Heart English School Reviews

Pros

Literally nothing lol. Easy visa access but they literally charge you for that so.....

Cons

They discriminate against their employees. The salary offered is laughable. They expect full dedication to a part time position paid but the class with boo benefits and really low wages. They go as far as prohibiting the employees futon working to other companies (specially if it's not English teaching) and even job hunting (you know, looking for a real job that will offer you dignity). Also, did I mention that they intimidate their prospect employees by saying the will make them pay a penalty of 150k for quitting before the end of the one year contract? Yeah. And also you have to say you're resigning ones month in advance (but don't ask if they give notice before terminating an employee). In the training meeting there was someone who literally talked to us about the company firing someone for having ADHD and depression (and sharing they with the colleagues). So. Yikes.

Pros

Visa sponsorship 500 Yen for transportation You eat the same school lunch as the students

Cons

Very low pay. Unlike other ALT positions you don't get paid during the summer break. Some days I had no lessons or very few lessons. Usually you make lesson material to prepare for future lessons but when you have almost 8 hours in a day free then after your lesson prep you have nothing else to do. I made a years worth of lesson material in a month. You aren't allowed to use the computer unless it's for making materials. You can't check your phone, read a book, study, staff ignore you as if you were nothing. The majority of my time was spent just sitting there because I wasn't allowed to do anything else. It was one of the worst jobs I have ever had.

Pros

-The job can be fun and very rewarding -The teachers you work with are usually good

Cons

-They aren't very understanding about teachers' needs -They pay only 500 yen for transportation, even if you have to travel a long distance. -They make empty promises -They will give you permission to do something and then turn around and make you feel like the bad guy -Power harassment

Pros

Provides fast application of visa. The salary is not bad ( maybe it depends on the city that you were assigned) I am enjoying the environment of my assigned school. ( note to the readers of this review) 1. Do not complain regarding with the salary, because first of all before you accept the contract and the offer you know already the rate of the salary and you heard about Heart Co. system. 2. If your are complaining with your career and personal growth well do not complain. Make your own way to have a personal growth as an ALT , I don't know how will you able to that. But for me seeing the kids learn English and they are improving is an accomplishment. ( you should be happy with that even though you are not the main teacher but half of it you are part of that learning.) 3. Do not complain because you have all the time and luxury to do whatever you want compare working in an office.

Cons

I think, first is lack of coordination with the coordinators.

Pros

Nice people to chat with at their central office. I had an interview with 2 charming young ladies and a gentleman. The interview was pretty basic. One grammar question was “can I spell February” which is standard English for a 12 year old Japanese school kid.

Cons

All down to money. I was offered a variety of positions, within my area. Unfortunately the salary was totally unacceptable. I did try to negotiate but to no avail. The salary offered wouldn’t even cover basic household expenses. I haven’t come to Japan to earn the minimum wage and struggle financially, I can easily do that in my own country minus half the hassle. Its was really disappointing because the jobs on offer were really attractive. But I deserved and I’m worth more.

Pros

Their visa process is easy. And you don’t have to know how to teach.

Cons

They trick the government by saying you’re full time, but only give you enough hours to reach right below full time status. They don’t want to pay for your insurance. They will not pay you every month. This is not a salary job. If you do not work that month you do not get paid. Nothing is guaranteed. They mention that the license you need to drive can be an international drivers license, but fail to mention that if you live in Japan that license is no longer valid.