The following account of what to expect as an ALT should be used as a general reference only. Actual experiences may differ depending on individual circumstances.

Generally, before starting, the ALT may be asked to visit the Board of Education in their particular city. Here, you will be introduced to various staff members. On this occasion, you are expected to dress in appropriate business attire. Meeting with the Board of Education usually only requires a short amount of time, which may or may not require you to answer a few short questions and/or introduce yourself. For those of you with little or no Japanese, do not be concerned, as someone will escort you throughout the process.

Next, you will be taken to your school/s in order to understand the exact location/s. Bring a pen and paper for notes, however, you will be given a photocopied map at a later date. Once you arrive, you will meet with the principal/s and/or ALT supervisor. The principal is usually a very busy person, so the meeting will most likely be short. Again, you may be asked a few short questions. By this stage, you should have prepared some standard responses. You are unlikely to take a tour of the school on this occasion, this will most likely occur on your first day.

On your first day, you should not expect to teach. This day will mostly be dedicated to settling in. It will mainly consist of locating your desk, meeting with the teachers, receiving your schedule, a resource tour and lesson preparation. However, there are two major events that you will be required to participate in.

The first will be the morning meeting. During this time, you will be asked to give a self-introduction. You may choose to speak in Japanese or English or both! If you do choose English, remember to speak slowly and clearly. Possible topics may include your name, country, teaching experience, hobbies, things you would like to try/visit whilst in Japan, etc. There is no need to go into any great depth. If things do not go as planned, just remember to maintain a friendly and relaxed approach. Also, keep in mind that the Japanese staff are probably just as nervous as you!

The second event will be the assembly. Here, you will be formally introduced to the student body by the principal or a senior staff member. Again, you will be asked to give a brief self-introduction. As we want the students to speak with you in English, it is recommended you give your speech in English as much as possible. Just keep it simple and speak clearly and slowly. It is understandable that you will be nervous addressing the whole school for the first time. Therefore try to relax and keep smiling! Someone will assist you throughout the whole process.

Once all formalities are over, you will then begin preparations for your lessons. However, before doing this, it is advisable to discuss with the ALT supervisor/teachers what your role will exactly be in the classroom. The roles of previous ALTs have been wide and range from creating/executing the lesson entirely themselves to assisting the Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) during certain parts of the lesson only. Therefore, it is essential to clarify with each school and each teacher (as some teachers have different requests/preferences) your exact role.

Depending on your school, meeting times with the teachers may or may not be written into your schedule. If you are fortunate enough to have meetings, you will be required to discuss the lesson at length, such as; roles (both JTE & ALT), objectives of the lesson, any special requests, resources required (e.g. CD player, video, etc.) and any other questions that need to be asked or answered.

Now that you are fully prepared to teach, what happens next? Again, the process may differ from school to school. Generally, you will be escorted to the class by one or more students - a common process at the elementary level. At the junior/senior high level, you may go with the JTE or by yourself. Again, you should clarify which system is in use at your particular school. If you are to be escorted by students, simply wait at your desk until they arrive (even if it looks as though they will be late).  They will announce that they have come to take you to their classroom. Depending on the student, they may offer to take your materials. Walk with them to your classroom.

When you arrive at your classroom, you will notice two doors. One door is for the teacher and one door is for the students (you may have already noticed this in the staff room). Enter through the teacher’s door – it is usually the one closest to the blackboard. From here, the process may differ from school to school and from class to class. Usually you are greeted by the students who will stand up, announce the start of the class and then sit down (all in Japanese). Once the students are seated, the class can begin. It should also be noted that ALTs are rarely given a classroom entirely to themselves. Therefore it is imperative that you take all your materials with you and that your lessons do not require lengthy periods to set up. However, there may be occasions when you need to set up the classroom before the start of a lesson. If this is the case, please check with the teacher first.

The class ends in a similar manner to the way it begins, with the students standing up, saying thank you and then sitting back down. After this, you may collect your materials and return to the staff room. You may or may not be escorted on your return. Usually there is no follow-up meeting to discuss the lesson or seek feedback.

At the elementary school level, you will be expected to eat lunch with the students. The idea is to mix with the students on an informal level and hopefully apply what you have taught them in a more relaxed setting! It is also a good opportunity for the students to get to know you better. Again, you will be escorted to the classroom, with the students carrying your lunch tray. For junior/senior high ALTs, the system may be different. After lunch, you can return to the staff room or venture outside and join the kids in a game of soccer or dodgeball.

Junior/senior high ALTs may be required to participate in a club activity. A club activity is basically a sport or class conducted after school. Activities include basketball, table tennis, music, science, cooking, etc. Each school may have an English club and the ALT may be expected to participate in it. Elementary ALTs should enquire about any club activities at their school/s.

Though things may appear strange or even daunting at first, it should only take a few short weeks before you start feeling comfortable with your new environment. Remember, there is always someone available to assist you with any questions or problems that you may have. We wish you the best of luck and hope you enjoy your time as an Assistant Language Teacher with us.

The JOYTALK Team.