Live and Work in Japan in Birmingham’s Sister City!
Teach English in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture! The Hitachi Municipal Board of Education is looking to fill a direct-hire position for a native English instructor (ALT). This position is reserved exclusively for candidates from Hitachi’s Sister City of Birmingham, Alabama.
Job Description Employed by the Hitachi Municipal Board of Education and based at a public junior high school, you will assist Japanese teachers of English in planning and conducting English lessons. Although you will mainly teach at junior high school(s), there will be periodic visits to elementary schools, kindergartens, and/or other city schools for special activities. Although no Japanese is required for this job, it is highly recommended and beneficial to have basic Japanese skills. Successful applicants with a high level of Japanese ability (N2 or above) may have the occasional chance to work on translation of documents related to Sister Cities and various other projects for Hitachi City Hall.
Contract Period Initial contract is for one (1) year with the opportunity to continually renew every year Contract will commence on April 1st, 2020 *We ask for an initial two-year commitment for visa purposes, etc.
Requirements ① Hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject ② Be a current or former resident of Birmingham (graduate of surrounding university etc.) ③ Be able to commit to completion of initial two-year contract ④ Have a strong interest in Japan (language/culture) ⑤ Prior teaching experience preferred but not required
Benefits • Visa Sponsorship • Airfare from Birmingham and return ticket upon completion of contract • Housing provided • Work commuting costs covered (when public transportation is necessary) • National Health Insurance
About Hitachi Hitachi City is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by limited express train. Positioned on the east coast, Hitachi is surrounded by both the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. With the establishment of Sister City ties in 1982, Birmingham has its oldest and most active Sister City relationship with Hitachi. Hitachi employs four ALTs from its two Sister Cities (Birmingham City and Tauranga City, New Zealand) and engages in various cultural and economic exchanges with these cities.
*Please contact Scotty Colson, Hitachi’s representative in Birmingham, at scotty@jimmiehalemission.com for application materials and further inquiries.
