , are you from an English speaking country, You are educated as an English teacher with a degree in English!!!! Its hard for Japanese to be flexible. The have a system and it just isn't bendable. There are many plusses and minuses with any job. Its nice that you are offering honest informagjon. Many people go to Japan with this magical idea of what they'll be doing. Only to find out to stand up and be pretty and speak only when spoken to. I hope your charm wears on these people. They'll be so lucky. Bless you!!
This is a very helpful and useful guide, it seems its very spontaneous and tough challenge. Sad thing about the very low level of support system in the role, that's a shame Your words on dealing with overwork by leaving once you are done is very important and helpful advice Also managing so many teachers in a team is definitely a difficult job.
They asked me to go home on time. I just went right on time and went home on time. Mostly that’s what they wanted I think. I didn’t try to impress anyone by working overtime except for one time. Then they told me to stop pushing myself. Just go home when your shift is up.
Hey so I've been thinking about teaching English in Japan but there are a few factors that make me question if its a good idea and I wanted to know your input as someone with more experience with this. 1)I majored in a non English field and have I ever been a teacher of English. 2) The position I applied for wants someone who is a native speaker and I am as an American but again have never taught English. 3) the job is temporary, 1 year and gives the option of sign on for another year too. I mostly applied as I felt this would be a great opportunity to learn more about the culture but also provide a service in return but after watching your video It has me wondering if this was a good idea. The company is Amity Business Division AEON Corporation.
AEON is an eikawa. If I were you I'd research as well as contact former employees of AEON and see what they have to say. A lot of people take this kind of job merely to get their foot in the door, in Japan. Once you're in Japan and have a working visa, you can apply for a better job there. But if you're just going to experience Japan, maybe take a vacation there first.
When you come back home what do you plan to do since it just five years. Or will you go somewhere else since home isnt getting that much better regarding pay and crime. Kinda crazy how it is
Even though I have had my share of discrimination, I will never compare that to the discrimination of someone from somewhere that is not America like Jamaica or Thailand, because I have the privilege which can be a burden sometimes because they assume things, but beside the point. Working in Interac right now it’s definitely corporate base and it definitely frustrates me because I am a teacher at heart. Also, I learned the hard way that just because someone may speak your language doesn’t mean they’re going to understand your culture or accommodate for you don’t get me wrong I love working with my JTE because she is very helpful but she can be very stubborn or misunderstanding then again, so can I lol
I can relate with the point on working together with many teachers. All the teachers I work with, just like you said, are all so different, with each conducting the same lesson differently. Flexibility is the way to go here.
Everything she speaks of is the God honest truth!! There is a lot of good but it’s true what she says. And get put in a few bad schools and this will be amplified. If you are in a good school it might be heavenly but still true what she said just to a lesser extent. When you need to remember 30 different teachers you work with and there is no standard and 12 of them are super hard to work with and there is no outside awareness of what’s going on in there it can get very difficult and nasty. There is both Heaven to be found and Hell as well. You might run into a few people that absolutely love foreigners and a few people that hate us! Ask her if she ever got to see STUDENT GRADES??? Have any idea how individual students did by the end of the school year. Keep in mind there are cultural differences too. We might not be aware of these and the deeper reasons for them. There are Language gaps too of course. I found the KANTO areas of Japan the hardest. Gunma Ken and Saitama Ken. There were some that just ran away. Some of those schools were just NUTS! Kobe was one of the best. Osaka too. Also Kyoto was good . I was an ALT for 8 years.
The company I worked for (small company, not so good), told us that we could only be at the school during our scheduled time. We also weren't allowed to play with the kids. Maybe it was just because I was working during COVID but those were the rules I had to follow.
can you switch from JET to interac once your 5 years of JET ends? i do plan on being an ALT for as long as possible even if my salary never raises, my heart really is in teaching and its fufilling to me
Jamaica was not and has never been colonized by the US. Jamaica is a former British colony and was first colonized by the Spanish before the British came along and took over. Jamaica has adapted a lot of American things and ideals but not the education system which is still based on the British education system.
There’s no such thing as ‘work-life-balance’ here but I’m not being paid for overtime so at my closing time it’s ‘osakinishitsudaisumasu’ or however it’s spelled. Lol. Yep, you need to be flexible, open-minded and manage your expectations because….
