Recent Posts
Losing Your Job In Japan: 7 Tips to Move on and Get a New Gig
As an English teacher in Japan, stable employment can be fragile. Here are seven ways to set up an action plan should the non-renewal of your contract loom on the horizon.
By Liam Carrigan on October 10, 2017
Building Bridges: Connecting with Japanese Students In and Out of the Classroom
Taking the time to talk with students or pay attention to their interests outside of the classroom can go a long way to building better relationships with your charges.
By GaijinPot Commercial Partners on October 3, 2017
Fighting Stereotypes at School as an Asian ALT
Coming to Japan as an Asian ALT was as eye opening for the students as it was for this writer in Niigata Prefecture.
By Cara Lam on September 21, 2017
From ALT to Eikaiwa Instructor: 5 Practical Things to Consider
When changing teaching jobs in Japan, it’s vital to be as informed as possible about your options and what you can expect of your new career path in the eikaiwa industry.
By Hilary Keyes on September 20, 2017
Dyslexia: The Teacher’s Hidden Problem
About 25 percent of school students in Japan may have some form of dyslexia. Here some ways to tell if it could be affecting your English class students and some tips to help.
By Liam Carrigan on August 31, 2017
10 Articles To Make Life Easier for New ALTs in Japan
So, you’ve just flipped your life upside down (in a good way!) and started anew as an assistant language teacher (ALT) in Japan…
By Victoria Vlisides on August 23, 2017
7 Awkward Questions Your Students Will Ask (And How To Reply)
Students sometimes enjoy trying to embarrass ALTs (or just have some fun) with awkward, uncomfortable and often personal questions. Here are few ways to deal with them.
By Liam Carrigan on August 22, 2017
Preppers: 3 Tips for ALTs to Make the Most of Summer
Don’t just sit at your desk. Summer is a relaxing break, but it’s also a chance to level-up your ALT skills.
By GaijinPot Commercial Partners on August 17, 2017
Stand and Deliver: 6 Tips for Creating ALT Lesson Plans
Generally, ALT lessons follow a certain structure, so learning the basic lesson plan should make your life easier when preparing for classes — in advance or on-the-fly.
By GaijinPot Commercial Partners on August 4, 2017
Surviving Summer As An ALT In Japan
In summer, ALTs working for a dispatch company often get about six weeks off work, whether you asked for it or not.
By Liam Carrigan on July 26, 2017
Quick Tips for Your First Day as an ALT in Japan, Part 2
Each public school in Japan has its own unique routines with students and expectations of teachers. If you’re new to teaching in a Japanese school, learning these idiosyncrasies on the first day can make the rest of the term a breeze.
By GaijinPot Commercial Partners on July 20, 2017
Quick Tips for Your First Day as an ALT in Japan
Don’t forget those indoor shoes! An ALT’s first steps into their new school are some of the most important. Here’s how to make a great first impression.