The Entrance Ceremony
The Entrance Ceremony is a very important day for students and teachers alike. Parents of students will also be there to celebrate and take photos of this memorable occasion. Students will meet their new teachers and classmates for the first time so there will be a nervous excitement amongst those attending.
Wearing formal attire is a must on this day. Colors such as light pink and blue, yellow, beige, white, and silver for shirts, ties, handkerchiefs, and simple jewelry are festive for this spring event.
As everyone will be very busy with preparations on this day, the other teachers might not give you specific directions. If this is the case, it’s important to be attentive and proactive about finding ways to assist the teachers and students. Lastly, both the students and parents may be quite curious about the new ALT. They may come up to you with questions or ask to take a celebratory photo with you. Have fun and be yourself!
Your Self Introduction
n meeting your teachers and students for the first time you will be asked for a self-introduction or jikoshoukai (自己紹介). As not all of the teachers and students you meet at the schools will understand English, you will likely be asked for an introduction in both English and Japanese. To help you prepare for this, here are some things to consider including in your introduction.
- Your name - first, last name/ last, first name are both acceptable.
- Where you’re from.
- Work or school experience.
- Your hobbies, interests, something unique about yourself.
- Something you’d like to get involved in at the school or community.
By the end of your first few weeks, you will likely give a self-introduction to teachers, students, and community members countless times. Because of this, it is a good idea to have both an in-depth and short version of your introduction to use depending on the situation.
Unlike many incoming spring ALTs, my first day as an ALT was in August. However, I still remember my introductions at my schools, the board of education, the town hall, and even a meeting with my town’s mayor vividly. I had somewhat thought about how I would introduce myself but looking back, I wish I practiced a lot more beforehand. I remember my heart beating fast as I asked to introduce myself to the entire school during a student assembly. I somehow managed my way through things, albeit clumsily, but fully planning out what I wanted to say in both English and Japanese would have helped me feel a lot more reassured and even saved me from embarrassing moments of looking up at the ceiling trying to remember how to say a phrase in Japanese as students and teachers looked at me expectantly. Even with this, I think smiling and laughing often (even if it was at myself in embarrassment) ended up smoothing out the rough edges.
Your first days as an ALT will be a whirlwind. You’ll meet so many new faces, try to remember many unique names, and have many moments of puzzlement as you encounter language barriers and new social norms. Take each day at a time and find something that you really enjoy in the community, whether it be a beautiful walking path, a cozy cafe, or a lively izakaya to relax and unwind.
Your time in Japan will be a fresh start. Share with the students and teachers your authentic self and warmly accept all the new experiences that come your way. Stay curious, don’t stop learning, and become your best self.
Do’s
- Smile, introduce yourself right away, and be authentic.
- Be polite and respectful. Greet teachers and students often.
- Practice active listening and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Arrive and be ready 10 to 15 minutes early.
- Share omiyage with the teaching staff and your neighbors.
Don’ts:
- Never sit on a desk or table.
- Keep a clean and well-organized workspace.
- Do not eat or drink outside of the staff room or assigned lunchtime classroom.
- Don’t ask personal questions too quickly. Allow others to open up and share these things on their own.
- Keep a comfortable distance between you and others. Shaking hands may be acceptable in some cases but often bowing is preferred.