It really depends on the school. The one I worked at was fantastic. Everyone super nice and helpful and supportive. I have worked at other schools where it was HORRIBLE! Rude, controlling people! So bad.
I was a foreign English language assistant in Spain and wow totally different outlook on work culture! After working in Spain I don't think I could do Japan
Very informative, very sincere and very much what aspiring Japanese teachers should here. Money isn't the reason I was considering teaching in Japan because money obviously isn't an issue for me. I just wanted to move over to a country that's run more orderly, lawfully, organized, respectfully and where everyone follows the rule of law. However, after watching this video, I decided I might just have to put up with the disorderlyness, disorganized, lawles, and badly run country of mine, otherwise known as NIGERIA. What good is it living in Japan when I can live off preceeds from my investment and not have to work but move over to Japan and have to work long hours and be bossed around, when I can live a better life in Nigeria. Naa.....h. That doesn't make living the dream sense😅
It's a shame I can't afford to leave my job before I put in 20 years (pension) but at 60 years old I plan to retire to Japan. Will I be able to get part time work teaching English or assisting, or do they expect a full time employee?
How hard is it for a foreigner to get a job in Japan or for an alt to transfer to a regular job in Japan? Are there many options if their Japanese is mediocre? Also, great video!!
I feel like you have to have tough skin to go and teach English. I was welcomed the first week and then things quickly changed. I had to do a lot of tasks I wasn't aware I would have to do once hired and work overtime. Most of the staff didn't like foreigners and were passive aggressive. I was asked to change some of my words from the way we say them in the U.S to the way they are said in the U.K., which wasn't a big deal but they made us use scripts during the day and wouldn't let me correct the improper grammar on the script. I worked at a private school though and the turn over rate was VERY high (I didn't realize until later). By the way, I had to clean while working there and was not told before hand. I didn't mind most of the cleaning but cleaning the Adult toilets was disgusting. Did anyone else have to clean toilets or was that just my school? Just try to look for a good area and a good school and everything should be fine. I loved living in Japan but the list of things wrong at my job was endless.
Hi. I heard some time ago that the Jamaican education system was the inspiration for Japan's current education system. Can you look into this and give your opinion?
I've heard the sentiment of "go, do your job, leave on time" from previous JETs as well. They say it's good to set the boundary early because you don't want to get burnt out, you don't get paid overtime and it really doesn't impress the other teachers (you're still the foreigner lol). Plus, they said if you go there "doing the most" it actually might leave an expectation for incoming ALTs to follow that they possibly cannot/would not want to maintain, making them look "lazy".
I fully agree. I just got here and have already made a point of leaving on time everyday lol.
I do that for all jobs ;)
Pure overthinking 🤦♂️
@@Hakkenv are they. It’s Japan. They overthink everything
My husband worked in a Japanese govt office. He told me that the boss actually WANTS workers to leave on time because the boss is always the last to leave. The longer you stick around, the longer he has to.
I'm a 2020 JET who JUST got to Japan :') Thankfully I already have some idea of what I'm getting myself into from my past experience teaching abroad, but you did a great job of laying out the challenges people often overlook.
Aahhhh Evelyn you're here? You've been a homie for a while I'm happy that you made it over! ❤️
@@TomisWorldxEli I missed your move to Kobe, but let me know if you're traveling in Kyushu again! I'll be on a cute little island called Iki :)
@@EvelynTheOdd How's it going so far?
Do you have to be a native?
How has it been going for you since this comment?
You got me at “anything that is too easy is never fun” and that’s true to me. Haha. It’s depressing at some point. But I learned from the experience.
I love how real you were in this video and it just goes to show how everything isn't always sunshine and rainbows and there are downsides to everything.
I really try my best to show the pros and cons so everyone can make a more informed decision so I really do hope this helps!
@@TomisWorldxEli Teach English in China, earn more than Japan, and have more rest time.
It's worse there @@hotdey5400
My first major was Japanese studies. My first career path was teaching English in Japan. I know that's a very weird career path.
I love teaching in Japan. I taught there for 6 years over 20 years. I wish I didn't leave. But I decided to go into physics. I was a lot happier being an English teacher in Japan. But you are right teaching in Japan is not for everyone.
