FAQ | Borderlink, Inc.

Q.Once I apply, what's next?: Our recruiting process has several stages, including completion of an application form, group orientation, online interview and more.

Q.Do you do in-person interviews?: At present, all our interviews are done online.

Q.When will I find out the results?: For each step of the application and interview process, we send results within roughly 2-5 business days.

Q.Do you require references?: We will ask you to provide professional references during the application and interview process. If you are recently graduated and do not yet have a detailed work history, educational references such as teachers and mentor figures can be accepted as well.

Q.When will I find out my work location?: We aim to provide general placement information as soon as it becomes available. In general though, final placement is determined close to the start of the new school year, based on the needs of the cities and towns that we work with.

Q.When should I arrive in Japan?: For applicants from overseas, we are now hiring for the Spring 2025 school year starting in April. Those joining us for the upcoming school year must be able to arrive in Japan in mid-March 2025.

Q.Is there training provided?: Yes! All Borderlink ALTs receive regular training during the time they work with us to keep their skillset sharp and constantly expanding. This includes the initial training/orientation period, annual seasonal training between semesters and any additional training if required.

Q.What support does Borderlink offer for new ALTs?: In addition to training and support with housing, we able to assist you with setting up a bank account in Japan, into which your salary will be deposited on a monthly basis. We can assist you with getting a mobile phone for use in Japan, assisting with visa renewal, and much more.

Q.How long is the contract?: Our contract length is one year and follows the Japanese school year (typically, April to March of the following year). Those looking to work with us for additional year(s) are welcome to, based on evaluation.

Q.What level will I teach?: The majority of our ALTs work at elementary or junior high schools (and sometimes a mix of both!) We also have some positions with Kindergarten or senior high schools, although they are more limited in number.

Q.How many schools will I work at?: ALTs can work at anywhere from just one to over a dozen schools, although generally the higher the amount of schools, the less you will be working there throughout the year. Also, the majority of positions will only have you working at one school per day. We provide all ALTs with an annual schedule to help them plan and prepare in advance. In general, most ALTs work at around 2 to 4 different schools throughout the week.

Q.Is there a dress code?: In general, the dress code for ALTs is more relaxed than that of private schools or conversation schools (eikaiwa). Business casual is always fine, but be sure to have a suit for formal occassions (school opening/closing and graduation ceremonies) as well as a set of indoor shoes- preferrably sneakers.

Q.Can I change my work area?: Once you have started in your position, we do ask that you remain in it for the rest of the school year. Your schools, fellow teachers and students will be looking forward to seeing you, after all!

After the contract period ends though, you are welcome to enquire about a change of scenery. If you are looking to relocate to a different part of Japan, try teaching a different level, or hoping to change to a part-time postion while you pursue a secondary career, we'll be happy to discuss during the period before the next school year begins.

Q.What makes a successful ALT?: There are several qualities that a successful ALT posseses:

Being positive and ready to try new challenges and experiences
Being flexible and able to adapt to changes and new environments
Being patient and open to seeing your efforts pay off over the long-term

This is just the beginning, but we have many ALTs working with us who have done so for several years, and they all embraced these qualities over the course of their first year.

Q.Is Japan expensive to live in?: Like anywhere, Japan has both expensive and inexpensive sides to it. You can spend hundreds of thousands of yen a month, or you can get by quite easily on a fraction of that with some financial planning. Major cities have higher rent prices than suburban or rural areas. On the other hand, there is often the convenience of being closer to a train station or shopping area, but there may also be more noise, bigger crowds, and less living space. The price of some consumer good can be quite high, but others will be surprisingly low. Japan as a whole has a fairly high standard of living, but it's also entirely possible to live here without breaking the bank.

Q.Do I need to enroll in health insurance?: Yes, all citizens of Japan are required by law to enroll in health insurance. There are two types, national and social, which dependent on how many hours you are working per week. Full-time ALTs will be on the social insurance system, where the company is paying the exact amount as you each month.

Q.Is electronic money accepted in Japan?: While still primarily a cash-based society, in recent years electronic payments have become widely accepted in Japan. Card or app-based systems wherein money is deposited in advance such as nanaco or PayPay are common. Credit cards are also accepted at most major stores and restaurants. In general, it is still a good idea to always have physical cash on hand, especially when traveling to more remote areas.

Q.Can I bring my electronic devices to Japan?: Bringing electronics to Japan or having them sent after you settle down is generally safe. Please be aware of the voltage level in Japan (110) as well as outlet types may vary from your home country, so you will want to bring adapters for any personal electronics. For mobile phones, please make sure it is a SIM free device or can accept Japanese SIM cards (as many foreign mobile phones cannot).

Q.Is Japan a safe country?: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world with one of the highest standards of living. That being said, it's still best to exercise common sense and safety as with anywhere else. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons and landslides are an ever-present possibility in Japan. Taking proper measures such as preparing an emergency kit are strongly encouraged. We provide further guidance on living safely in Japan during the initial orientation and training period.

Q.I already live in Japan. Can Borderlink help me find housing?: Yes we can! For those already living in Japan and looking to relocate for work with us, we are also able to assist you with finding housing.

Borderlink, Inc. | English Teaching jobs in Japan