These are the only two I use.

How do you exactly become an ALT, is there some type of program you join with everyone else, or do you just get hired on the spot by a current employer that gives you this title, and when you become an ALT are you also in the "JET Progamme"? It just seems being an ALT is like a field trip to Japan and teaching English, and I don't quite get it, so please explain.

ALT means Assistant Language Teacher. ALT generally refers to someone in the JET Programme, but really, its a pretty generic title that would probably apply to workers of the many other English teacher employers in Japan. You apply to the JET Programme as an ALT, and they place you in a location in Japan to teach at. They let you pick a 'preferred' location, but most people don't end up where they picked. Most ALTs work at two or three schools at a time (but there are some who work at many more). The initial contract duration is one year, but it can be renewed up to two more times (I believe this limit is being raised, however). Most ALTs do end up renewing their contract.

How much work you do as an ALT is a gamble. Some ALTs just end up going to a classroom or two a day and assist the English teacher by reading English for the class (see 'human tape player'). Other ALTs get more responsibility, they may get to do actual teaching and so on. Many ALTs complain that the work is not very challenging. That said, the majority of ALTs all say they enjoy their job, and like I said, most do opt to renew their contract after their first year.

Many people use the JET Programme to get a foothold in Japan. It's one of the easiest ways to start getting work experience in Japan.

The JET Programme--Official Homepage of The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

More information there.

Thanks for the response and the link as well. So basically, ALT generally refers to English teachers from the JET Programme, correct? Though it wouldn't be of surprise also if you are a English teacher that isn't in the Jet Progamme rather employed by a private company but still is refered to being an ALT, right? Also, another thing about the whole contract matter, so basically if you want to extend your stay there in Japan to continue teaching English, all you have to do is "renew" your contract, right? Or is there a some sort of limit that restricts your stay there and thats that? Thanks in advance.

You can be an ALT in different companies besides JET. There's also Interac and many others. Also, when you renew your contract your work visa is extended. You can stay and work in Japan for as long as you want as long as you have a sponsored work visa. The company you work for sponsors your work visa. Here's the Interac website.

Japan's leading private provider of Assistant Language Teachers - Official Website

Thanks for the response GhostBlade. After reading through the JET Programme website thoroughly, I can't say I'm all that interested in it, well the JET Programme basically. I guess I lean more towards private providers and Interac to say the least, just seems less stressing. Which do you prefer? Oh yeah, what stage are you at again in terms of applying for being an ALT in general?

I'm still a student and I will apply for JET when I'm in my last semester in a few years. The JET Program is the best program to be in if you want to be an ALT. They provide you with a plane ticket to Japan and treat you well. It gets positive reviews from everyone that's been a part of it and it's not stressful at all.

Really? It just seems so crowded to me, well considering countless people join every year. I'll definitely look into it though, hopefully everything works out for the best.

Edit: What do you mean by "treat you well" by the way? A free plane ticket is great, but it can only get you so far, in this case - Japan. Lol.

Well, they pay better than any ALT position that I know of and there's a week orientation in Tokyo upon arriving in Japan so you could probably explore some of the city in the meantime. Also, your rent is pretty cheap.