You are right about it not being a forever job but it's a good starting point. You should work hard on your Japanese and look at all possible avenues. I was going to stay and open up my own school but I had to make a decision on what I wanted to do with my life at that point. Being an ALT in jet or in a private company does not pay much. It's even worse because Japan became saturated with people who did not know what they wanted to do in life so they just decided to teach in japan. They thought oh Japan is cool. I like anime and sushi. I speak English so teaching English must be easy.
In Vietnam you are the one in charge of the class. You are given an assistant some times to help you with language, photocopying etc.
You cannot teach in schools, but you teach in "English Schools", usually private businesses.
The pay is little, but it's adequate to live. You are respected, and cared about, and even honoured on Teacher's Day. The people, lovely.
I've taught in both vietnam and Japan. In both places I was making over $2000 a month. But when you factor in cost of living and other expenses, you actually get to keep more money in Vietnam. Overall I found Vietnam better than Japan for teaching and earnings. But Japan is a good experience if you are only doing it for 6 months to a year. Longer than that is counterproductive.
@@jw841 I wanna teach English abroad. Should I choose Vietnam? Please give me information 😊
Thanks Tomi! Ima still go for it though ! I’ve been studying Japanese and I see myself passing the N5 in the future! Please keep up with the info videos and other videos (: I believe in you !
You definitely shouldn't give up this video was not made to discourage but to inform ❤️
@@TomisWorldxEli thank u tomi !
Tomi I got accepted for an interview thanks mostly to your help and tips. I love your videos and how realistic you are and how you mention all these important things that shouldn't be overlooked. Thank you so much.
This is so informative and helpful! I currently teach in Korea and I can say there wasn't too much of a support system with foreign teachers unless you have foreign teacher friends or Korean friends. However for the EPIK program for our offices of education we have a main coteacher but they just help us with moving banking etc. I applied to JET so I am definitely keeping this in mind!
Are u a native? Or non native?
Girl this is HILARIOUS! Your videos had got me thinking about the JET program in the next year or two, and now a couple of years later you come back with this?! 😭😭 but this is good information all of your points are what are very important to me when it comes to any job. So thank you for being honest, and saving me time and energy! 🙌🏾
I love that you are straight to the point and share the pro and cons about teaching English in Japan.
Thank you😊
Following her immediately cos of that.
🤦🏾♀️ I’m the person who came over and didn’t know jack shit and they made me teach whole classes ALONE. Was even asked to make an entire presentations course. At that time I have terrible stage fright. The trauma 😬
How did you go about it?.
No, I don’t want to teach in Japan, but I just enjoy all the truthful info that you explain very clearly. Okay, you could probably talk about anything ……..doesn’t matter…..your videos are so good. I don’t care where you’ll go or do, I’ll be waiting for the next video …….Thank you for being you !
As a devoted English teacher, I truly, madly, deeply thank you for this video - you are a lifesaver.
Teaching English in Japan is a way to travel and learn to speak Japanese for a year or two. I did it for a while. Teaching English as a Foreign Language doesn't have much career potential because as pointed out you're not a certified teacher. Also the pay is not very good anymore. Pay was relatively high in the 1990's because the Japanese economy and yen was so strong then. Japanese salaries haven't risen much in almost 30 years so you can't save much money to go back home. It's better to build up a career back home and find some internship or collaborative work that takes you to Japan for a project. Japan is a very modern country so they have many kinds of businesses to work with.
Thank you very much for this. I'm about ten years from retirement with my current job, and I've been kicking around the idea of killing that time by getting a degree in teaching and then retiring to Japan as an interpreter or English instructor. Always good to know the reality of the situation, so again, thank you.
I'm going back to Japan to teach in a couple months. I'm an experienced teacher and will be working in a university. My main concern (as an older person), honestly, is being able to cope with a full schedule--long days. Hope I don't get too run down!
Since graduating last July, I've been watching these Filipino ALTs who got to Japan through JET and none of them said anything negative, which for me doesn't sound right (they've got to be having a hard time too). I've read articles about how hard it is to get into JET but not anything like this. I'm the kind to list the pros and cons of doing things so when things go right, then I celebrate, and when things go wrong, the damage isn't too bad. Anyway, I was literally watching this another video about JET when I saw your video on the recommended and I'm blown away by how honest your points were. It wasn't a eureka moment to have finally found something realistic, but it was relieving to know that there's finally someone who was able to share important notes to consider before diving into anything JET-related or working as an ALT in Japan.
