What’s It Like As a JET Program ALT?

Let me preface this post with everyone’s favorite phrase: Every Situation is Different (ESID). The JET Program, more specifically CLAIR, acts as a recruitment agency for thousands of elementary, middle, and high schools across Japan. For Coordinators of International Relations (CIRs), they act as a recruitment agency for local governments. In other words, your JET experience is influenced by your workplace and living situation. As a result, I should title this post “What’s It Like as a JET Program ALT at a Senior High School in Fukuoka City’s East Ward? Then again, I must demonstrate my SEO abilities somehow.

So, You’re Moving to Fukuoka Prefecture. What Should I Pack?

Fukuoka is the largest prefecture in Kyushu by population, home to 5.5 Million people. In addition, the prefecture is home to Kyushu’s two largest cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. The prefecture is located on the Sea of Japan side, and is only 112 miles away from Busan, South Korea.

In addition, the prefecture boasts cold, dry winters and hot and humid summers. The humidity is rather intense, and is comparable to any other tropical country. Fukuoka’s climate is similar to that of the Southeastern United States. If you’re from the drier, more arid Western United States, good luck.

Fukuoka’s wettest season is between June and July, locally referred to as “Rainy Season.” Be sure to pack waterproof clothes for monsoon weather, as this is no ordinary rain: It’s hot, humid, and sticky rain.

As a result, you want to pack a few sweaters, and a down jacket for the winter months. For the summer, you want to pack clothes appropriate for hot and humid weather. In other words, pack breathable clothes which are lightweight and cooling. You can also by Uniqlo heat tech for the winter, and Airism for the summer.

Work Attire

If you’re working at a senior high school, you must wear business attire. From May to October, all teachers wear “cool biz” (business-casual) attire, consisting of a button-up shirt, chinos or equivalent, and indoor shoes. You can wear short or long sleeve shirts, but do not wear jeans to work. From November to April, teachers wear “warm biz” (business professional) attire, consisting of a full suit and tie. If you have messy hair like myself, keep it nice and slicked back. You should also bring a watch.

Again, Fukuoka gets disgustingly humid during the summer, so bring breathable business attire. It also snows on occasion during the winter, so be sure to bring layers with you during the winter season.

Lastly, if your shoe size is larger than a Men’s US 11, you must pack your own shoes. Otherwise, good luck finding new pairs in Japan.

Living Situation in Fukuoka Prefecture

Again, ESID. However, Fukuoka Prefecture likes to place JETs in either “Kenshokuin Jutaku (Prefectural Employee’s Residence) or “Kyoshokuin Jutaku” (Teacher’s Residence). Your housing depends on where you work in the Prefecture, and housing availability. If there are no residences available, the Prefecture may lease a private apartment for your use.

You can also choose to find your own housing. Your supervisor and contracting organization, however, are not obligated to help you find housing if you choose this option. I highly recommend taking the prefectural housing option, as your contracting organization will support you every step of the way. My school has a supervisor specifically for my housing; as a result, I can get issues resolved quickly and easily. Plus, Japanese landlords are infamous for refusing to rent to foreigners.

About My School

This section is specific to my school. I work at a Senior High School located in Fukuoka City’s Higashi-ku (East Ward). The school is considered the 6th best in all of Fukuoka City, and possibly in all of Kyushu. My school’s claim to fame is their English program, which houses, as of 2021, Kyushu’s best English debate team. Yes, the students are THAT good.

My school is rare amongst schools participating in the JET Program in that it has an English Course. Think of it like a specialization: Students take additional classes instructed in 90% English, and study subjects pertaining to controversial issues, U.S. history, and current events. The teachers in the English department studied abroad in other countries, including the USA, and speak fluent English. Again, this is rare for JET program participants. As a result, I never use Japanese in the workplace.

High School students in Japan choose their career paths while in high school. In addition, there are high schools which specialize in technical trades, agricultural, and in my case, academics. My school is an academic high school which not only offers an English course, but also an award-winning Science course.

My Responsibilities as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)

Again, this is specific to my school. I assist the Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) with their English course-specific classes. Lessons are pre-planned and I am always given a lesson plan to follow. Often times, I am there to help with pronunciation, as well as help students with in-class assignments. Sometimes, I will be asked to lead a lesson. I recently led a lesson for my Controversial Issues class on the topic of Gay Marriage. My students had an excellent discussion on the matter. At the time of writing, I am currently working on a lesson regarding racial segregation in the United States. The head teacher of the English Course was teaching a lesson on the Little Rock Nine, so she asked me to create a lesson discussing this impactful event more deeply.

My Co-ALT and I are also responsible for grading English Course assignments for second-year students. In other words, we regularly grade 40 students’ assignments regularly.

I am also responsible for teaching four (4) General Course English Communication classes per week, totaling roughly 160 students total. My Co-ALT is responsible for an additional four. We don’t give homework for these classes, but we prepare lessons teaching students how to debate in English. My Co-ALT and teachers pre-planned my lessons, but I am free to modify these lessons as I see fit. Lessons include logical fallacies, debate structure, and cross examination.

Sometimes, I’ll stay late to help students with test preparation, writing practice, and debate preparation. I began work during the slow half of the year, so I will have to report back on what this is like.

Settling In

The first two days will be the most-intense. JET will fly you from Tokyo to Fukuoka, where your supervisor(s) will pick you up. You will then be taken to your new apartment to drop off your bags and begin settling in. You may be taken to the bank to open your bank account. If not, then you may be taken to a furniture store, such as Nitori or Ikea, to pick up some furniture.

Due to COVID times, I moved in to a virtually empty apartment, and spent over $2,000 USD on new furniture and air conditioners. Moving in can be very expensive, so be sure you have $6,000 USD saved. If you don’t have enough money, $2,000 USD is the bare minimum to bring with you to Japan (converted to JPY, of course).

Your supervisor will take you to your school to introduce you on Day 2. You may also receive your inkan (signature stamp) and introduced to your school. If you did not open a bank account on Day One, you will be taken to the bank on this day.

You may even get a Third Day for settling in. Your supervisors know moving in is stressful. Things get overwhelming, so it is okay to feel stressed out. Your school will be super understanding. Just remember to be nice and show appreciation for everything they do. Plus, always try your best. I am not perfect and made a lot of mistakes while settling in. Yet, the teachers at my school have always been patient with me because they see me trying. They even help me with my Japanese, as well as where to find important office resources.

Have Any Additional Questions?

Feel free to contact me here! Whether you’re my future successor, or another JET placed elsewhere in Japan, I want to help you navigate and understand life as an ALT. We are a community, after all. In addition, there are many other posts here on this blog, so grab some tea and stay for a while.