Alternatives to JET

[SakuraHoshi]

I'm a bit worried about the interview, so I've been looking at other options. Does anyone know anything about the A to Z school or the Heart English School?

I'd also like to know if anyone has info on A to Z, as I'm really interested in it, but the website doesn't have much info about applyng or timetables. All I know is that it's based in Nagano-ken, and that's my no. 1 prefecture of choice. Let me know if you find out anything Heather. If I don't get into JET and go to Japan on a working holiday visa, I'll apply to A to Z from Japan, so I'll let you know about it.

I've heard lots of good things about Alita Central, but they do stress on the website that you need plently of prior experience. It sounds like a good option for a JET whose contract has come to an end and they want to stay in Japan.

I'm planning on applying to Interac if I don't get in. I'm not sure if I'll have missed the deadline for summer departure though. It doesn't say the deadline on their website and they ignored my calls and emails.

[Ertai87]

You can teach with both kids and adults at Westgate. There is a young learners program and a university one. The corporation rented rooms in universities to us to teach in so that we could be on campus.

I have also heard good things about Peppy Kids. My boyfriend also worked for 2 eikaiwas. Both were pretty decent but one had so-so management. My point was that you can't say they are all bad. There are many smaller eikaiwas out there that have good reputations. There are a few small operations in Akita that do alright for themselves and have good reputations also.

I got interviewed by PKC after being rejected from JET last year. Based on what I heard from the interviewer and what I read online about PKC, it seems that their schools are very small and "quiet", but "quiet" in a bad way, which is to say that the teacher is basically the only one there, there is no community, and it can get very lonely very fast. If you don't mind that sort of thing, then that's cool, but it's something that is apparently a well-known issue with PKC.

I'm planning on applying to Interac if I don't get in. I'm not sure if I'll have missed the deadline for summer departure though. It doesn't say the deadline on their website and they ignored my calls and emails.

I'm still waiting on email responses from Interac to emails that I sent them back in October. Don't expect a reply.

[Spencer]

There are NO alternatives to JET
JET IS THE ONLY WAY

I've wanted to post that on this thread for a while now



Anyways, Came accross this, Havent seen it yet... thought it was funny

[Smasha]

LIKE!

[AmberBear]

I got interviewed by PKC after being rejected from JET last year. Based on what I heard from the interviewer and what I read online about PKC, it seems that their schools are very small and "quiet", but "quiet" in a bad way, which is to say that the teacher is basically the only one there, there is no community, and it can get very lonely very fast. If you don't mind that sort of thing, then that's cool, but it's something that is apparently a well-known issue with PKC.

Glad I heard something about PKC. I did a phone interview and then threw all my eggs in the ALTIA basket LOL. I really don't think eikaiwa is for me.

[AVN]

I got interviewed by PKC after being rejected from JET last year. Based on what I heard from the interviewer and what I read online about PKC, it seems that their schools are very small and "quiet", but "quiet" in a bad way, which is to say that the teacher is basically the only one there, there is no community, and it can get very lonely very fast. If you don't mind that sort of thing, then that's cool, but it's something that is apparently a well-known issue with PKC.

Glad I heard something about PKC. I did a phone interview and then threw all my eggs in the ALTIA basket LOL. I really don't think eikaiwa is for me.

I'm really curious how it goes for you because I'm seriously considering applying even though I'll be in the off season

[Lichtgestalt]

Does anyone know if it's too late to apply with Interac when I'd like to go to Japan in August?

I also read on their page that you have to agree to participate in some kind of video in order to apply, but it doesn't really say much about it. Does anyone know what that's all about? Sounds kind of strange to me.

[GusVIII]

Does anyone have any opinions on WWOOF? From what I've learned so far it's not really employment, more like volunteer work at places like organic farms and rural businesses. You usually get free meals and accommodation. I'm seriously starting to consider it, instead of waiting another year to sign up for JET or working at one of the, apparently much loathed, Eikawas.

http://www.wwoofjapan.com/main/index.ph ... =1&lang=en

[Ertai87]

Does anyone know if it's too late to apply with Interac when I'd like to go to Japan in August?

I also read on their page that you have to agree to participate in some kind of video in order to apply, but it doesn't really say much about it. Does anyone know what that's all about? Sounds kind of strange to me.

Having applied to Interac last year, I don't believe it's too late, but you're pushing it a bit. If you want to apply to Interac, you should do it ASAP.

[Lichtgestalt]

Ok thanks. But do you know what the video they mentioned is all about? This is what is says on their page:

I acknowledge that as part of the assessment of my suitability to be engaged by (Interac Co., LTD) 'the company' or by its customers to provide English language teaching in Japan, I will be asked to participate in a short video. I acknowledge that:

1. The company is free to play this video to its workers and to its customers and prospective customers for assessment, marketing and training purposes.
2. In the event that the video is shown to the company’s servants and agents and/or its customers or prospective customers, it shall be without fee to me.
3. I have no interest in the video and shall not make any claim in the future that I have any interest in the video or entitlement as a result of its showing.
4. I waive any rights that I may have pursuant to the Privacy Act or otherwise.

Sounds strange, doesn't it? And why are they asking you to participate in a video before you even get the job? It would make sense to me if it was a video showing you teaching or something, but I really don't understand what this is about. Does anyone have an idea?

[merkypie]

They video tape you doing a demo lesson, from what I've read and seen on Youtube, to show to the recruiters in Tokyo. The people in Tokyo then review the video and determine if they want you or not. I also think they probably shop the demo lesson to BOEs so they can decide if they want you or not.

[Heather]

I'm a bit worried about the interview, so I've been looking at other options. Does anyone know anything about the A to Z school or the Heart English School?

I'd also like to know if anyone has info on A to Z, as I'm really interested in it, but the website doesn't have much info about applyng or timetables. All I know is that it's based in Nagano-ken, and that's my no. 1 prefecture of choice. Let me know if you find out anything Heather. If I don't get into JET and go to Japan on a working holiday visa, I'll apply to A to Z from Japan, so I'll let you know about it.

I've heard lots of good things about Alita Central, but they do stress on the website that you need plently of prior experience. It sounds like a good option for a JET whose contract has come to an end and they want to stay in Japan.

I'm planning on applying to Interac if I don't get in. I'm not sure if I'll have missed the deadline for summer departure though. It doesn't say the deadline on their website and they ignored my calls and emails.

They have an application on their website, and I filled it out and sent it in but haven't heard from them yet. Still hoping on the JET thing but AtoZ might be an option.

[Spencer]

I thought I would Give interac a shot, so I applied,
I'm wondering though, Is it pretty much the same as JET, or is it actually quite different.
If Jet is the Ideal, where would Interac differ?

[Lichtgestalt]

Can anyone say how exactly the video for Interact works? I'm not overly talented when it comes to computer stuff and I'm very busy with my final exams right now, so I'm not sure if I'll have the time and energy to turn a video now.

[merkypie]

People, read the site. All the information is on the site. If you read the site, it tells you that a video is not taken until your face to face interview if you're accepted. How do you guys expect to successfully find work in today's job market if you can't even read a site's recruitment information and do your own research? A lot of these questions have already been answered had you done this. You're only wasting the time of us posters by continuously asking them.