It takes a special person to be able to teach here long term. Not everyone can.
"go back to Africa" " I rlly want to go but I can't afford it"😂YES u tell these haters what's up 👏
Shes never going to go
@@melvinjansen2338 yeah cause you would know right? 🙄
@@eARThinlife statistics speak for themselves.
I was so nervous to watch your video this week, because I really DO want to teach English in Japan! Those are all super good points though! Thank you for the video.
are you still planning to go
@@ZeroTwo-bd8ni Yes!!! 😊
Did you? @@kimberlycarman5363
very informational. I'm working on my bachelors degree in English to work for JET. Hoping to stay 5 years and to be able to find a good job afterwards. Hoping for the best and thanks for the video. It eased a bit of my concerns as well
Hi, KorSoupp, how long until you earn your Bachelor's degree? I'm a ways away yet. I plan to move to Japan in the next 5 years. What about you? Where are you at in your journey? I'm 35 years old. How old are you?
@@anonymous12726 yo. I have 1 semester left until I get my bachelors degree. Already applied to the JET program so hopefully I get an interview
@@korsoupp6450 Now I wonder if you got an interview. You might even get a better job a year after JET! You don't have to stick with it for a whole five years. There are good jobs to be had, especially if you have an English degree.
@@susanma4899 I actually didn't make it to the interview I got denied this year :(
@@korsoupp6450 Aw, do you know why you were denied? Wishing you luck if you try again someday. Congrats on getting your degree, that's a huge accomplishment!
I'm actually considering going the Eikawa route teaching in Japan but I'm not opposed to doing ALT work, so I'm really looking hard into the pros and cons of both to really round out my decision so thanks providing these sorts of video, Tomi!
Haaa Eikawa's...be very careful with those! But good luck!
What is Eikawa?
It's an English conversation school. Usually one-on-one teaching.
ALT is better than working for an Eikawa!
“Is that how they’d do it in America”😂😂😂😂😂 that killed me. Love this one!❤️❤️
They really are crazy 🤣🤣🤣
😂😂🤣 😂. You are funny. I have an interview tomorrow with borderlink.
Didn't pass the interview. Maybe an issue with my Japanese proficiency, I'm not sure but that's behind me.
So true, we really would love to go back to Africa, it's so nice. Perfect weather and perfect food and just a vibe all the time.
I really appreciate your videos and the honesty (from your experiences too) that you present.
great video tomi!! i love that you mentioned the work life balance because i think it's important to stand your ground when it comes to things like that- especially since ALT's don't get overtime.
Exactly!
Hi! I actually learned from my PA's just yesterday that ALTs can apply for overtime pay it's called like daikyu..... though you have to apply during the same month you do the overtime.
I got accepted into JET and videos like yours and like these are super helpful in tempering expectations! Too many people, I think, go to Japan starry eyed and with wrong expectations. I’m excited for Japan, but I’m prepared to set boundaries. I’m not staying too long lol I want to teach but I want work life balance and I have a lot of stuff I want to do there.
Are you in Japan now?
They're are no Labor Unions overseas which is not good. I've been teaching English at juku(Cram school) since April 2009. I started teaching at a private high school in April 2019. I still teach juku at afternoons and night. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, i teach Business English for the same Juku school program for Japanese adults working at the ship yard. Ive been here in Japan since May 96 as a former US Navy here in Sasebo, Japan in Nagasaki Préfecture. I never left.haha😊 That's how much i love it here. Even my parents been here 6 times since October 2003.
As for payment, my Juku was paying me 1,000yen per class when I 1st started, now here in 2023, Im making 2,300 yen per class. For my Private high school i make 3,000yen per class plus 5,000 transportation allowance a month since i do have a car and it takes 45-50 mins to commute from home to school. My juku pays me 1,000 yen per day that i teach because Japan doesn't have allot of free parkings which i think it's silly. They let me make the lesson plans for my classes at the high school which It all good. Plus they tell me to teach however I want cause they're just following me. I get allot of love and support on both my Juku and my private high school. Even my students right me messages on their papers in English.❤It all depends on what you like to do and who your contacts are. Love this video. New subscriber here from Saga Prefecture, Japan 🗾🇯🇵 stay safe out there and happy teaching btw, we just got back Singapore at the end of August for school trip. We will return there in Mid March with other students.
