Compare Interac vs JET Program

Pros

Met passionate and amazing ALTs from surrounding areas. My schools (not the company) allowed me to leave early so I could go to my second job as an after-school English teacher at a different company.

Cons

You are contracted to be paid for 29.5 hours a week, however you are required to stay at the schools from 8-4 pm. If you leave before 4 pm, you will be subjected to disciplinary action if your school... reports you to the company about your early leave of absence. Low salary and a lot of zero communication from management about special assignments for summer term. Management will throw you under the bus to save their reputation with the schools and board of education. Management performs teaching evaluations in two ways: 1) individual evaluation from the company’s head teacher in your region who comes to watch your lesson and 2) a group evaluation from all of the teachers in your city who come watch your lesson. These are a waste of time and only serve as a sales gimmick for the board of education.

Pros

Perfect opportunity to try teaching English in a foreign setting. You get to immerse yourself in a different culture and there are many opportunities to learn about new customs, travel to new places... and meet lots of different people.

Cons

Although not a requirement, having basic to intermediate Japanese would be most helpful when communicating with teachers in the local schools, especially at elementary level.