Thank you very much for this positive response. Can we get in touch? Really wanna find out more about Japan from you.
I love your realness! I'm considering Japan as one of my options to venture to and teach in the near future. It's good to know the upsides and downsides. I appreciate your videos and I recently subscribed! 😊
It’s so interesting how very little support JETs have… OMG! I could go on and on about it…
Can you explain one that Tomi didn’t mention? What concerns me is that I’m an introvert and like to be independent.
Amazing video as always Tomi! Very helpful and definitely cracked me up 😂😂 I’m gonna be submitting my application for the April 2022 intake this Friday and I’m very ready to be asked ‘how they do it in America’…despite not being from the US 🤩
Lol you'll have a grand time!
I saw a video that it's hard to get promoted from an ALT to a much higher position especially when you don't speak japanese or shift careers. So for me I think learning the language is a huge advantage esp for interacting with students and maybe get promoted where you can control you're class.
This was SO informative. Thank you. And I must say, your beautiful sweater and make-up look fantastic on you.
This is a very informative and honest appraisal of being a foreign English teacher in Japan. Also, I love your little "Donald Duck" voice to emphasize certain points. And lastly... I love the Jamaican English!!!
I’m hearing that you love control, and hate adapting to other personalities in a team.
Not that there isn’t fairness to what you’re saying in general, but it still could be something notable.
Spot on! You do a great job of preparing folks. Still, a great adventure. One thing to remember is because you have no support you really have to leave on time because it will take you longer to do your daily tasks, being unfamiliar with how to pay your bills, your municipal tax, getting healthcare, etc.
I'm American, and I'm pretty sure we never colonized Jamaica as you say at 12:29 . Must be some kind of alternative history, lol. Perhaps you mean Jamaica was 'influenced' by the US?
There's no union? Based
This video has become informative and enlightening for me. For the next year, I have set a goal for myself to go to Japan to teach English. In my home country, I work in a school, but in recent years, I have been wanting to change my surroundings and explore my options. Thank you for the informative video!
Tomi this is a fantastic video, you are very objective whilst still giving your own personal experience and opinions - top notch (btw I love Jamaican patties)
Hi Tomi. All the backlash you receive from people are either: 1) ignorant, or 2) are choosing to ignore the truth and only see Japan through rose-colored glasses. Everything you say is true. I’m a white male from Canada 🇨🇦 teaching for over 10 years in Japan and I’ve experienced much exploitation, discrimination, racism, double standards, conflicts of interest, labour-law violations, etc. and even corruption, bribery and extortion here. Yes, there are some positive aspects of Japanese culture (the reasons I’ve stayed) but there also exists a dark side most people wish to not think or talk about. My main reason for wishing to leave Japan now is the endless, ongoing social isolation. I’ll be glad to finally escape and get out of this country.
Point 4: Just teach the RP instead. The RP is the acceptable English worldwide.
what are some of the labor law violations and discrimination you have received?
@@tonyahrary1693 Hello Tony. First, to better understand, unlike in Canada or the USA where labour law favors employees, labour law in Japan protects and favors employers. The problem is, only very minimal benefits are required by law, so employers make darn sure to only provide the absolute minimum and no more. They have lawyers on payroll to ensure this and devise ways to avoid paying anything extra on a regular basis. Working conditions can often be severe. Plus there is minimal enforcement. Some examples: forced to work all National Holidays with no extra pay or compensation, forced to sometimes stay at the office 9 hours on a day off - even when the business is closed and there is no work to do - just to satisfy an hourly work requirement for the year, forced to use vacation time when too sick to work (vacation time only 10 days/year) so if by chance you get influenza employees are forced to stay home for 3 days and lose 30% of their annual vacation leave, forced to make up work days with no extra pay when company closed for several days during Golden Week or Obon, forced to join a labour union that was actually on the company payroll, severe/unrealistic professional performance criteria that are intentionally impossible to attain so the company never has to pay bonuses or promote employees, etc., etc. , etc. Do you want more examples? Or is that enough? You could get lucky and work for some good companies - this has just been my experience. I haven’t discussed bribery or extortion yet. Discrimination is generally throughout society often in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. I don’t necessarily blame the Japanese since Japan is predominantly a monocultural society. It’s just the way it is. You get use to it, but that doesn’t mean you like it. It gets old real fast. I enjoy my hobbies, etc. and growing fruit and vegetables in my food forest. This is what gives me enjoyment along with doing my job and helping others.
This is part of the reason why I decided not to teach in Japan lol
Thank you for keeping it 💯🙌❤
Love you Tomi!❤💕
I think JET would benefit from watching this video. Especially regarding providing support for the ALTs
I applied for the JET program. Your video is making me nervous lol
Don't be nervous love! Just be aware ❤️
Did you get selected love?
So insightful, thank you!! you presented the points really well and respectfully also I thought!
I should've waited till the very end of the video. Sorry love! Anyways, I was called lazy and asked loads of times to change the accent and to spell the words like the American as if it were something you could just switch. I love Japan I really do but they do have a long way till they can actually tell they are an international environment.
Unfortunately they do 😭
I just want to say I love your positivity & how you explain everything it was serious but also FUNNY LOL!
Jamaica was not colonized by America. I get what you mean though but they weren’t.
Where are you from?
Lol Tomi when was that? I do believe that Jamaica has adopted alot of American terms and pronounciation but we were never colonized by them . It was the Spanish and then the British.
@@musicforthemind8338 I'm just asking 🤣🤣 I ain't mad at it I'm just making sure you know what you talking about 🤣🤣
This was so informative, thank you Tomi!
I would love if you could go through a lesson plan with us, as well as experience with ur rude and best students. Also explaining classroom management strategies. I'm wondering about ALT and how much work is actually needed
Thanks homie I appreciate the realness, dropping my application in soon🙏
A highlight for me, as an American, was getting to meet other teachers from England, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand (never met anyone from Jamaica). I wonder how they felt about "what would they do in America?" On the other hand, some Japanese people I met just (very rudely) assumed that as an American, I know no British English at all, like I don't even know what the word "cinema" means. I should've said, do you know what the word "duh" means?
I should be going on interac next year and a friend of mine just came back from the JET program. She told some of the same things and I’m more nervous now but I’m trying not to wuss out.
Interac is riddled with problems but which job isn't? Just always remember that if you don't like it leaving us always an option! ❤️
Everyone’s experience is different though. It’s not a one size fit all. I don’t have much negative experiences in my 2 1/2 years here on Interac
I want that sweater 😍
Tomi thanks for making videos about both sides of it. ❤️❤️❤️
You know I always try to keep it real ❤️
Sorry I missed the live! Glad I was still able to watch it…👏🏾👍🏾
Lol no worries love! I woke up super late for work and missed most of the live as well 🤣
I enjoyed the authenticity in this video and just the realness and how you aren’t negative but you letting us know this isn’t some fairlytale dream 😭😂 because that’s the mindset I had lol!
@Tomi thanx for the video, you hit the nail on the head with this one. I for sure have worked with as an Alt through a dispatch company and I can attest to the fact that you will literally feel like a tape recorder to a robot at times depending on who your JTE is. One thing I definitely did not like was to be told that is not how they say it in America, that did not sit well with me because I was like I'm not American!! Why should I sound like something I'm not, it is obvious that they only prefer American over English. They should only hire Americans then!
I agree
Yep!
I knew you were Jamaican. I'm entering my first year of college as an English and Social Studies major at a teachers college in Jamaica. I've never really considered Japan, I've always looked China but still looking around. Thank you for the video.
Hi Tomie, you have an extreme amount of patience. Its unbelievable that these teachers don't let you take over the class! Not only , are you from an English speaking country, You are educated as an English teacher with a degree in English!!!! Its hard for Japanese to be flexible. The have a system and it just isn't bendable. There are many plusses and minuses with any job. Its nice that you are offering honest informagjon. Many people go to Japan with this magical idea of what they'll be doing. Only to find out to stand up and be pretty and speak only when spoken to. I hope your charm wears on these people. They'll be so lucky. Bless you!!
Why is it unbelievable
Thank you
When you dropped the cashapp for the haters I DIED!!
Tell it like it is babe
Hey, I am also from Jamaica and looking to come over to Nagoya to teach English in April. I hope we can meet up. I love your videos!
Did you go Japan ?
@@SeraSan- yes I did. I am here
@@Danitamaria233 I'm also an English teacher. Do you recommend me? I heard Japan is so expensive, you even can't save money
@@SeraSan- it all depends on the situation but yea it is hard to safe here
Very gd info!
You have beautiful shaped eyes!
What is ur plan when ur five years ends on the program?
I'll go find a husband 🤣 kidding I don't know yet!
Workers in Japan: please check out the general union of Japan ☺️☺️☺️ welcome to all nationalities
This is a very helpful and useful guide, it seems its very spontaneous and tough challenge.
Sad thing about the very low level of support system in the role, that's a shame
Your words on dealing with overwork by leaving once you are done is very important and helpful advice
Also managing so many teachers in a team is definitely a difficult job.
They asked me to go home on time.
I just went right on time and went home on time.
Mostly that’s what they wanted I think.
I didn’t try to impress anyone by working overtime except for one time.
Then they told me to stop pushing myself.
Just go home when your shift is up.
Affi come big yuh up same way. Gwaan duh yuh ting😊
You can say that again about INTERAC
Love the realness!! 💯 I wanna try the Jet Program but I don’t know how I feel about leaving home for a year 🥴🥴
Love from Trinidad 🇹🇹❤️
You should definitely just go for it! One year sounds a lot longer than it actually is lol
@@TomisWorldxEli 😩😩😩 will see!
Hey so I've been thinking about teaching English in Japan but there are a few factors that make me question if its a good idea and I wanted to know your input as someone with more experience with this.
1)I majored in a non English field and have I ever been a teacher of English.
2) The position I applied for wants someone who is a native speaker and I am as an American but again have never taught English.
3) the job is temporary, 1 year and gives the option of sign on for another year too.
I mostly applied as I felt this would be a great opportunity to learn more about the culture but also provide a service in return but after watching your video It has me wondering if this was a good idea. The company is Amity Business Division AEON Corporation.
AEON is an eikawa. If I were you I'd research as well as contact former employees of AEON and see what they have to say. A lot of people take this kind of job merely to get their foot in the door, in Japan. Once you're in Japan and have a working visa, you can apply for a better job there. But if you're just going to experience Japan, maybe take a vacation there first.
When you come back home what do you plan to do since it just five years. Or will you go somewhere else since home isnt getting that much better regarding pay and crime. Kinda crazy how it is
Even though I have had my share of discrimination, I will never compare that to the discrimination of someone from somewhere that is not America like Jamaica or Thailand, because I have the privilege which can be a burden sometimes because they assume things, but beside the point.
Working in Interac right now it’s definitely corporate base and it definitely frustrates me because I am a teacher at heart.
Also, I learned the hard way that just because someone may speak your language doesn’t mean they’re going to understand your culture or accommodate for you don’t get me wrong I love working with my JTE because she is very helpful but she can be very stubborn or misunderstanding then again, so can I lol
Thanks for helping me out! I won't go to Japan anymore HAHAHAHA xoxo from Brazil ♥
Don’t worry about the backlash. They literally don’t matter. Smh.
Thought provoking video!
Did you say 25minutes for lunch????
I literally left a job because of 35minutes of lunch
Other reasons were there ofc haha, but I was pretty upset about the 35mins with no breaks etc
I can relate with the point on working together with many teachers. All the teachers I work with, just like you said, are all so different, with each conducting the same lesson differently. Flexibility is the way to go here.
Everything she speaks of is the God honest truth!!
There is a lot of good but it’s true what she says.
And get put in a few bad schools and this will be amplified. If you are in a good school it might be heavenly but still true what she said just to a lesser extent. When you need to remember 30 different teachers you work with and there is no standard and 12 of them are super hard to work with and there is no outside awareness of what’s going on in there it can get very difficult and nasty.
There is both Heaven to be found and Hell as well.
You might run into a few people that absolutely love foreigners and a few people that hate us!
Ask her if she ever got to see STUDENT GRADES??? Have any idea how individual students did by the end of the school year.
Keep in mind there are cultural differences too.
We might not be aware of these and the deeper reasons for them. There are Language gaps too of course. I found the KANTO areas of Japan the hardest. Gunma Ken and Saitama Ken.
There were some that just ran away.
Some of those schools were just NUTS!
Kobe was one of the best. Osaka too.
Also Kyoto was good . I was an ALT for 8 years.
The company I worked for (small company, not so good), told us that we could only be at the school during our scheduled time. We also weren't allowed to play with the kids. Maybe it was just because I was working during COVID but those were the rules I had to follow.
can you switch from JET to interac once your 5 years of JET ends? i do plan on being an ALT for as long as possible even if my salary never raises, my heart really is in teaching and its fufilling to me
Love your videos hope you have a great day or night
Thank youuuu so much Eri! ❤️
Jamaica was not and has never been colonized by the US. Jamaica is a former British colony and was first colonized by the Spanish before the British came along and took over.
Jamaica has adapted a lot of American things and ideals but not the education system which is still based on the British education system.
There’s no such thing as ‘work-life-balance’ here but I’m not being paid for overtime so at my closing time it’s ‘osakinishitsudaisumasu’ or however it’s spelled. Lol.
Yep, you need to be flexible, open-minded and manage your expectations because….
It really depends on the school.
The one I worked at was fantastic. Everyone super nice and helpful and supportive.
I have worked at other schools where it was HORRIBLE! Rude, controlling people! So bad.
I love your videos Tomi 🥰🥰 I was wondering about how many days a month do you work for jet x
Thank you for the highlight Tomi.
I was a foreign English language assistant in Spain and wow totally different outlook on work culture! After working in Spain I don't think I could do Japan
We aree waiting for another video 🥺🥺🥺 I'm checking your channel again and againnn
Very informative, very sincere and very much what aspiring Japanese teachers should here. Money isn't the reason I was considering teaching in Japan because money obviously isn't an issue for me. I just wanted to move over to a country that's run more orderly, lawfully, organized, respectfully and where everyone follows the rule of law.
However, after watching this video, I decided I might just have to put up with the disorderlyness, disorganized, lawles, and badly run country of mine, otherwise known as NIGERIA. What good is it living in Japan when I can live off preceeds from my investment and not have to work but move over to Japan and have to work long hours and be bossed around, when I can live a better life in Nigeria. Naa.....h. That doesn't make living the dream sense😅
It's a shame I can't afford to leave my job before I put in 20 years (pension) but at 60 years old I plan to retire to Japan. Will I be able to get part time work teaching English or assisting, or do they expect a full time employee?
2000 usd a month is so little money for the cost of tokyo. i got three times more as my starting salary teaching in hong kong
Internationalization was popular 47 years ago in Japan. Not so much now. Actually I haven't heard that word in the last 30 years in Japan.
How hard is it for a foreigner to get a job in Japan or for an alt to transfer to a regular job in Japan? Are there many options if their Japanese is mediocre? Also, great video!!
Honestly I don't know the answer to most of these questions as I've never experienced any of this. Sorry
You’ll need to have a good grasp of the language up to business level to be able to even consider anything other than ALT.
I feel like you have to have tough skin to go and teach English. I was welcomed the first week and then things quickly changed. I had to do a lot of tasks I wasn't aware I would have to do once hired and work overtime. Most of the staff didn't like foreigners and were passive aggressive. I was asked to change some of my words from the way we say them in the U.S to the way they are said in the U.K., which wasn't a big deal but they made us use scripts during the day and wouldn't let me correct the improper grammar on the script. I worked at a private school though and the turn over rate was VERY high (I didn't realize until later). By the way, I had to clean while working there and was not told before hand. I didn't mind most of the cleaning but cleaning the Adult toilets was disgusting. Did anyone else have to clean toilets or was that just my school? Just try to look for a good area and a good school and everything should be fine. I loved living in Japan but the list of things wrong at my job was endless.
😮omg that’s a lot of bullshits you took. Which company is that?
Thank you Tomi! 🥳
Hi. I heard some time ago that the Jamaican education system was the inspiration for Japan's current education system. Can you look into this and give your opinion?
I have been experiencing the 1st reason currently. And it’s giving me anxiety so much. It sucks.
Thank you so much 🥰